Alfa Spider 2001 - HELP Needed

glami · #1 (**permalink**) 06-27-2005, 12:58 AM

Buongiorno everybody,

I imported form italy an Alfa Romeo spider 2001; I was told by the local DMV that it was easy to register it in California.

Instead, it is a nightmare. They gave me a temporaly permit for 3 months and they asked me to convert the car to USEPA compliants during these 3 months otherwise I won't be able to register the car.

DMV, referee, dpt speak 3 different languages. Finally, I found a person that can help but it looks like I have to spend $4000 to convert the auto.

I do really like this car but I am not sure whether I want to convert it and take the chance to fail the test at dmv - how can I be 100% sure tha it will pass the test?

I am looking for someone tha had/has the same problem so he/she can advice me. I am considering als selling the car.

Please help me with your precious advices.

Giacomo

116_Veloce · #2 (**permalink**) 06-27-2005, 02:27 PM

The question is what standards does the car have to meet...

Is it just changing the catalyst and computers? If you do that, and the car passes emissions I wouldn't see a problem. This is a very unprofessional opinion just sense talking.

ossodiseppia · #3 (**permalink**) 06-27-2005, 02:50 PM

There are very tough regulations for importing cars. Cars the do not meet EPA and DOT specifications must be made to conform. You should try locating someone in your area that can take care of that. They should be licensed and bonded for this type of work. $4000 sounds cheap to me. If it is that cheap, I might want to get a new Alfa, myself.

Please read over the following:

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/quiktext.htm

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...t06202005.html