Failed smog check · Orange County
Sell your car that failed smog — as-is, no repairs
Check engine light, failed emissions test, a catalytic converter that needs replacing — you don't have to fix any of it. We buy cars that failed smog in Santa Ana and all of Orange County and pay the same day.
Why selling to a dealer is easier when your car failed smog
In California, a private buyer will usually expect you to hand over a valid smog certificate. That means paying for diagnosis and repairs before you can even list the car — and smog repairs on an older car can cost more than they're worth.
NewGen Buy Cars is a licensed California dealer (#84511). You don't need to pass smog or repair anything to sell to us: we buy the car as it is today, and we take care of the repairs ourselves.
Why we can pay more than a junk buyer
Right next door is NewGen Auto Repair, a full repair and body shop. Many smog failures — an O2 sensor, an EVAP leak, a misfire, a converter — are routine work for us. A scrapyard prices your car by its weight in metal; we price it by what it's worth after a repair.
Tell us what the smog report said
If you have the smog test printout, send a photo with the form. The failure codes help us give you a firm number instead of a guess — and a firm number means no surprises when we pick it up.
How it works
- Tell us about the carFill out the 1-minute form or call. A few photos and an honest description keep the price firm.
- Get a real offer in 30 minutesMark, the owner, reviews it and texts you a firm cash offer during business hours.
- Get paid the same dayBring it to our Santa Ana shop or we tow it free anywhere in Orange County. Cash, cashier's check or Zelle.
What to have ready
- California title (pink slip) — every owner listed with "AND" signs. Lost it? We can help with a duplicate (DMV form REG 227).
- Photo ID of the owner(s).
- Loan or lease account info, if you still owe money.
- Keys and remotes you have.
Questions sellers ask
Do I need a smog certificate to sell my car to you?
No. You can sell a car that failed smog to us as-is. We are a licensed dealer and handle the smog and repairs after we buy it.
My check engine light is on. Will you still buy it?
Yes. Tell us about the light (or send the code if you have it) and we'll factor it into the offer up front, so the price doesn't change at pickup.
The catalytic converter is missing or was replaced. Is that a problem?
We still buy it. Just tell us in the form — a missing or aftermarket converter is one of the things other buyers use to cut the price at pickup, so we ask before we make the offer.
Will you tow a car that can't be registered?
Yes. Pickup is free anywhere in Orange County, registered or not.
Ready to see what your car is worth?
It takes about a minute. No obligation, no spam — we only use your number to send the offer.