Buying AZ Car with Exp Reg (2007) in CA

[imazing]

I found an 1996-1998 Mercedes 4 Door (owner not sure of age/model) with low miles (apparent) that's been sitting in a elderly person's garage in CA since it was moved here on a truck after the death of a spouse in 2008. It hasn't been driven since before he died (prob needs new battery) - and the elderly person wants to sell it because they no longer live in a house with a garage and the tags expired in 2007. She's practically giving it away - but I have to take it off her hands without costing her any money/hassles.

I checked with AZ DMV and they will let anyone start from scratch with registration - provided the car passes smog (for AZ). - so, that's something...!

However....

I'd have to drive the car to AZ with title to make this happen - but I'd probably get several tickets on the way if I didn't do something about the blaring 2007 on the plates.

I can't get a straight answer from DMV in CA but I think they are expecting the AZ registration to be current BEFORE they will let me register the car here - and it will have to pass CA smog (which I presume is much tougher than AZ.)

The old lady won't sell me the car if she has to do anything (like pay old registration fees - etc.)

Any advice? I've got 24 hours to suss this deal or it's the next guys.

[Ray paulsen]

Let me get his right,,, you are considering buying a vehicle, but the seller is not sure of model year, lets start with you looking at this link http://www.usedcartips.org/SERRECODS.html and scroll down page to find out what year it is.

Unless you get to buy from the registered title holder or attorney of power,,, you stay away,,, over and out...