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ahall44's avatar
ahall44
Explorer
May 02, 2013

CA DMV changes title year ???

I purchased a motorhome, new, in 2009. It was sold as a 2009 Monaco - titled and registered in Oregon as a 2009. I just sold it in California and when the new owner went to transfer title and registration, they said the motor was a 2008, so the title was changed to 2008. One state employee said he thought it could be challenged at the state level. AAA asked and they said NO. I would think this would be a common situation with motorhomes because it takes time to put one together. Can anyone lend any insight or assistance?
Seeking Advice

10 Replies

  • Clay_L's avatar
    Clay_L
    Explorer
    May 03, 2013
    The Feds say the state must use the manufacturers model year designation.
    See
    HERE for info and a phone number to call for help with a state employee that does not know the rules.

    There is new info HERE. It is a long read but reaffirms the manufacturers right to set model year.
  • BuckBarker's avatar
    BuckBarker
    Explorer
    May 03, 2013
    BuckBarker wrote:
    Same thing happened to me in FL. I bought the 2004 unit in 2007 in AZ. I rec'd a 2004 title. When I titled and registered it in FL, they ran the VIN and stated it was a 2003 because the chassis showed 2003. It took a quick call to Thor to get a letter stating in fact that the unit was a 2004. DMV here accepted the letter and re-titled it as a 2004.

    Probably not so easy to do if your manufacturer is out of business.


    ___I looked back through my emails and found the document needed to title the rig properly is a "Certificate of Origin". There will be two. One for the bare chassis and one for the completed unit. ____
  • ol_Bombero-JC's avatar
    ol_Bombero-JC
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    UsualSuspect wrote:
    I will almost bet the chassis is an 08, and the rig was built and sold as an 09 by Monaco. California basis the year off the VIN number, and when the VIN number is input into the system, the system automatically deciphers the year and fills it in.


    SOP for MH mfgrs - chassis is often a "year old" by the time the coach is completed.

    Emissions rules may come into play - and, for the owner, may be good (lower registration fees)..... or bad (Hey! It's a *year-old* "new" coach!).

    Something to consider (negotiate) when purchasing your "new" rig!.:W

    ~
  • gotsmart's avatar
    gotsmart
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    I have a 2005 coach on a 2004 E450. It is titled as a 2005. It is my understanding that the coach company assigns the model year based upon the calender. On a Class C you can see this on the coach company's sticker on the driver-side B pillar.

    If the coach and chassis were completed on or before June 30 it is the current model year. If it is completed after June 30 it is the next model year.
  • stein4's avatar
    stein4
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Same thing with my class C when registerd in CA. Chassie is Ford E450 built in 2009 and motorhome was sold as a 2010.
  • BuckBarker's avatar
    BuckBarker
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Same thing happened to me in FL. I bought the 2004 unit in 2007 in AZ. I rec'd a 2004 title. When I titled and registered it in FL, they ran the VIN and stated it was a 2003 because the chassis showed 2003. It took a quick call to Thor to get a letter stating in fact that the unit was a 2004. DMV here accepted the letter and re-titled it as a 2004.

    Probably not so easy to do if your manufacturer is out of business.
  • UsualSuspect's avatar
    UsualSuspect
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    I will almost bet the chassis is an 08, and the rig was built and sold as an 09 by Monaco. California basis the year off the VIN number, and when the VIN number is input into the system, the system automatically deciphers the year and fills it in.
  • skipnchar's avatar
    skipnchar
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Not SURE but in MOST states is you BUY it with an 09 title then you must SELL it with an 09 title. The ORIGINAL title would have been made from the certificate of origin provided by the manufacturer.
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Some States have started levying sales tax on private-sale vehicles based on "book value" rather than the numbers put down on bills of sale- is California by any chance one of those States?

    I ask because if so, a new owner might be motivated to push for the "older year" designation as a cost-saving measure when first registering the rig in that State.

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