Selling and Buying car (Colorado Springs, Craig: sales, vehicle registration, sales tax)

[1fastlx]

I was told that I will get next to nothing for my 2wd Xterra in Colorado, is this true? I was thinking about maybe selling it once I get there since there is loads more 4x4's than here (Houston). However, I can not sale it here and move because i would have no way to bring my belongings with me. Would love to keep my SUV, but I have heard I will regret having a rear wheel drive 4x2 if I want to go anywhere other than work. I looked at prices on Craigslist for various cars like frontiers, 4runners, xterra's, and they all seem pretty high compared to prices here. Are cars just more expensive in Colorado compared to Texas or other states.

[davidv]

Nobody buys 2WD SUVs in Colorado. In fact no dealer I know even stocks them. You will get next to nothing for it.

You could sell trade in your 2WD SUV for a 4WD SUV in Houston and then make the move.

[jazzlover]

A 2WD Xterra would be next to worthless in Colorado. No, new cars are generally no more expensive to buy in Colorado, though Colorado's state and local sales taxes can be breathtaking, depending on where one resides in the state. Colorado vehicle registration fees are also high--especially on new 4WDs' because Colorado registration fees are based on the value, age and weight of the vehicle. New, expensive, and heavy means registration fees that can easily exceed $500 per year for several years.

Used 4WD's always sell at premium prices in the Rocky Mountain West, especially if they are low mileage (which, these days, means anything under 100K miles) and are in good condition.

[reed303]

1000s of people still drive 2WDs in Colorado just fine. Bring your Xterra, see how condtions are for you and your driving skill level. Maybe get and carry a set of tire chains if you get caught at work in a blizzard. Trade off the Xterra later when you need to otherwise.

Unless you are going to live 5 miles up a goat trail in the mountains, or plan on mud-boging and stump-jumping every weekend, the need for 4WD/AWD is overblown.

I drove a S-10 Blazer & an S-15 Jimmy for over 25 years in CO, and rarely used the 4WD, except on goat trails or in blizzards that I probably should not have been on the road anyway.

Also, in those years when commuting in a storm, 4 out of 5 cars that "slid into the ditch" were 4WDs ;-) 4WD is no "magic bullet".

[lurtsman]

My pickup doesn't have 4wd. I have never had an issue commuting within Colorado Springs. However, I would not choose to go up to Woodland park while it was snowing.

[StealthRabbit]

If you plan to get 4wd... get it in TX and bring it with you.

TX has a very affordable used market, and you will be best to unload a 2wd there or in SE USA.

[Texas Ag 93]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

If you plan to get 4wd... get it in TX and bring it with you.

TX has a very affordable used market, and you will be best to unload a 2wd there or in SE USA.

I agree with this, but would point out that sometimes finding a 4wd SUV can be hard in Texas.

[bartonizer]

2WDs definitely sell for less in the state, but I agree with some of the other posters that unless you live way up in the mountains or frequently go on rough trails, the need may be a little overblown. For off-road and especially winter conditions I would say that good tires make the biggest difference, and that good ground clearance is helpful as well. I've rarely had to engage 4wd on my Pathfinder, but it has been reassuring to have it when things have gotten rough. The main driving tip I can pass along is that when conditions deteriorate, take it slow. If you're moving to the Front Range, for the most part you should be fine....