anyone got a Euro car??? | FerrariChat
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anyone got a Euro car???

Discussion in 'California & Nevada (Northern)' started by Steve R, May 13, 2006.

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  1. Steve R

    Steve R F1 Rookie
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    Sep 15, 2004
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    #1 Steve R, May 13, 2006
    He guys....need some help, and I'm trying to keep this out of the So.Cal spotlight cause it's a small community and I don't want the seller to get upset with me.

    I just bought an '01 360 spider, it's a Euro car.....the guy who sold it to me said it was totally "federalized" and legal in California....he even showed me the Calif. license plate and it has valid registration and title.

    When I went to register & insure it, both the AAA and my insurance company couldn't quite work with the VIN#, something wasn't right. The car itself has a plate near the windshield that indicates "substitute U.S. Vin#".....but something just isn't jibing with their computer system.

    I'm starting to wonder if I haven't made a big mistake. Somebody told me I can't get a Euro insured and that I can't register a Euro in California. Anyone got ANY insight into any of this?

    Thanks!
     
  2. smg2

    smg2 F1 World Champ
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    Apr 1, 2004
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    SMG
    #2 smg2, May 13, 2006
    steve pm me with the details, my buddy works as a sheriff in the DMV dealing with just these issues. you might have recourse with the seller or he may be able to tell you whats going on.
     
  3. GCalo

    GCalo F1 Veteran

    Sep 15, 2004
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    Northern California
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    Greg Calo
    #3 GCalo, May 13, 2006
    For a Euro to be registered in Calif, it must have a CA bar code.

    You can look in the front of the driver's door jamb to see if there is a federal sticker. Actually check both doors and engine compartment.

    If not there you have a prob.

    However, you do at least have the ability to rescind the transaction for fraud and get the seller to reimburse you for all fees associated with the car-sales tax, etc.

    If the seller is a Ca domicialry your work will be easier as that can go through state courts. If out of state it has to go through Federal courts.

    Moral: check this all out in advance!
     
  4. riverflyer

    riverflyer F1 Rookie

    Nov 26, 2003
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    Mendocino, Ca
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    John
    #4 riverflyer, May 15, 2006
    Hey Steve, sorry to hear about your problem. I have a euro car and from what I understand there are two levels of federalization that must be completed to be legal in calif.
    I have about 15 pages of documents from the DOT and EPA concerning the federalization of my particular car. All this is to make the car legal in 49 states. I am sure you can guess which state is not included!! I think you must repeat much of the process specifically for Calif. to be legal here,( 90% of it is a money grab in my opinion) but if I were you I would talk to Dick Merritt. His company has done most of the work certifying euro cars and he can probably answer your concerns. 202 366 5300.
    It might just be the dmv also as they are easily confused by odd vins. Hope thats all it is. Good luck, JOhn
     
  5. Ace503

    Ace503 Formula 3

    Feb 22, 2006
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    Korben Dallas
    #5 Ace503, May 15, 2006
    Any updates steve? I am intrigued by your situation now.... I hope everything works out for the best.
     
  6. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259
    #6 VTChris, May 15, 2006

    don't worry about it Steve, we can register it in AZ!
     

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  7. Steve R

    Steve R F1 Rookie
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    #7 Steve R, May 15, 2006
    Everything seems to be working-out just fine. While I was not provided with the EPA or DOT papers, the car really does have a certificate of ownership from California and is currently registered in California as well. Putting it in my name and/or registering it is not a problem.:)

    The AAA took my money and processed everything....I forget to get the smog certificate and they tell me I only need to provide them with such certificate and I'm totally good-to-go!

    As for the insurance, I sent them (via mail) a copy of the title so they can see for themselves the VIN#....no idea what their problem was. Some dealer told me you can NOT register or insure a Euro car in California....that is obviously wrong & incorrect. Dealers love to bash Euro's for fear of losing ground on their monopoly sales-grip!

    Huge thanks to SMG2.....really helped me figure this out. It's a knee-jerk reaction to panic! ;)

    Chris...thanks buddy, you've always got my back! I have a cousin who lives in Vegas, I was thinking the very same thing! ;)
     
  8. GCalo

    GCalo F1 Veteran

    Sep 15, 2004
    7,645
    Northern California
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    Greg Calo
    #8 GCalo, May 15, 2006
    Yes but Chris was thinking of keeping YOUR car in HIS garage!
     
  9. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259
    #9 VTChris, May 15, 2006
    You've got that right!
    /////off topic....Man what a color Azzuro is, haven't stopped thinkin about it...



    Thanks GCalo ;) )
     

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