GARDEN GROVE : Dealer Agrees to Settle in Smog Check Case

A Garden Grove used car dealership accused by the state of issuing falsified smog check certificates has agreed to a $300,000 settlement.

As part of the settlement, Garden Grove Used Cars agreed to pay $187,500 in civil penalties and investigative costs, and $62,500 to help the state Bureau of Automotive Repair purchase or repair high-polluting vehicles, according to officials with the state Department of Consumer Affairs. Garden Grove Used Cars, 13831 Harbor Blvd., is owned by Toyota of Garden Grove.

More than 100 cars were “clean piped” at Garden Grove Used Cars between January, 1992, and August, 1993, state authorities said. Clean piping involves using the emissions readings of a clean vehicle while entering information for another vehicle that wasn’t tested.

In addition to the settlement, Garden Grove Used Cars also forfeited its smog check license, and its automotive repair dealer registration was placed on two years’ probation. Also, the dealer must contact consumers who purchased used cars that might not have been properly inspected.

State officials said the settlement did not involve Toyota of Garden Grove’s new car facility at 9444 Trask Ave.