Georgia: Most Expensive State in US to Own a Car (Atlanta: taxes, living in)

[netsirk]

As a NJ native...I don't buy it for one minute. It's way cheaper to own a car down here.

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by netsirk

As a NJ native...I don't buy it for one minute. It's way cheaper to own a car down here.

Absolutely. Same for MA and NY, two states where I've owned vehicles.

With the 2013 elimination of the ad valorem tax and sales tax on cars, it's even less expensive here.

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by gerrythesnake

I dont believe this. I notice they didn't factor in tolls, they didnt factor in the cities that you have to pay to park on the street for residents, they didnt factor in the cities that you have to pay to park in the garages if you live in an apartment,they dont have anything about the states that have horrible roads which requires more car repairs, etc.There is no way that it cost more to own a car in Ga than in NJ, FL, TX, CA,NY, etc

Don't forget MA......5% sales tax, then an annual excise tax for the life of the car. GA used to have something similar but now just has the flat sales tax. Even NH has zero sales tax but after 4-5 years of excise taxes on a new car you have paid like 5% in that and it never goes away (though the rate decreases annually).

[Ed Briggs]

Originally Posted by gerrythesnake

Tickets should be factored in because it is a cost

Yeah, it's a cost. That's your fault. I havn't had a ticket in over 25 yrs. because I don't drive like a moron. You could have easily avoided any tickets.

[glovenyc]

Originally Posted by netsirk

As a NJ native...I don't buy it for one minute. It's way cheaper to own a car down here.

Exactly...As a NYC native, this study is pure poppycock. Upon my move, my car insurance was reduced from $2800/yr to $1200/yr. Gas is usually $.40-$.50 cents more per gallon in NYC. The bridge crossing tolls (BK, Qns or BX to Man) are $7.50 each way compared to one $.50 on 400, Verrazano bridge is $15 one-way and the tolls for the NJ crossings are $12 one-way. Did they not account for the wear and tear on a car as well. NYC (and other NE cities) streets take a severe toll on a car as well. Parking is way way more expensive, etc, etc, etc...

Pure poppycock!

[gerrythesnake]

Originally Posted by Ed Briggs

Yeah, it's a cost. That's your fault. I havn't had a ticket in over 25 yrs. because I don't drive like a moron. You could have easily avoided any tickets.

I'm actually one of the best drivers in the state of Ga. People who live in DC know what I'm talking about

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by glovenyc

Exactly...As a NYC native, this study is pure poppycock. Upon my move, my car insurance was reduced from $2800/yr to $1200/yr. Gas is usually $.40-$.50 cents more per gallon in NYC. The bridge crossing tolls (BK, Qns or BX to Man) are $7.50 each way compared to one $.50 on 400, Verrazano bridge is $15 one-way and the tolls for the NJ crossings are $12 one-way. Did they not account for the wear and tear on a car as well. NYC (and other NE cities) streets take a severe toll on a car as well. Parking is way way more expensive, etc, etc, etc...

Pure poppycock!

You are forgetting the main reason GA is the most expensive state to drive in: The number of miles you drive. The average Georgian is driving way more than someone living in NYC. That extra gas, deprecation, and maintenance are the big automobile expenses.

[glovenyc]

Originally Posted by jsvh

You are forgetting the main reason GA is the most expensive state to drive in: The number of miles you drive. The average Georgian is driving way more than someone living in NYC. That extra gas, deprecation, and maintenance are the big automobile expenses.

Understood, but those NYC street and even highway miles are much harder on a car, than Georgia. The potholes and all of the constant construction really puts a beating on a car. Also the stop and go nature of NYC traffic, can certainly close the extra gas gap. Personally I have a relatively short commute to work, I'm a 10 minute drive to Midtown and I really don't venture too far outside the perimeter to often, so I do not find my mileage has increased too much since moving to GA.

[jsvh]

Originally Posted by glovenyc

Understood, but those NYC street and even highway miles are much harder on a car, than Georgia. The potholes and all of the constant construction really puts a beating on a car. Also the stop and go nature of NYC traffic, can certainly close the extra gas gap. Personally I have a relatively short commute to work, I'm a 10 minute drive to Midtown and I really don't venture too far outside the perimeter to often, so I do not find my mileage has increased too much since moving to GA.

Sure. Your case may vary. But we are talking averages. Many people in NYC don't even use their car for their daily commute. While there are a few in Atlanta like that. Making an hour plus drive through the burbs is more the norm.

[gerrythesnake]

People in LA have longer commutes