OK Guys ...interesting situation here.

I bought my 350Z from CarMax in April and recently it developed a bad rattle. it is caused by a loose baffle inside the radiator so I took it into the local exhaust shop. I was stunned when they told me I had an "illegal" exhaust system with no catalytic converters.

Apparently the previous owner installed an illegal exhaust system. The exhaust says "Megan" or something on it...CarMax PASSED IT during inspection.

Obviously, I don't want an illegal exhaust on there and I am wondering...should CarMax be responsible for replacing the exhaust for me? Obviously, the passed an illegal car inspection and then sold me the car.

Thanks!

 

What does your CarMax inspection warranty cover? Ought to be in the contract they gave you. If they warranty their work you have a case for the cost of making your exhaust legal again. An informal telephone call to them would be a good place to start. Make sure you have the documentation from the shop clearly stating what is "illegal" about the exhaust.

Sounds like someone pulled out the catalytic converters and put some "test pipes" in there making it difficult to pass smog inspections if you have them in your state.

 

yea that sounds like the most basic answer as to something being illegal is the cat replaced for test pipes by the way megan test pipes suck and develop similar issues to urs

 

Yes I agree...there are no cats in there just straight pipes with resonators. I also agree that the Megan test pipes suck. They sound terrible now especially...

Guys, if Carmax doesn't fix this I'm going to need to find the cheapest easiest fix to make this thing street legal. What should I do to get this thing legal again with the least $$ possible. I don't mind going to the OEM exhaust either....thanks

 

i would check the private classifieds for someone selling their stock cat or just simply buying a whole new exhaust set up (a good one will run u close to 1k a better one of course more) with a cat..its not legal right now but chances of you getting caught with it are very slim so i wouldnt worry about the legal part just that annoying rattle

 

Can I make the Megan test pipes legal somehow? Is there a way to put cats onto the test pipes and make them street legal? Sorry I'm new to this all...

 

bump that bro, OEM cats cost a fortune...about 300 a peice, you need to take it back to Carmax and tell them to make it legal. there's got be a way to get them to fix this since that is not what came with the car at retail and it would never pass inspection

 

If you check the classifieds you can find a set for less.

 

The answer is no. Test pipes take up the same space as the cats do. You can't make them clean up the exhaust by adding to them.

 

they should replace it

 

Search around for stock Catalyst pipes, and replace. May be expensive for new ones, or if you can find used ones in the Marketplace here, that would be good. This should suffice to pass emissions, unless VA is strict as hell and won't let a catback pass visuals, as that would count as a "modified" stock exhaust system. Not sure how that state works...

 

As suggested, contact CarMax and see what their repsonse is. No one here on the message board is going to solve teh problem, but maybe CarMax will.

No guarantees, but I have always found CarMax to be reasonable and ethical (at least compared to most used car dealers).
bill

 

Good news guys, took it to CarMax and they checked out the exhaust - they said it looked like it had cats but, in fact, the "cats" were hollow.

Without any questions they said they were ordering cats from Nissan and will call me as soon as they come in. Very pleased with the service at CarMax. I will post an update once they are installed.

Thanks all

 

if he wants to chance that they are in working condition, most classifieds are sold as is...

check with carmax bro, i doubt they will try to screw you, they have a reputation to keep up

 

hopefully all goes well enjoy ya new baby

 

I'll sell you an entire '07 stock exhaust. Y-pipe, mid-pipe, and exit.

 

cool bro....well good luck with your fully functional exhaust now...haha

 

Have Carmax replace the cats or have them cut you a check to replace them and go buy HFC's... Then sell your test pipes for some extra cash.

Done

 

When i read the title of this forum, did anyone else immediately think "for a klondike bar?"