[quote=spdrun]Not really. You can reset the ECU to clear codes. But all OBD readiness indicators have to be “ready” before you can pass emissions, which requires a certain length and type of drive cycle.
So basically, if you have a fault, you can repair it and clear it, but then you have to drive the car for a given distance to allow it to test itself.
Interestingly, the average age of a car registered in the US is 11.4 years now. It’s hit a plateau since 2009. People are actually keeping cars longer than ever. Despite Cash for Clunkers, Bernanke Bucks, and all that crapola designed to encourage them to spend like drunken sailors at a Port Said bordello.[/quote]
Oh yeah, I KNOW I have to drive for at least 15 mins on the hwy after clearing the codes to get the best result.
The REASON people in Cali are keeping their older cars (not sure about other states) is because of the exorbitant cost of auto insurance coverage here. If I had a “newer” vehicle similar to mine (say 2011), my coverage cost with the same limits of liability would more than double, even though I only drive about 11,500 to 13,000 miles per year (only 6-7K of those miles locally).
It’s not really worth it for the “casual” or “semi-retired/retired” driver to pay $200+ per month in car insurance while the vehicle is garaged for days at a time (believe me, I’ve ran thru some purchasing scenarios my agent). Especially for a driver who could put that money to much better use.
Also, I think it is highway robbery to be charged 8% sales tax on a late model vehicle where sales tax on the full price of that vehicle was just paid on it a few years ago as new. Even if you purchase a late model vehicle from a private party who is willing to “fudge” on a bill of sale how much you actually paid for it, it would be a little difficult to convince the DMV that you only paid a few thousand for it (say a 2011 Lexus), unless you are attempting to title an intra-family vehicle transfer and your seller-family member is standing right next to you with his/her ID at the ready.
