buying used rv in california

Last year (Feb 2012) I purchased my Lazy Daze from an owner in CA and drove it east to VA. I paid sale tax in VA. I was able to use the California Lic Plate. In CA there is a form that transfers the plate from the owner to the buyer. The seller needs to see proof of insurance. The two of you fill out the form and the tag is registered to the buyer. It is a great system. In my state you can not get a temp tag with out a title. All the information is on the CA DMV website.

the form I was talking about


What is confusing is that the tax issue for a NEW RV made in Ca is different. If I were to buy a new LD and wanted to pay tax in VA I would have to have the RV delivered to another state (usually AZ or NV) and take position in the presence of a Notoriety. Technically I would not be able to then drive the RV back into Ca until it is tagged in my state. There is a big how to thread on the LD yahoo group on just how to handle the issue of new RVs.

I have to agree with gemsworld. If you live here and register it here you will pay Calif sales tax,even if you buy out of state.

I almost bought one in Las Vegas and the contract stated that it would be taxed at California rates when I registered it here.

OH BTW it also has to pass Calif. Smog too...........

Complete different sales tax situation for those that don't live in California or are planning to register the vehicle in another state.

As far as sales tax rates, I stand by my statement. I own property in AZ and NV and I'm very familiar with the sales tax in both states. As a matter of fact, the sales tax in the AZ city I frequent is almost 11% higher (8.85% vs. 8.00%) than where I live in California.

gemsworld wrote:

donn0128 wrote:
Sales taxes will kill you in CA. Go to Phoenix or Las Vegas to buy.

Nonsense! The sales tax in most So Cal municipalities are about the same as LV and Phoenix. Besides, if the buyer is a California resident, the sales tax will be based on where the buyer resides, not where the purchase was made.

Wrong. Friend in AZ purchased new 42' toyhauler from a dealer in Banning, CA and had took delivery in AZ. Cost $300 to have it taken to the border but he saved $1200 by paying AZ tax instead of CA tax. One other AZ plus is tax is only paid on the price differential if there is a trade-in.

thanks to u both for responding. i may look into the rentals for sale, but not in cali. i just feel like i'm being "worked" constantly here.

To the OP:

Take a look in Craigslist, there are tons of RVs for sale in the So Cal area. Make sure to look at the different areas in Craigslist that cover So Cal.

Good luck!

donn0128 wrote:
Sales taxes will kill you in CA. Go to Phoenix or Las Vegas to buy.

Nonsense! The sales tax in most So Cal municipalities are about the same as LV and Phoenix. Besides, if the buyer is a California resident, the sales tax will be based on where the buyer resides, not where the purchase was made.

Here is one Idea....

CLICK HERE

Sales taxes will kill you in CA. Go to Phoenix or Las Vegas to buy.