Moving to Calif with a Spider?

[wikkid]

What are the reg's for being able to bring in a non-CA Spider ('84) into the state if you are moving there? 60k + on odometer. And anyone who wants to chime in about the idea of moving to SoCal, like San Diego area, please feel free to chime in.

[So Cal Mark]

emission equipment that was on the vehicle has to be in place and you have to pass a loaded-mode emission test. Generally, the FI cars don't have any trouble

[spidernut]

Make sure you still have the catalytic converter on it and that all the original-type parts (sensors) are installed. If everything is there and working, it should be fine.

Most shops don't know Fiats and won't know if the original parts are there or not. I had to show one shop where the battery was located, then correct which plug wire they used to check the timing, then show them the cat converter location, then show them the thermal control valves. My local Fiat mechanic knows the cars inside and out and will recognize any modifications that would not be permitted.

Loaded-mode emissions test means that it will be tested at idle and on a dyno at speed (if I recall right, it was 35mph).

The bigger questions is "why would you want to move to California?" Check out http://www.homefair.com and look at crime, schools, housing costs, etc.

Here's a preview of one zip code in San Diego: (USA average is 100) It is hard to read on the forum, but the first number is San Diego's crime, the second number is California's average and the third is the US average.

San Diego Calif Average in US

Total Crime Risk 168 99 100
Personal Crime Risk View 150 119 100
Property Crime Risk View 208 95 100


There are better parts of the state with much less crime. The area I am in is 1/3 the national average in almost all areas.

[So Cal Mark]

one correction to the smog test, the car is run on the dyno at 15 and 25 mph, not idle. Loaded mode is easier to pass than the idle test

[jimincalif]

In addition to the smog test, I believe you have to pay Calif "use tax" when bringing in a car, about 9% of value. Plus license/registration and annual car tax. You can get info from dmv.ca.gov. If you are an AAA member, check with them, they handle a lot of DMV paperwork and can perhaps help out. Going to the DMV is a total PITA due to state budget issues, hard to get appointments and if you don't have an appointment it could take you the best part of the day.

Calif has the best weather anywhere and this is why those of us who live here put up with everything else. The state government is seriously dysfunctional and it will have to get worse before it gets better. San Diego has a great climate, deserts, mountains, beaches (one is "clothing optional") and a beautiful harbor. You can find nice twisties for Spider driving such as the road up Mt Palomar. You can drive top down pretty much all year round.

If you have a job lined up that is good, otherwise unemployment is running 12%. Housing prices are continuing to slump in most areas so no rush to buy something. State income taxes are high, hitting 10% on income of $47K+.

I'm a Calif native, born in Los Angeles, grew up in Riverside area and now live in Orange County, north of San Diego county. Good luck.

[htchevyii]

I depends where you are. I'm in Northern CA and cars only need to be smogged when sold, (or brought into the state). There are also no dyno tests here. I believe that USE TAX was ruled illegal several years ago and they had to refund it. I checked local crime, guess there's not much when there's only 800 people in your town:

Crime Details Hydesville
95547 California National
Total Crime Risk 59 99 100
Personal Crime Risk View 75 119 100
Property Crime Risk View 53 95 100

[spidernut]

It actually depends upon where you live. There are the Basic smog test areas that do not require a dyno. They test at idle only. My former home about 45 minutes from where I live now required no dyno test. I checked it California Bureau of Automotive repair to be sure. These tend to be more rural areas outside of the high pollution areas such as Sacramento and the LA Basin. http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/f ... _Guide.pdf

The second test is for Enhanced smog test areas that are within the high pollution areas. These require the dyno test. I defer to Mark on the test speeds for the dyno and Southern CA's requirements. That's the great part about having professional mechanics on the site!!! People like him are a huge asset!

[Colonialgirl]

I'm a Calif native, born in Los Angeles, grew up in Riverside area and now live in Orange County, north of San Diego county. Good luck.

I use to live and work in Orange County. Lived in some apartments that were on Katella Ave. In the city of Orange. Then, we moved aboard a 36 Ft Modified Block Island Ketch up in Long Beach Harbor just off Ford Ave and behind the old Ford Auto plant. With to kids and a third on the way, we couldn't figure out how to add another room, so we bought a house in Chino and sold the Conchita ( I STILL miss that old boat). Finally made a move to Maryland for a better job and then down to Florida, first Orlando and now Tampa which will be my home from now on I guess.