some elaboration please? re:car tag renewal prices... (Denver, Aguilar: ski resorts, for sale)

[twowolves]

I found this quote on Sperling's website under Denver, Co. A person's personal comment re: the Denver area. Here it is:

"Any activity you might want to do in the mountains will be regulated be the tax happy government, or the over priced, and overcrowded ski resorts. You may enjoy Colorado if you like paying $1,000.00 for vehicle tags every year, and getting crappy roads in return."


My question.....is it really that expensive to renew your vehicle tag each year? What could this person mean by that $ amt?

I don't know about CO but here in FL, it's under $100 to renew a car tag....

[wanttomoveeast]

wow, that does seem high. But I've always driven cheap, older cars. My DH's PT is a 2006 and his registration (tags) was about $120.

[David Aguilar]

2001 Chrysler T&C - $300
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid - $250
2006 Jeep Liberty 4x4 - $350

Arapahoe County (not sure if that makes any difference)

That should give a pretty good idea.

[wanttomoveeast]

David: omg that is so steep!!! I wonder why? I've never paid that much. But my cars have been older Subarus, Hyundais. Also, aren't we paying based on the sale of the car? I'm sure there's some weirdo calculations done, probably by county too.

[tfox]

Originally Posted by twowolves

My question.....is it really that expensive to renew your vehicle tag each year? What could this person mean by that $ amt?

I don't know about CO but here in FL, it's under $100 to renew a car tag....

The person is likely exaggerating. David Aguilar's numbers are likely correct. After about 10 years or so, the state tax collected on the car gets lowered to $3.00, though depending on your locality you'll have other taxing components that will raise the tax somewhat.

The way I look at, Colorado rewards you if you drive an older car and punishes you for a newer car, so I don't drive newer cars.

In addition, one thing that confuses a lot of people is that you are responsible for sales tax on ANY purchase in Colorado (including cars), and the rate of sales tax is determined by your residence location, not the location of the place you buy the car. How that sales tax gets paid depends somewhat on where and how you buy the car. Usually a dealer will collect sales tax with the purchase because often buyers prefer to finance the cost of tax with the car. However, if it's not paid in some other way, it's due upon registration -- this is usually what happens with a private-party sale. What that means is that if you buy a car for, say $15,000.00, you'll be on the hook for sales tax, which could be anywhere in the range 6-9%, depending on your where you live. You can do the math and see that your registration bill could be a lot higher than $1,000.00 if that's included. However, characterizing that as part of registration is inaccurate, since these rules regarding sales tax are going to apply in every state that has a sales tax, not just Colorado.

[wanttomoveeast]

Originally Posted by tfox

The way I look at, Colorado rewards you if you drive an older car and punishes you for a newer car, so I don't drive newer cars.

So that's why I've always paid low taxes! Yippee for older, paid off cars. Nice not to make car payments and actually own your car.

[twowolves]

My questions is I guess

1. how often do Denver drivers have to 'renew' your vehicle tag??
(here in FL, it's every year, your birth month)

and

2. what is an average amt that you pay for renewing your tag?
(here in FL, everyone pays the same for the same basic 'tag'....it doesn't change according to the year car was built or type of car-more expensive vs. less doesn't matter)

I think some of the responses above....are talking about sales 'tax' and not annual (or how ever often Co requires it) tag renewal.....please clarify!

[David Aguilar]

Originally Posted by wanttomoveeast

David: omg that is so steep!!! I wonder why? I've never paid that much. But my cars have been older Subarus, Hyundais. Also, aren't we paying based on the sale of the car? I'm sure there's some weirdo calculations done, probably by county too.

Originally Posted by wanttomoveeast

So that's why I've always paid low taxes! Yippee for older, paid off cars. Nice not to make car payments and actually own your car.

Yeah, it is quite steep. In CA, I believe the most I ever paid for tags was ~ $150. I only bought the Honda here in CO, and had the more steep Arapahoe sales tax rolled into the loan.

I hope to own my vehicles someday. I just totaled the van last week (2001 Chrysler T&C) , so I won't have to pay the tags on it in April, so I guess that is a small silver lining.

Originally Posted by twowolves

My questions is I guess

1. how often do Denver drivers have to 'renew' your vehicle tag??
(here in FL, it's every year, your birth month)

It's a Colorado thing, not a Denver thing. It is renewed each year at the month in which the vehicle was registered.

Originally Posted by twowolves

2. what is an average amt that you pay for renewing your tag? (here in FL, everyone pays the same for the same basic 'tag'....it doesn't change according to the year car was built or type of car-more expensive vs. less doesn't matter)

Here in CO, CA, and in some other states I'm sure, the state discriminates more against heavier and newer vehicles. If your vehicle ever gets older or lighter, expect your renewal fee to go down. Like tfox said, (great advice by the way) it eventually goes down to $3. That's if your vehicle makes it that long.

[wanttomoveeast]

Bummer about the van David. And interesting, OP, that it doesn't matter what type/how expensive your car was, you just pay a flat rate???

[twowolves]

Originally Posted by wanttomoveeast

Bummer about the van David. And interesting, OP, that it doesn't matter what type/how expensive your car was, you just pay a flat rate???

I just asked my hubby and he said last time he paid around $40 for our van...which is a 2005 Toyota Sienna, to renew it for one year.

He said he 'thinks' the cost is determined by the vehicle's 'weight'. He said when we had our truck, it was a bit more to renew that tag.

I am going to have to investigate this now! I am curious.