I think you are subject to emissions regulations as well and I believe (please check this out yourself) that Penna follows the same regs as California with regard to emissions.

his may also affect the resale value of the car.

http://www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us/default.htm

What if you are just embarrassed to be seen in it? It’s not every man who has the self-confidence to endure being laughed at on a daily basis.

On the other hand, there was that guy on TV who furthered his career by means of a Pontiac Aztek.

I would recommend aggressive half-throttle to the RPM mid-range, then back off the throttle. Vary your speeds and RPM any chance you get without impeding traffic. I think a few hundred Km of doing this would be sufficient.