ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area C Q californians

If your question is do we pay WAY to much for EVERYTHING here in Cali, then the answer is YES.

electure,- yer a classy guy. :rolleyes

Just by way of comparison, here's a quick outline of what it costs in Britain (converted to U.S. dollars at current exchange rate).

New vehicles pay a one-off registration fee of $41. There used to be a new vehicle tax of either 5 or 10% of purchase price -- Not sure on this one as I've never bought a brand new vehicle! New cars and trucks would also have VAT (sales tax) applied at 17.5%, although this would be reclaimable if purchased solely for business use.

We have a road license which at the moment is $270 per year for most vehicles, less for small (very small) engines. Vehicles registered since 2001 follow a complex new schedule of fees which are based on CO2 emissions. Rates are here (£1.00 = U.S. $1.65):
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/taxation.htm

The good news is that we have no property taxes on vehicles, and if you buy a used vehicle there are no transfer or re-registration fees.

The bad news is that thanks to exorbitant tax rates gas costs $4.75 per gallon.


[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 06-23-2003).]

Paul,
I passed through a town called Giddings Texas Friday on my way to Austin. An Exxon service station had regular unleaded gasoline for $1.18 !! Most places in my area are $1.39 right now.

no way.... yesterday i was excited when i got the cheap unleaded gas for $1.59 here in oregon

$1.18!! been 5 years at least since we've seen it that low .paid $2.05 at the calif/oregon border on way to work this morning.50 miles into calif.didn't i hear a rumor that prices were supposed to drop because of something happening?i guess the oil companies and politicians are contented while us working commuting types get reamed.sorry to whine but it SUCKS!!