California Registration Question

[akkw]

We are registering our 2018 Isata 3 in CA for the first time and have run in to a snag with the title. It is a 2018 model but the chassis VIN number and build date are 2017. It was previously titled and registered in North Carolina as a 2018 but CA wants to title and register it as a 2017. Has anyone else run into this issue and how were you able to title/register it as the model year? I don't plan on selling it the near future but don't want to lose a year!

[CurtPutnam]

Unless you plan on selling it in the near term, the distinction should not make much difference, if any. If you want to register it, you will need to go with the flow. I suspect that they have a database somewhere based on VIN and a set of rules to decide these things. I have no clue how you would fight the decision.

[n1acguy]

Of all of the problems with the CA DMV, this is a new one. They should be using the manufacturers model yr, and nothing else.
I just bought a 2020 Sunseeker that's built on a 2019 Ford chassis. The state still considers it a 2020, and issued the title stating so.
Since they are going to tax you on the approximate value each year, it would be in their best interest to consider it a model yr later.

While I understand your concern of losing a years worth of value, maybe you got one on them. I'm not sure what the taxable difference would be in a yr (I have seen that 22% is the average yearly depreciation), but after you don't pay that amount extra for a few years, you might be ahead.
If you haven't already, you'll soon see that nothing Ca does is logical.

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by akkw

We are registering our 2018 Isata 3 in CA for the first time and have run in to a snag with the title. It is a 2018 model but the chassis VIN number and build date are 2017. It was previously titled and registered in North Carolina as a 2018 but CA wants to title and register it as a 2017. Has anyone else run into this issue and how were you able to title/register it as the model year? I don't plan on selling it the near future but don't want to lose a year!

Do not go with the flow. If it is a 2018 motorhome, they should register it as a 2018 motorhome. It will have TWO titles. The chassis title and the OEM (Forest River) title. The dealer should have give you both.

The mfg VIN (ours) is what determines model year on a motorhome.

If you go to the interactive owners manual, I always attache a copy of the RVIA letter on model year.

https://forestriverinc.help/#/dynama...7-627444F8ADAC

[simiHal]

Have you checked what the difference in registration fees are between the two states? CA’s are ridiculous. If you still have ties to NC and it makes sense money wise why not just keep registering it there?

[Beachbourbon]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Do not go with the flow. If it is a 2018 motorhome, they should register it as a 2018 motorhome. It will have TWO titles. The chassis title and the OEM (Forest River) title. The dealer should have give you both.

The mfg VIN (ours) is what determines model year on a motorhome.

If you go to the interactive owners manual, I always attache a copy of the RVIA letter on model year.

https://forestriverinc.help/#/dynama...7-627444F8ADAC

This is a situation in a California government office where you may need to get a supervisor or specialist involved. You may have less experienced staff working on an issue that is not seen everyday. Patience, persistence and politeness will get you what you want.

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by Beachbourbon

let’s all go to Kalamazoo! Said no one, ever.

Easy now...sometimes I can get a cheaper flight out of Kzoo, than South Bend. other than that, you are correct.

[woo10-210]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Easy now...sometimes I can get a cheaper flight out of Kzoo, than South Bend. other than that, you are correct.

Wasn't Elkhart Municipal a regional airport at one time? I recall taking dozens of puddle jumper flights to O'Hare in the '80's when I lived in Elkhart but I don't remember if they were from Elkhart or South Bend. I definitely flew out of Elkhart on the company plane several times and especially recall the pilot taking more than a couple of attempts to land during a thunderstorm.

[bclemens]

Elkhart Municipal still operates. In fact, when a brochure was done for a private jet company that ran out of there...they needed some guys who owned suits. I just happened to own a suite and became a "life style shot" person for that brochure. Low standards, I know.

But I did get to fly out of there private twice. Once to Jacksonville and once to the Berkshire Shareholders meeting in Omaha. You think you're a "shooter" until you get to Omaha and see the private jets that sit on that tarmac.

[Ejs4029]

Originally Posted by simiHal

Have you checked what the difference in registration fees are between the two states? CA’s are ridiculous. If you still have ties to NC and it makes sense money wise why not just keep registering it there?

Don't assume it's cheaper in NC to register. Here in NC you will have to pay personal property tax along with the registration...For an example my 2015 RAM 2500 with a 10K weighted tag will cost me about $330 to register for 2020 if I was still living in CA it would probably be cheaper then here in NC to register. My 2016 Rockwood TT cost me $170 a year to register here in NC.

[Tmrut5]

I will take NC registration fees. My 2020 I3 cost me $2200 for title and registration in Arizona.

[Sandiegodoug]

I paid 900 and change for my isata 3 here in San Diego. Also, we have to smog our diesel every 2 years. Since this was 2nd year, has to cough up additional 87 for the smog check.

[Sandiegodoug]

By the way, when we bought 10/17, had to pay sales tax too, ended up close to 10g. Not sure how transfer works

[cfo111]

Originally Posted by akkw

We are registering our 2018 Isata 3 in CA for the first time and have run in to a snag with the title. It is a 2018 model but the chassis VIN number and build date are 2017. It was previously titled and registered in North Carolina as a 2018 but CA wants to title and register it as a 2017. Has anyone else run into this issue and how were you able to title/register it as the model year? I don't plan on selling it the near future but don't want to lose a year!

Find a RV dealer there see what they say they would know how if possible to get it that way.

[upflying]

What is the 10th digit of the VIN?
If it is a H , it is a 2017.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicl...ication_number

[n1acguy]

[QUOTE=bclemens;2217850]Do not go with the flow. If it is a 2018 motorhome, they should register it as a 2018 motorhome. It will have TWO titles. The chassis title and the OEM (Forest River) title. The dealer should have give you both.

The mfg VIN (ours) is what determines model year on a motorhome.

If you go to the interactive owners manual, I always attache a copy of the RVIA letter on model year.

https://forestriverinc.help/#/dynama...7-627444F8ADAC[/QUOTE


The state will issue one title, but it should be based on the final manufacturers (in this case Forest River) model year.

[n1acguy]

Thinking some more about this, in spring of 2012, I bought a Ducatti that was marketed as a 2014.

Even though the bike was manufactured in 2012, my Ca title lists it as a 2014 model, first sold in 2012.


Are you sure you're not just looking at the date first sold? That will also be listed on the title.

[cfo111]

no the have the vin number which is start date but there is a finish date but CA seems not to care like most state that do it right

[n1acguy]

Originally Posted by Sandiegodoug

By the way, when we bought 10/17, had to pay sales tax too, ended up close to 10g. Not sure how transfer works

They'll tax it again when the new owner registers it, just like a used car.

[n1acguy]

From reading this thread, it seems many states now base yearly registration fees on value rather than a flat rate.

The good ol days are gone.