Smart Fortwo Diesel on eBay

[SMART]

Did anyone happen to see the diesel smart fortwo? I just noticed it but don't know if it has been up before hand.

Either way, it seems to be getting quite the attention with bids at over 21k right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SMART...QQcmdZViewItem

[Carnut]

Even though this car has a Florida title it is probably illegal and can be confiscated as a non USA vehicle.

[smartie yank]

The states have the authority to register cars in this country. All states have their own criteria for the title on an imported car. It could be some interesting political games if the feds started challenging the states rights and the states claim the feds should have exercised their rights at the border when the cars crossed. With the relatively small number of cars involved, I doubt there is enough financial incentive for either side to initiate such a legal battle.

[MicroNut]

There is no issue of reservation of powers here. States are responsible for registration and titling of vehicles in their jurisdiction, the purpose of which is primarily to protect property ownership and facilitate taxation.

The federal government regulates vehicle safety and emissions, because cars are such mobile things, and it would make no sense to have different standards in each state.

On that basis, every vehicle under 25 years old permanantly imported into the US must comply with federal safety and emissions standards, and have stickers attached to the body certifying compliance, either from the manufacturer or a registered importer. That's federal law and applies in all states.

Think of it as the automotive equivalent of an illegal alien. Just because someone makes it across the border illegally and then manages to get themselves a state issued ID, doesn't mean they can't be deported later on if they get caught.

[smartie yank]

Yes but once the car crosses the border, periodic vehicle inspections are state issues, some do and some don't. The feds are doing such a good job with illegal immigration that I doubt the owner of this car is looking over his shoulder. Also it's amazing the rights an illegal alien has once across the border.

[MicroNut]

Originally Posted by smartie yank

The feds are doing such a good job with illegal immigration that I doubt the owner of this car is looking over his shoulder.

That's for sure! I would think the little smart could easily reach the 25 year threshhold without being detected. On the other hand, it's not exactly inconspicuous.

[Carnut]

Agreed, but would you be willing to bet $21K plus on not getting caught?

[Lewis]

Agree with carnut on the risk.

Another risk- imagine getting repairs and parts-

Care to tow it from Florida to Ottawa for a repair? And sooner or later any car needs to be repaired.

I love the diesel smart and have rented it many times in Europe but this one just seems too risky for this nervous nellie.

[Carnut]

Actually, I've looked at the car and it can be serviced very well by the seller who owns a repair facility, provided you live/work nearby.

[Fredvon4]

The feds don't have to chase after it..... thanks to Internet forums like this there will be some Dudley do right that will make and issue about it and sooner or later some "agent" will get a note from his boss to check it out....

Amateur Radio licensees are exceedingly prone to scouring the web and e-bay adds for illegal amplifiers targeted to the CB crowd.... every now and then they get FCC's attention and "enforcement" actions follow-- although not very fast or consistantly...

This car may fly under the radar for years but I wouldn't bet my hard earned $21 thou on that.....