Gsmall

Spyerx

Assuming it still exists and not dismantled, likely not in CA anymore. After 2001 no more smog checks. They would be required for that year.

Gsmall

yes I know it passed the 2001 smog test but didn't know they quit doing them so it mite still be in Ca. 2001 is the closest I have come to finding it. This 10 digit cars are hard to look up.

Spyerx

Yeah had the car been driving in CA it would should smog checks listed based on the VIN.

You might see if TX has a way to lookup cars by VIN?? I know, when I was buying car in FL I could see title info online IIRC.

Another angle you might try is if you have a good relationship with a dealer, have them punch the VIN in and see if they can see any service history. They may not share it with you because of privacy, but maybe you can get an idea if it's been in a dealer.

Good luck.

r911

they might yell you the state - you could then contact that state's DMV to see if still registered, and if so, will they forward a letter from you to the owner - I got a few states to do that for my car; there is a small fee

can also try PCA