Challenger SRT gas guzzler tax

[blknblu]

Checked out the new SRT Challenger at the dealer last weekend. The window sticker indicated a $2100 gas guzzler tax here in California. I would advise anyone thinking of buying a new Challenger to refuse to pay that fee. It's bulls**t!! You're paying enough already without some dumb governmental tax on top of it. If the dealer won't budge then you should wait to buy the car. The economy is in the pooper and they'll be begging you to buy after the hype of the roll-out is over. Just my two cents worth.

[SMKG HOT]

Checked out the new SRT Challenger at the dealer last weekend. The window sticker indicated a $2100 gas guzzler tax here in California. I would advise anyone thinking of buying a new Challenger to refuse to pay that fee. It's bulls**t!! You're paying enough already without some dumb governmental tax on top of it. If the dealer won't budge then you should wait to buy the car. The economy is in the pooper and they'll be begging you to buy after the hype of the roll-out is over. Just my two cents worth.

The dealer doesn't impose the tax, the state does. So if you don't pay it, you can't purchase it. (Or, you could just buy one that is used, that the tax had already been collected from).
Had to pay this on my 300C SRT8 as well. The cost for living in sunny CA.

[oneshotoopsmytoe]

It is the same in Il. They were charging a Gas guzzler tax on the Magnum SRT8.

[Ryster]

The dealer doesn't impose the tax, the state does. So if you don't pay it, you can't purchase it. (Or, you could just buy one that is used, that the tax had already been collected from).
Had to pay this on my 300C SRT8 as well. The cost for living in sunny CA.

The Gas Guzzler tax is imposed by the Federal Government. It applies to any vehicle classified as a car that does not have a combined fuel economy rating of at least 22.5mpg. The Federal Government flat-out admits that the purpose of the tax is to discourage both the production and purchase of inefficient vehicles. The manufacturer is required to pay the tax to the IRS on every gas guzzler produced, so they add it to the sticker and pass it through to the buyer. The amount of the tax varies based on the combined EPA mileage of the car:

GAS GUZZLER TAX
Unadjusted MPG (combined)
Tax

at least 22.5

No tax

at least 21.5, but less than 22.5

$1000

at least 20.5, but less than 21.5

$1300

at least 19.5, but less than 20.5

$1700

at least 18.5, but less than 19.5

$2100

at least 17.5, but less than 18.5

$2600

at least 16.5, but less than 17.5

$3000

at least 15.5, but less than 16.5

$3700

at least 14.5, but less than 15.5

$4500

at least 13.5, but less than 14.5

$5400

at least 12.5, but less than 13.5

$6400

less than 12.5

$7700

It is not just a California thing...it is nationwide. It is also not optional. The only way you could avoid "paying" it would be to negotiate a lower price on the car to offset the amount of the tax. However, if you try to specifically get the dealer to remove the tax they will not do so. Or buy a used one, as Walt SRT8 said.

You will see it on Challenger SRTs, 300 SRTs, Charger SRTs, and even Vipers.

If I recall, Magnum SRTs didn't have the gas guzzler tax imposed on them because they were not classified as cars by the Federal Government. SUVs and trucks are currently not subject to the gas guzzler tax.

Like most fun toys, you have to pay to play.

[oneshotoopsmytoe]

Hmm then must mean that the dealership was trying to sneak a pocket charge on the Magnum SRT8 in..

My

[1FST4DR]

Jeez Ryster,Join date 07/04 and 40 something posts???Welcome back..lol


Anyways I also paid the $2100..Rysters info is dead on.The SRT Maggies were classified as trucks..

[1BAD383]

When I bought our 08 Challrnger in Louisiana, I also paid the $2100 gas guzzler tax. The price was added in like an option. That way, I paid sales tax on the gas guzzler tax. So at .0875% sales tax, I paid $183.75 tax on the gas guzzler tax.

[srt865]

I had to pay the $2,100.00 gas Guzzler Tax in PA on my 300C SRT8 no way around it.

[bipto]

No gas guzzler tax on my '06 MSRT - it's classified as a truck so it's exempt...

[Ryster]

Jeez Ryster,Join date 07/04 and 40 something posts???Welcome back..lol


Anyways I also paid the $2100..Rysters info is dead on.The SRT Maggies were classified as trucks..

LOL...thanks!

Every day I get a little closer to finally buying an LX...now my dilemma is whether to buy used or new. Awesome deals out there right now on used Charger R/Ts and Daytonas. Even some used Charger SRT's with low mileage floating around out there.

Good deals on new ones too, especially the Hemi models...that is, if you can find them. Most of the local dealers are only stocking the 3.5L V6 models. I would have to go closer to the "Big City" to find a Hemi equipped car, and those "Big City" dealers are a nightmare to deal with.

One of these days I will stumble upon the car for me

[1FST4DR]

LOL...thanks!

Every day I get a little closer to finally buying an LX...now my dilemma is whether to buy used or new. Awesome deals out there right now on used Charger R/Ts and Daytonas. Even some used Charger SRT's with low mileage floating around out there.

Good deals on new ones too, especially the Hemi models...that is, if you can find them. Most of the local dealers are only stocking the 3.5L V6 models. I would have to go closer to the "Big City" to find a Hemi equipped car, and those "Big City" dealers are a nightmare to deal with.

One of these days I will stumble upon the car for me

My last high jack I promise..lol Ryster Lots of great deals on SRT's floating around right now as well.Good luck on your quest

[Ryster]

My last high jack I promise..lol Ryster Lots of great deals on SRT's floating around right now as well.Good luck on your quest

Thanks!

Just found an '08 Charger R/T, 5,000 miles, $24K. Going to see how responsive the dealer is to my inquiry and then probably check it out on Monday.

[Venthos]

Also, remember that the dealer does not see a cent of that $2,100. The tax has nothing to do with them or Chrysler. The government imposes the gas guzzler tax and the EPA gets that money. The dealership is not charging it nor do they get any of that gas guzzler tax money.

[bigsnake]

I'm looking at my order form for the 09 Challenger SRT that I ordered on 1 July and it shows a gas guzzler tax of $1,700. ??????

One good thing is the max sales tax is topped at $300 in South Carolina.

[Ryster]

I'm looking at my order form for the 09 Challenger SRT that I ordered on 1 July and it shows a gas guzzler tax of $1,700. ??????

One good thing is the max sales tax is topped at $300 in South Carolina.

Yes, it appears as though the '09 Challenger SRT's fall into a more "efficient" tier than the '08s.

That SC sales tax deal is sweet. Here in Pennsylvania it is 6% of the sales price period.