In need of a new car. Buy in CO or CA

[AmRivlin]

Well if you read here: http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showthread.php?p=859859#post859859
my road trip has stopped in Colorado, since my minivan died.

I am wondering, if I should buy a car in Colorado, to continue my trip, or if I should get a rental, get out to california, and then look around for a car.

Does California have strange taxes on their cars? Would cars be cheaper in CA, or is Colorado my best bet.

Thanks.

[IrishSS]

I know at least in and around WV/PA/MD, if you buy a car, you have to pay sales tax to the state that you bought it in. Then if you were to bring that car into another state, you have to pay the personal property tax again on that vehicle before you can register it. So you get hammered twice if you buy out of state.

I wouldnt be surprised if CA did the same thing.

[Mike_N_Ike]

Dunno about CO, but in CA it's like this...

On top of the price of the car, you have...
a doc fee (usually between 40 and 50 dollars),
tax (which is determined by the county that the car will be registered in - 7.75% in most counties, 8.25% in LA),
registration (a little less than 1% of the cost of the car in most cases), and
some garbage 9 dollar tire fee.

If it turns out the fees are going to be simliar in both cases, I would check on edmunds for the average price of cars (for new cars) or kbb (for used cars) in the two areas to see where you'll get a better deal.

[Eugene]

If you can make it to Oregon, they don't have sales tax. But then I am not sure what else you would have to do to bring that car into CA.

RE "garbage 9 dollar tire fee" - I'm surprised... not sure if it is standard, but costco wraps in the "disposal" cost in with the tire's overall price. :shrug: Guess that isn't a regular thing to do.

[AmRivlin]

If I did buy it in LA, would I need to pay emissions stuff or would the car have less horsey power, due to regulations and all that?

[bachviet]

If I did buy it in LA, would I need to pay emissions stuff or would the car have less horsey power, due to regulations and all that?
Your car (regardless of where you buy it) will have to pass smog before it could be registered. At least in CA, the seller pays for smog check. Some of CA cars have SULEV or ZLEV, which will rob you some hp (less than 5). The same models could be had with ULEV or LEV though.

I suggest you buy your car in CA to save you all the hassles. :D Plus CA cars usually are in better shape than cars from snowy states.

[Cubsfan]

Where'd you get stuck in Colorado?

[speedracer120]

Your car (regardless of where you buy it) will have to pass smog before it could be registered. At least in CA, the seller pays for smog check. Some of CA cars have SULEV or ZLEV, which will rob you some hp (less than 5). The same models could be had with ULEV or LEV though.

I suggest you buy your car in CA to save you all the hassles. :D Plus CA cars usually are in better shape than cars from snowy states.

:stupid:

If you're gonna buy used, IMHO, a car from CA will be in better shape. And the DMV won't give you as much flak with the smog check, you'll still need one mind you, but you won't have to get an vehicle inspection while you stand in the sun waiting in line at the freaking DMV.

[AmRivlin]

Well it is taken care of. I went to the dealer at 8am, (They open at 7) I asked about my van, "Oh we will check it right away" 15 min later I get told, it will cost 900 to get in the engine (Where the noise was coming from) and it will cost 3600-5400 for a remanufactured engine / labour / parts. But we think it threw a rod... sure! Sweet!!! the minivan was 10 years old with 104600 miles. Sooooo... Kelly Blue Book says in working condition it isn't worth more that 980 anyway... SCRAP. Now the rent and get to Cali, or buy here. Funny how the 10 min diagnosis, which I already did "Yep something is broken" Cost me 95 for an hour of check it out.

Well I Talked to my dad, he is a ford fan boy.
1991 Taurus - My first Car
1992 Ranger
1995 Windstar - My third Car
1999 Windstar
2001 Taurus - My second Car (Totaled by my younger brother)
2003 Sable

So I knew he might help me if I buy a ford. I checked out a 2001 Explorer Sport Trac, and 2002 Explorer. $15K... 1 2004 Taurus on the lot... UHOH!!! After 3 hours of phone debate, and negoiations with the dealer, it came down to he will pay some of the taurus and none of the Sport Trac... Ok

11500 for the Taurus

2004 Taurus - Previously Hertz RentaCar 30500 miles
24 Valve 3.0L Duratec Engine
Black, grey interior, all standard.
3 year 36,000 mile warranty (Not much)

I am not thrilled about it, but hey it is a car, it is sexier than a 10 year old windstar. It took 2 hours to unload the van and repack a sedan. Even with a ton of crap in the trunk and back seat, in an open part of Utah on i70 (All of it is open) I was able to easily reach the a top crusing speed of 180kph / 110mph not a shudder at all... I am sure gas was pouring out the exhaust though. The govener cut me off there I assume.

Now I am near i15, the home stretch I guess. got to watch 24 in a truck stop randolmly we were eating at arbys and it was on. So now I am finally a happy camper.

Here are some pics of car related junk:
http://uploader.dealdonkey.com/uploads/taurushotel.jpg
http://uploader.dealdonkey.com/uploads/taurusmtn.jpg
http://uploader.dealdonkey.com/uploads/taurusjunk.jpg
http://uploader.dealdonkey.com/uploads/taurustrunk.jpg

[Jenny]

LOL Glad you got it all sorted out. You are so adorable and such a big camera slut! :P ;)

[bachviet]

I would never buy a previously rental car because pple usually abuse it.

[speedracer120]

I would never buy a previously rental car because pple usually abuse it.

Or as Jeff Foxworthy put it, it's like marrying a hooker.

[MrGreg]

I would never buy a previously rental car because pple usually abuse it.

Hello, my name is Mr Greg, and I am a rental car abuser.

[AmRivlin]

Yes you are right. But I like them easy.

And with that Ford Factory Recondition it MUST be good ;)

[Airencracken]

Furd :puke: But to each his own.