California considerations

[sjuengst]

Hello all,

I've applied for a new job in Sunnyvale, CA. If I get it, can I expect any issues with bringing my 1960 BT7 into California? Does CA allow year-of-manufacture license plates like Florida does? How much are tags/taxes on Healeys out there?

Thanks,

stu

 

[Deleted member 8987]

https://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr9.htm

Good place to start, anyway.
Someone down there told me it's $400 up front for any vehicle brought into California not originally from California......and I have no idea what the CHP fee is.

Hang onto your wallet.

 

[smaceng]

the state used to charge the $400 per out of state car, but has not collected it for some years, after a court case. Actually gave the $400 back to everyone who paid. The main expenses are the use tax (sales tax) at 8% to 9%, plus the VLF which is the yearly registration tax. Cheers, welcome to CA, Our state needs all the money we can get!
Scott in CA

 

[Keoke]

Hello all,

Can I expect any issues with bringing my 1960 BT7 into California? Does CA allow year-of-manufacture license plates like Florida does? How much are tags/taxes on Healeys out there?

NO Problem STU just bring $$$$$$$$---Keoke-- :laugh:

 

[BabaKahawa]

So, Stu...
if you stop in " ole my gosh where am I " New Mexico we will buy you a beer...
It may be the last cheap thing you get before you drop all
your money in sunny California...

 

[Rob Glasgow]

Stu, I have a 1960 BT7 also and just renewed the annual license. It was $81. Sometime during the mid 80's, the fee had dropped to $12 but has crept up since then. I think you will like living here but might miss the Florida humidity!!

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I brought a '96 Jeep Cherokee in from FL a few years ago. That year needed to be smogged so I put a new cat and muffler on and passed the smog test with no problems (your Healey won't need smogging). I also got a title transfer (you won't need that). You'll just need to re-register the car in CA. They'll issue new plates; AFAIK year-of-manufacture are acceptable (but you'll need to get the plates yourself). In spite of what you may have heard the CA DMV is reasonably efficient (though recent budget cuts haven't helped).

As mentioned, registration is negligible. No smog required, no inspections--ever.

I'm in San Jose--look me up when you get out here. I've driven in FL--I think you'll be astounded at the great roads around here.

 

[Healey_Z]

Bob has it right. I don't think you will have any issues, but you only have 20 days (check their web site) to do it, before you start getting fined.

YOM plates takes a little work, plates need to be "cleared", must have matching set in serviceable condition that originally came on a car and you need to have an original sticker from the year.

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

Hello all,

I've applied for a new job in Sunnyvale, CA. If I get it, can I expect any issues with bringing my 1960 BT7 into California? Does CA allow year-of-manufacture license plates like Florida does? How much are tags/taxes on Healeys out there?

Thanks,

stu

Forget California and stop off in Dallas! No state income tax!! We have a good club and many exciting AC installations to choose from for your Healey! It was 110 degrees here yesterday....where else can you get enthusiastic support from your wife to install AC in your Healey??

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Forget California and stop off in Dallas! No state income tax!! We have a good club and many exciting AC installations to choose from for your Healey! It was 110 degrees here yesterday....where else can you get enthusiastic support from your wife to install AC in your Healey??

I completely agree. It's been up to the high 70s/low 80s here lately with low humidity and cool breezes in the afternoons. Totally unacceptable.

 

[equiprx]

Stu,
Don't be put off by all the posters who say California is an expensive state to live in. You just need a rich wife like mine. Just don't try to live in Sunnyvale. Find a small town that hasn't been discovered yet, like we did. First thing to do is apply for AAA, after that you may never have to see the inside of a DMV. Membership has it's privileges.

Hello all,

I've applied for a new job in Sunnyvale, CA. If I get it, can I expect any issues with bringing my 1960 BT7 into California? Does CA allow year-of-manufacture license plates like Florida does? How much are tags/taxes on Healeys out there?

Thanks,

stu

 

[Jerry]

The big shock will be housing prices. I just helped my daughter find a place in Santa Clara (lots of construction issues in Sunnyvale). The good news is that real estate is as low as it has been in the last 10 years.

Jerry

 

[John Turney]

Stu,

DMV is no problem. They do allow YOM plates. We don't allow high humidity, so rust is not a problem, unless you live right on the ocean. AC for the Healey won't be required in Sunnyvale. The Golden Gate Austin Healey club is alive and well.