is this a good car trade?

Each state has their own independent laws, but most are relatively similar I think.

In Texas we have to pay title taxes (registration). That cost is determined by the weight of the vehicle. I have a 4-door truck and pay around $70, once a year.

We also are required to have the vehicle inspected yearly. That used to just require that the tires have a certain amount of tread, windshield wipers in working condition, blinkers work, etc...but now we have an emissions test tacked on as well which has double the cost. They hook up a hose to your exhaust and test the emissions at an idle speed, then at around 1000 and 2500 RPMs or something.

New vehicles come with an inspection sticker which is good for 2 years though.

My parents have a vacation home in New Mexico their laws are slightly different.

Registration is the same, except they offer a lifetime registration fee. For a truck like mine it would probably run around $300-350. That's worth it if you ask me.

They do not have any state inspection whatsoever though.
 
Our annual test has grown over the years and very little isn't covered these days - lights, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, emissions, tyres etc.

On the plus side one rarely sees clapped out bangers limping around the roads anymore.
 
Our annual test has grown over the years and very little isn't covered these days - lights, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, emissions, tyres etc.

On the plus side one rarely sees clapped out bangers limping around the roads anymore.

Sounds like yours is a bit more rigorous with the wheel bearing and whatnot.

Not everyone in Texas has to submit to the emissions testing either. It's the urban areas that require it. I'm in Travis county -

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/

For a pickup, this would be the criteria -

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/ins...kup,+Panel,+or+Truck+Under+80"&classsubmit=Go
 
Our annual test has grown over the years and very little isn't covered these days - lights, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, emissions, tyres etc.

On the plus side one rarely sees clapped out bangers limping around the roads anymore.

Mine once failed because the spacing of the letters on my reg plate was illegal. True story.
 
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