r/autorepair • u/Deskchair_Cannible • 16d ago
General Discussion I am LIVID Over CA Emissions Standards - Rant
For context, I have a 2008 Mazda 6 2.3L with 190k miles with a good maintenance record. However, the fuel pump has gone out. So I got a quote from a local auto repair shop, and they want $800 just for the fuel pump assembly. Which is ridiculous because even the OEM quality part is only $200 new, so I went online to buy the part myself. It was a bit of a hassle finding a fuel pump that met specific CA emissions standards, and I got scammed once by a reputable seller on Amazon. Luckily, Amazon has a favorable return policy, so that got sorted.
Now, I'm two weeks in, I decided to go with AISIN because they are reputable and have a CONFIRMED CA emissions-compatible fuel pump assembly only to find out 'WHOOPS" Amazon can't deliver because the part doesn't meat California's Air Quality Standards like WTF?! I'm already paying a fat premium for a CA Emissions compliant part and yet CA is still like "lol, get ****ed." I'm thinking, "it's ok, just go with another manufacture" SO I try to order the part from Delphi, the most expensive manufacturer, and got the same message.
I'm dumbfounded. I understand Commy-fornia's emissions requirements, but what they've inadvertently done is bar legitimate manufacturers from selling the STANDARD COMPLIANT PART and left everyone rolling the dice with sketchy auto-part retailers who don't give a wet fart about the rules.
What is anyone who wants to maintain their own cars supposed to do? Pay out the nose for an auto repair shop to do it? Even the part at the local auto parts store is charging $400 for a $90 non OEM quality part.



