96 Civic Ex Smog Problem

Okay so I got hit on the freeway the other day; not much damage. I need a new right headlight/lamp (which I already have), a new passenger side fender, a new hood, and a new windshield.

Insurance apparently 'totalled' my car saying it was $4000+ in damage. They said I can either sell it to them for $4000 or keep the car and they will give me $2100 to repair it myself. Of course I giggle to myself and I say I'll take the $2100. (The total repair cost comes to a little under $1000 unpainted). It's a 96.. I'll probably just Maaco the whole car afterwards.

Anyway here's my problem:
The catch is, I don't get the money from insurance until my car is smogged and registered. My o2 sensor went out when I installed my DC header a while back. I've replaced the sensor since then 3 times in under a year. Also, a coworker told me his friend had a DC header and his car wouldn't pass smog (even though its C.A.R.B legal) and when he put his stock header on it passed. So, I've come to the conclusion that my problem is my header.

I took the car to a place to get it diagnosed/smogged and they say my problem is my catalytic converter. They say I have to buy a cat (and they also say the cheapest cat available is from them for $580) and have it installed before it can be smogged again; and that doesn't guarantee that it will pass after that. I've been without my car for like a week now and it's gonna be a lot longer than this if I don't get it smogged and repaired soon. Anyone know what the problem might be with the smogging?

Thanks.

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Can you still change your mind about taking the $4000? I got my 98 LX manual in 2004 for $4000...the miles were a bit high but the car was in perfect condition. It seems like you have to spend a lot of money to get your car back on the road. I did recently replace the catalytic converter because of a crack in the exhaust manifold but only because I have emissions coming up..it was still driving perfectly fine! ($800).

Anyway, I'm obviously not an expert - that's just my opinion money-wise. Your car will also be worth much less because of the accident.

Can you still change your mind about taking the $4000? I got my 98 LX manual in 2004 for $4000...the miles were a bit high but the car was in perfect condition. It seems like you have to spend a lot of money to get your car back on the road. I did recently replace the catalytic converter because of a crack in the exhaust manifold but only because I have emissions coming up..it was still driving perfectly fine! ($800).

Anyway, I'm obviously not an expert - that's just my opinion money-wise. Your car will also be worth much less because of the accident.

If my car was just stock I'd take the $4000 and go buy another Honda. Problem is, with $4000 I'm getting stuck with a salvaged car, hitting or missing on if it's a lemon or not; possibly digging myself into a world of car troubles--on the other hand, possibly not. I don't like my chances.

I know my car and it's issues. I know exactly how much money and work needs to be put into it; I don't know how much work I'd be putting into a 'new' used Honda (with a salvaged title...unless you can find me a clean Honda/Acura in the Sacramento area for under $4000...).

Another thing, I put about $1300 under the hood, plus rims/tires, my CD player and system, and got hooked up on a Type R suspension. I'm not willing to give all that up because I got a few dents on my fender and hood. I hate how insurance companies deal with Honda accidents. = /

My problem now though.. is my smog issue. If anyone has any answers please let me know. Thanks.

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Im not to sure on emission but cant you just buy a aftermarket cat convertor and put it on there to pass or does it have to be OEM...Even if its OEM you can go to a good Bone yard and pick up a used one with low miles for less then a new one just to pass..

Most Yards scrap there cats tough cause they bring alot of money..

Also how can you not find a good car for under 4 grand thats clean...Hell i have a 97 ex coupe runs great needs some exterior work that im selling for 2200 clean title strong origanal motor with 148k..

Are cars that expensive where your at...Also on a insurance payout if they total the car they have to give you first chance of buying it back ive done it with 3 vehicles now and paid under 500 for everyone of them back 95 si sol,94 ex coupe,95 integra,...

Hope you get it all figuered out...Dont let them try to rip you on a cat convertor...Find out if you can use aftermarket and all..was looking for aftermarket one for my car ive found some name brands for cheap..

later

Aftermarket headers will pass smog as long as you have the CARB sticker that came with the part and you have the sensors hooked to the right place. You can take your car to another place and get a second opinion. If it really turns out be to the cat, then do what RUSHB says. You can do it for cheaper than $580.

Im not to sure on emission but cant you just buy a aftermarket cat convertor and put it on there to pass or does it have to be OEM...Even if its OEM you can go to a good Bone yard and pick up a used one with low miles for less then a new one just to pass..

Most Yards scrap there cats tough cause they bring alot of money..

Also how can you not find a good car for under 4 grand thats clean...Hell i have a 97 ex coupe runs great needs some exterior work that im selling for 2200 clean title strong origanal motor with 148k..

Are cars that expensive where your at...Also on a insurance payout if they total the car they have to give you first chance of buying it back ive done it with 3 vehicles now and paid under 500 for everyone of them back 95 si sol,94 ex coupe,95 integra,...

Hope you get it all figuered out...Dont let them try to rip you on a cat convertor...Find out if you can use aftermarket and all..was looking for aftermarket one for my car ive found some name brands for cheap..

later


Cars really are that expensive where I live... In the paper I don't see any 6th gen civics for under $6000. Most are like $7-$8000. Also, I do get first chance to buy it back. They're giving me $4000 but I'm 'buying it back' for $1900 (I know, I always thought it was like a few hundred dollars...) This insurance company sucks (Nationwide Insurance) it took them over a week just to look at my car.

I think I'm just gonna take it elsewhere to get it smogged/second opinion. I really just want my car now.

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