My parents live in Colorado, I live in California. In 2006 Colorado will give a whopping $3,400 state tax credit for buying a Prius. In addition to the new Federal credit of ~$3,000 or whatever it will be, this amounts to a total potential savings of over $6,000 on the Prius.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to buy the Prius (remember I live in CA) and also get the Colorado tax credit. Any suggestions? Sounds like the Prius just needs to be registered in Colorado to get the CO tax credit. So, I was thinking I could have my parents buy the Prius and then I would buy it from them later. I would have to drive/ship the car from CO to CA at some point (worth it to save $3400) - that's easy. But I'm unsure of the logistics and timing of me registering it in CA and taking possession. I'm also concerned with how to insure the vehicle for when I drive it, especially if I have to wait to register it.

Any feedback/ideas would be appreciated!

I think that's called tax fraud.

Does the Prius have a PZ version for California like the Civic does? If so you are way, way better off buying the PZ version with the huge warranty.....

AT PZEV Advanced Technology PZEVs meet SULEV tailpipe emission standards, have
a 15 year / 150000 mile warranty,

I think all Prius are PZ

My hydroponics experiment

You ever notice how hard it is to lip read cartoon characters?
"Crazy is what the sane call Delta Flyer"

No, I'm trying to avoid tax fraud. If there's no way to do it by the book then I won't.

So they all have that cool warranty or just the ones in California? Help us California Prius owners!

From Toyota's website:

[2] Every 2005 Prius sold in the U.S. is mechanically equipped to meet the California AT-PZEV [2] emission standard. However, they are only designated as AT-PZEVs [2] in California and states having adopted the California regulations.

Is having a 150k miles emissions warranty that important? (I guess it might be if it covers the HV battery! Can anyone confirm that it does?)

Also, I need to find out if even if you don't buy the car in CA, would it be covered by the special CA 150k mile warranty if it is regsitered there (I have a feeling it would be).

Wow! I didn't realize that the state was that big. I think I might actually get money back from them next year. I won't for federal, since I still owe them more than that...

I imagine (although I don't know for certain) that the way you'll get the tax credit, is by filling out a special box, or form when you file your tax returns. Can anybody verify this?

I suppose your parents could purchase the car and file for the tax credits themselves...

The tax credits are a big reason for my wanting to get a hybrid, but not nearly the ONLY reason. Look at the big picture, and decide if it's right for you before you make up your mind.


Eric the Grey

I'm pretty sure it does cover the battery. I don't think cars purchased outside CA are gonna get the warranty.

Yes it's just a box on your State filing (just like Federal). Plus, you can carryforward the credit for *5 YEARS* (if you don't have a big enough tax bill). My parents can take the credit, I don't care - it's all in the family.

I guess they buy it and I'll get it from them later...that's really it. I might even have to wait until after they file their taxes for 2006.