Vehicles 10 years or older almost always fail emissions testing. Who wants the headache of repairing sensors every two years or worse showing that you paid over $400 to try to repair the problem? Why do cars conveniently fail emissions around the 10 year mark? Is this some kind of way for the state to make some money? Also how to work around this if I plan to buy an older used car?
The answer to this question widely depends on what state your in. In some states you can be exempt after a certain period of time has elapsed. Not all states do emissions testing and if you consider this to be a major pitfall of the area you live in I would encourage you to write your government representatives about it or move. The short answer is yes: the government and special lobbies who represent major conglomerates of emissions testing companies make money from the emissions testing standards of passenger vehicles.
@inthedetails
Thanks for your prompt response. In state of MD
My 98 Corolla has never failed emissions.
As much of a headache as emissions testing can be, it has helped.
Here in California, we have the harshest smog laws and (from what I hear, since I wasn't alive back then) the smog back in the 70s and 80s was so bad, there was just a constant haze over all of LA.
So, there is more than just money making going on.
I have a 2006 Honda Odyssey and 2011 Camry both purchased new. The Honda CEL light come on after running out of gas once. Both still pass emissions every year in TX.
Bought a 2007 Toyota Solara SLE with 93K miles back in 2014 from California. It needed the charcoal canister replaced in 2018. That was a giant PITA! Otherwise it gives me no problems.
My friend has a 2005 Odyssey purchased new back in June 2005. It has 225K on it and still passes emissions. Not for much longer though since it now uses a quart of oil every 2K miles.
Thanks alot. I read all the answers. I have a Toyota Sienna over 242K miles. Last two years it failed emissions. I LOVE the car but I must make a decision now. Pay and show receipts for work done to fix problem usually they want something like over $350-400. Other option? Just keep paying $10 -15 and re-test each month and ask for extensions. My calculations put re-test per month as the most cost effective.
Two years ago, I paid to get oxygen sensor fixed so it passes emissions. Paid well over $300 at toyota dealer. Well during next emission test it failed again after that repair. It seems those repairs are temporary and to me this emissions testing is just a money making scam.
Btw my car is not emitting any kind of fumes or noticeable smog. Drives great.