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1982 Sentra, 1.5 liter engine has headgasket problem and may not pass the smog check

My mechanic says my car is giving indications that the head gasket is, or is about to go. I asked if this may mean it would fail a smog test, and he said yes that this is likely. I want to know how to get a smog test certificate in the off year. My 2010 registration renewal does not require a smog test so since I can't afford to repair the car and the biennial smog testing isn't due until next year, what do I do. I'm on social security and can't fix the car. A PNO is not an option for me as my landlord requires a current registration to be shown on the car at all times and will not allow a car with a PNO permit on his property and the city of Glendale won't let me park it on the street, either. So it must have a smog certification done, and if it fails, have it retired.
Answer:

Unfortunately there is no was to apply for consumer assistance during the "off" year. You can get a smog inspection for your Nissan but it will not make you eligible for any assistance; repair wise or vehicle retirement wise. You must wait for the biennial smog check request in order to take the smog check, fail it and then apply for CAP. In the mean time, depending on how bad the headgasket problem your Nissan Sentra has, you may or may not want to pay for the repairs yourself. posted by SmogTips Support

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