Follow the links at the end of this article for more information on those topics.Ĭalifornia has the strictest air quality standards in the nation, so most manufacturers build their vehicles to meet its regulations. There are other out-of-state buying concerns we don't cover here, such as prepurchase vehicle inspection and shipping. When you buy from a private party, you have to deal with these issues on your own. There are three areas to research up front:Īs you consider these issues, keep in mind that buying the car from a private party will be different from purchasing it at a dealership, which can answer registry questions and provide the necessary paperwork. So before you make a deal, find out what your state's registry will require to make the vehicle street legal. But when you try to register the car in your home state, it could turn into a bureaucratic nightmare. It's tempting to think you can get a better deal - or avoid sales tax - by shopping out of state. This article is a great resource for learning about out-of-state car purchases, but please also see " Shopping Tips During the Global Microchip Shortage" for our experts' broader advice on navigating today's difficult marketplace. With demand outpacing supply, prices for both new and used cars have skyrocketed in recent months - which may have you thinking about crossing state lines to get the car you want. But due to a global microchip shortage, year-over-year new car inventory is down by roughly half, just as Americans are getting back to normal life and gearing up for the summer driving season. Upon receiving approval you will be directed to a CAP authorized dismantler to turn in your vehicle and receive payment.Summer 2021 Update: As of this writing, the COVID-19 pandemic has receded and local economies are rapidly opening up, which would ordinarily be a great thing for car sellers and shoppers alike. You must first obtain and mail in a CAP application to the Bureau of Automotive Repairs. The goal of the vehicle buy back program is to encourage the removal of older vehicles from California in order to replace them with newer less polluting transportation, in the forms of cleaner emission vehicles, electric cars, bike lanes, and mass transit. Please read the requirements carefully before submitting your application, either in person, by mail or online. Not all vehicles will qualify for California vehicle retirement program.
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Title must be in your name - The vehicle must be registered to you (you must have a title issued in your name) and cannot be undergoing an initial registration in California.ĭownload the full list of vehicle buy back eligibility requirements. Registration not lapsed - Vehicle registration cannot have lapsed for more than 120 days in the last 2 year period prior to the date of CAP application.Į. Vehicle must be running - In order to qualify for the State's vehicle buy back program your vehicle must be in running condition and able to be driven to an approved dismantler.ĭ. A vehicle will qualify for the buy back program if its check engine light is illuminated.Ĭ. If the check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp is on, it is considered a smog check failure. Your vehicle must not have a tampered emission system(s) and its smog check failure must not be due solely to an ignition timing adjustment or gas cap functional test. Visit a smog station and ask for a smog check that will be used to apply for the California vehicle retirement program.ī. You do not need to wait for your vehicle's registration renewal period. Smog Check Required - You may obtain a smog check at any time. The program offers a flat $1500 to income eligible applicants, and $1000 to others.Ī. The Vehicle Buy Back Program buys used vehicles from CA motorists. California Vehicle Buy Back Program The Bureau of Automotive Repair's Consumer Assistance Program offers vehicle retirement to California vehicle owners wanting to sell their vehicles to the State of California.