california car, close to failing emissions, what to tell potential buyer?

own a car in california, it's pretty old -- 1990s -- the last emission
test, it nearly failed, had to spend nearly a grand to barely meet the
california standard.

if and when i sell this car, which otherwise is sterling, what
ethically should i say when asked, 'why are you selling it?' is it
unfair to the buyer not to mention the car's difficulty in passing the
last emission test?

On Fri, 6 Jul 2012 18:53:46 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

>own a car in california, it's pretty old -- 1990s -- the last emission
>test, it nearly failed, had to spend nearly a grand to barely meet the
>california standard.
>
>if and when i sell this car, which otherwise is sterling, what
>ethically should i say when asked, 'why are you selling it?' is it
>unfair to the buyer not to mention the car's difficulty in passing the
>last emission test?

Is it possible to take it to the emissions place (or a repair place)
and pay the fee and get it tested even though it's not due? If it
passed you could give them the printout, tell them why you did it,
they'd be happy and you'd have a clear conscience.