the "miles counting" is definitely an honor system thing.  I currently have another classic and I just keep registering it with the same number of miles, exactly as you said...if I'm ever questioned I would just tell them the odometer broke and I didn't notice.

I'm definitely worried about the insurance side of things.  Presumably there is a mileage limit on the insurance as well, although honestly I've never checked with my insurer about it.  

I kind of assumed that my specialty car insurance company would pay for enough to repair the car if something happened.  I use Hagerty who focuses on classic and collector cars.

I've definitely thought about registering the car somewhere else, as the "cheaty" method of doing things.  but I thought I would ask first, if anyone had experience getting their car to pass smog so I can feel better about at least trying to do things the right way.

just some thoughts

who is counting the 5000 miles? surely you are not going to report yourself.

broken speedometer?

some insurers may annually ask your mileage for a few years and then forget about it. Presumably they could deny a claim if you exceeded the mileage for a classic (antique) plate.

Don't get in a wreck.

Insurance is a whole different ballgame .Just liability coverage? Replacement value? On an old car they will not cover much anyway. Certainly not enough to pay for a rare mini repair shop.

register in 2 of your neighboring state with easier? rules (Not CA). Who knows where you live? Rent a PO box to "be" in that state. This is not as bad as the guys in the East with $250,000 cars that register in Montana with low or no tax rates for exotic vehicles.

any more ideas out there?

I haven't picked out a specific car yet.  But i'm looking for a 1990's car

Yeah, Clark County where smog is required unless the car is registered as a classic

What year is it? I read somewhere that the latest models of Rover Minis could pass Swiss emission standards which are apparently more stringent than the USA.  

Are you Washoe or Clark County?

HI All,

I am considering purchasing a JDM 90's-era Rover Mini with A/C as a daily driver.  unfortunately, in my area the only way to get a smog exemption is to register the car as a classic. This limits the car to 5000 miles per year, defeating the purpose of my search.

Setting aside all of the cheaty ways of registering the car, does anyone have experience modifying these cars to pass smog tests? 

I'm also open to other creative ideas that anyone may have.

thanks in advance