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2000 Audi A4 needs new catalytic converter. I can't afford it!

I have a 2000 Audi A4 and was told by my mechanic that I need both catalytic converters replaced. The cost will be around $2,000. So in order to get my smog check passed and my registration completed (I paid for my registration but it is still incomplete until I pass the smog test) I will have to pay to get this repair fixed. I can't afford a $2,000 vehicle repair JUST to get my car registered. Is there any way around the smog requirement? I was told that if a car repair (in order to get smog passed) exceeded a certain dollar amount that the smog requirement on the vehicle would be waived... Is this accurate? Thank you so much for your help; any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:

Unfortunately there is no limit on bringing your Audi A4 into smog check compliance. You may apply for the CAP (Consumer Repair Assistance) Program and get up to $500.00 dollars in FREE smog diagnosis and repairs. Obviously the $500.00 won't cover the cost of changing your Audi's CAT, however once what ever work can be done with the $500.00 i.e. initial baseline smog test, 2 hours of diagnosis, and possibly the replacement of the oxygen sensor/s, you then have the option of applying for... Economic Hardship Extension: a low-income vehicle owner may be eligible for if they (or the CAP program) has spent at least $450.00 at a CAP authorized smog repair station and their vehicle is still failing the smog check. Eligible consumers will receive a two-year extension to complete necessary emissions-related repairs. The State of California will allow Income Eligible applicants the opportunity to register their vehicles through the DMV and receive registration tags/stickers for two consecutive years, and one time only. posted by SmogTips Support

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