In Commiefornia - if a seller sells you a car that won't pass smog that person by California law must refund you your money or pay to have the car repaired even if you signed a release that you purchased the car as/where is. I've been trying to find the CA vehicle code that states this but so far no luck on my end. I'm in Phoenix for the next couple of weeks and my BIG California Vehicle code book is at home. If you have AAA insurance or their road service you can ask at one of their offices - if not try the local CA DMV or maybe even ask your insurance agent they might know off hand. Even if the seller bought the car to flip it the previous owner should have sent a release of liability - hopefully with the flippers address & info on it. If the seller didn't use a burner phone leave a message him you'll take legal action through the CA DMV. As I'm sure you know a CA fine for deliberately selling a car that won't pass smog would be astronomical.
Here's what I was looking for
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/f...ctionNum=24007.