Buying a used SB100 car

ou812545 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 06:10 PM

When buying a used SB100 car,

Should I expect to see something on the current owners registration or pink slip that specifies it is covered under SB100?

I know the car has the SB100 sticker on the firewall, but I would imagine the registration or pink slip would have to have it noted there as well.

Thanks,
Dan

4pipes · #2 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 06:41 PM

I believe it must be titled as "SPCN". That's what mine says.

Humpty Dumpty · #3 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 07:24 PM

It's got to be more than that because Kathy's car was a SPCNS prior to her SB 100. Maybe it's year; mine says 0000. For sure, it will have the BAR's SB 100 smog decal on the car.

ou812545 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 07:42 PM

I would expect there to be something on the title or registration that tells the DMV clerk the car is SB100 (Smog Exempt).

Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 08:08 PM

After you visit the Referee and return to DMV with his documents, the VIN will be forever earmarked internally with DMV records to reflect the SB100 classification eligability. "SPCN" will appear on the registration card along with the year of initial registration (model year). There are some SPCN's that were operating legally by having to be smogged bi annually and have elected to enter into SB100 through SB1578 which is a subsection of the SB100 classification.

ou812545 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 08:18 PM

Rick,

So, I should expect to see anything on the title that says SB100 or smog exempt?
The DMV clerk will know it is SB100 or Smog Exempt by the VIN.

Calbullet · #7 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 08:38 PM

ou812545, your DMV reg should have make as SPCN and year model 0000. also look as the sb100 sticker and make sure the Vin# is the same on the sticker and the DMV reg. ask if the seller has the sb100 paperwork.

thudmaster · #8 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 10:48 PM

Dan, are you buying this car from a dealer? When I bought my first spf I took the owner with me to the dmv and I asked the clerk if the car was sb11, they said it was. I bought the car right there. I did not have to have any part of it inspected smog checked or anything. Just drove the wheels off it.

ou812545 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 10:51 PM

Ed, Did the clerk know it was SB100 from the VIN?

Got the Bug · #10 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 10:58 PM

Ed is right. I've dragged a car owner/seller to the DMV in the past and have also agreed to go to the DMV with the buyer of a vehicle that I was selling.

thudmaster · #11 (**permalink**) 01-31-2008, 11:59 PM

yes they did......

Randy Rosenberg · #12 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 11:15 AM

I don't believe that there is any notation on the title that states that an SPCN is SB100 Smog exempt or not. The best, 100% fool-proof way to tell is to see the SB100 Sticker - on the sticker will be the vehicle's VIN, which can then be matched to the title.

So for a vehicle you cannot see first hand, tell the seller to photograph the SB100 Sticker and the title, as both will (should) have the same VIN.

Additionally, you can probably contact the DMV (go to your local DMV) with the VIN number and ask them to look it up in their compooper.

It used to be easy to use the DMV/BAR web site to find out, just by entering the VIN or License plate, but I can't interpret the response when I entered my VIN/License plate - DCA BAR Vehicle Smog Test History

Hope this helps,
Randy...