Buying used motor from out of state.

opie · Post by **opie** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 7:35 pm

I am looking for a used motor and considering some from out of state. Do I need to worry
about the emissions rating? Is there a title I need to deal with in California? Also, anyone have
any ideas about the safest way to pay for such a transaction?

Thanks in advance, Chris

fishwithron2 · Post by **fishwithron2** » Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:22 pm

Better have it check out by a reputable certified shop first and have them send you the report. Too many time it's not what the seller tells you. Alot of scams out there.

blkdog812 · Post by **blkdog812** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 7:10 am

ditto on the check out prior to purchase.
should not have any problems bring it back to cal unless the border guys raise a " you need to pay a cal tax on it " issue which is starting to happen when bringing new items into cal from oregon .
there are no smog rules on used outboards in cal you just can't purchase a non carb approved 2 stroke in cal any more.

jloo283 · Post by **jloo283** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 12:19 pm

These are some good advises given for the need to throughly check out the motor but you're really asking 3 things: CA emissions, title of the motor, and payment. You have no issues to worry about the first 2.

Payment is a bit tricky, I don't know what type of motor or how much you're talking about. I've been in the same situation myself a few years ago when trying to buy a 250 Verado for $9K. First, work with a local shop. Then suggest to pay the seller some non-refundable deposit that both of you can agree on, and pay for shipping to a reputable shop that you both agree, where the motor gets checked out. If for whatever reason you back out, the seller gets to keep the deposit. Arrange for it shipped back to the seller. If you're happy, pay the rest. The most important thing is the shop, whether they're willing to be involved and whether the seller feels comfortable with that shop.

In the end, my transaction didn't go through. It just wasn't worth the efforts for all parties. But that's what I tried.

James

opie · Post by **opie** » Mon Jun 18, 2012 4:52 pm

Thanks. Using a shop to check it out is a great idea. That will make me feel much better about the whole process.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Tue Jun 19, 2012 4:58 pm

Try and use a shop that is a authorized an certified service shop for that brand of motor. You can find one through the manufacturer.
There are crooked shops out there that are in cahoots with scam artists.
There are also shops out there that don't know what they're doing.
Take the time to find the right shop to check it out.