Easy, Live on the NEVADA side of town. (stateline,nv or zephyer cove,nv) no smog, and really cheap car registration. rents are a little higher on the NV side, but car registration is cheaper , and no smog, just a $1 vin inspection.
i think if you live in NV but work in CA you have to pay CA income taxes ,but you might get some sort of tax break (i'm not sure... check a cpa or someone)
If you don't make much money, (except for car registration) its better to live on the cali side.
If you can get a job on the NV side, and live on the NV side, your life will be a lot better (well you'll keep more of the money you earned and have an easier time enjoying your car how you want to)