Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

California emissions and a new car purchased out of state

I leased a new 2008 Ford Mustang from a Ford dealer in Colorado while there on a business trip through Ford Financing, my residence is in California. I made them aware of this, they calculated the lease and taxes based on my home county and provided me a check to pay the CA DMV sales tax owed. I asked if I would have any issues registering the car in CA and was assured there would be none. Upon registering the car in CA the DMV found a sticker under the hood noting the car could not be sold in states with CA emissions standards. Consequently the car cannot be registered or driven in CA. The DMV provided me with a document stating that, ''Manufacturers, their distributors, and new car dealerships nationwide are aware of California's special emission system requirements.'' and that ''The disposition of the vehicle is a civil matter between you and the seller of the vehicle, and (or) other parties.'' The Ford dealer is investigating their options. I want to know what are the legal obligations of the Ford dealer and (or) Ford Financial in this instance and what are my legal options? Where is jurisdiction in this matter?


Asked on 1/13/08, 12:41 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joel Selik www.SelikLaw.com

Re: California emissions and a new car purchased out of state

You will need to handle this in Colorado as the dealer is not likely to be also doing business in California (but this should be checked). I would consider the dealer liable.

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Answered on 1/13/08, 9:46 am


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