Buying a car in Denver vs in Seattle (live, price)

[Repatriated]

I just left the Adams county DMV this afternoon with my wallet being $524 lighter for registering an '06 Subaru. That is far and away the most I've ever paid to title a car anywhere....

[Winter01]

Originally Posted by Repatriated

I just left the Adams county DMV this afternoon with my wallet being $524 lighter for registering an '06 Subaru. That is far and away the most I've ever paid to title a car anywhere....

Ouch. I feel your pain. That seems like a lot for a 7 year old car! Do the fees vary a lot by county? I think I paid about that amount and my SUV is a 2012 but we are in Jeffco (unincorporated).

You do pay to own a vehicle and drive here-that's for sure! To the OP--I don't think I would risk having to pay fees/taxes to your current state and then having to pay again here. When we moved here the Motor Vehicle Dept could care less that I had already paid registration in another state for the current year. No pro rating or credits going on that's for sure! I do remember when I was waiting several people were making comments about the expense here to register a vehicle.

[Repatriated]

Originally Posted by Winter01

Ouch. I feel your pain. That seems like a lot for a 7 year old car! Do the fees vary a lot by county? I think I paid about that amount and my SUV is a 2012 but we are in Jeffco (unincorporated).

You do pay to own a vehicle and drive here-that's for sure! To the OP--I don't think I would risk having to pay fees/taxes to your current state and then having to pay again here. When we moved here the Motor Vehicle Dept could care less that I had already paid registration in another state for the current year. No pro rating or credits going on that's for sure! I do remember when I was waiting several people were making comments about the expense here to register a vehicle.

I've been told that the fees do vary. I actually bought this car here in CO. I paid state tax on the purchase, then ended up paying 3.67% or something to the county when I registered it.

If I were the OP, I'd for sure wait and buy a car here. Seems like wasted cash otherwise. If you were to buy a car there, ask the dealer about temporary registration. Maybe you can avoid registering it there?

[sammy87]

You cant buy a car where you don't live. I've bought a car through USAA in other states, but when I get home I register and pay the sales tax.

Registering a car in CO is a rip off. $800 for a $39k car when I bought it! I think all that money goes to the fancy emmissions stations. In other states you need an annual inspection. Any mechanic can do it. It's about $80+$50 for registration in PA.

[dude_reino]

Originally Posted by sammy87

You cant buy a car where you don't live. I've bought a car through USAA in other states, but when I get home I register and pay the sales tax.

Registering a car in CO is a rip off. $800 for a $39k car when I bought it! I think all that money goes to the fancy emmissions stations. In other states you need an annual inspection. Any mechanic can do it. It's about $80+$50 for registration in PA.

True, but our property taxes are very low, and income tax is about average for states. Every state is going to get into your wallet, they just do it in different ways (i.e. Texas: no income tax, very high property tax).

[Repatriated]

Originally Posted by dude_reino

True, but our property taxes are very low, and income tax is about average for states. Every state is going to get into your wallet, they just do it in different ways (i.e. Texas: no income tax, very high property tax).

Florida. No income tax...high tax on booze. Haha.

[AmFest]

I've decided to buy my car in Denver. Thanks everyone for your input!

[Repatriated]

Buy a Subaru and you'll fit right in to Denver! Seems to be the most popular car here.

[thiswebs4u]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Are you buying a new or used car?
Sales tax in Colorado is typically 7.5-8.5%.

I am in Bailey and ours is 3.5

[Wheatridger]

Originally Posted by Repatriated

Buy a Subaru and you'll fit right in to Denver! Seems to be the most popular car here.

Twice in a couple decades, I've spoken with car dealers who confirm that used Subarus sell higher in Denver than anywhere else. That's one more reason I don't buy them, but many do.

You might find more EVs and hybrids in Washington. That's what I found when I helped my daughter buy a car up there.

I'd expect to find more 2WD vehicles in Seattle, where snow is rare.

Seattle salts its streets for snow, and Colorado doesn't. That might be a reason not to buy the Seattle car.