Akhafeez

Hi guys,

I guess this is for anyone who lives in virginia or has any input. I will be going to medical school in lynchburg virginia and was wondering if I should bring my w204 or stick with a 2010 honda accord daily. Solely because I don't really know the environment and perception of luxury cars down south. Safety etc.

Let me know!

spyked

All I know about Lynchburg is that its VERY conservative. But that culture likes nice cars too. I think they even have a MB dealer down there. UVA/Charlottesville and Roanoke aren't too far away - 1-1.5 hours in different directions.

nyca

VA, don't they still have a yearly personal property tax on the value of your car?

slowc

Yes

Akhafeez

I'm going to school down there won't be owning property

w204_Generic

Is your car AWD?

Quadcammer

If you live there and intend to register your vehicle there, you have to pay a portion of the vehicles designated (by them) value each year as a registration tax.

edgalang

As odd as this may sound...but how is this any different than registering in CA?

In CA...the higher value your car is, the higher yearly registration costs. This is why when buying used, the buyer always tries to get the seller to put down the minimum value on the transfer, even though the selling price is much higher.

Akhafeez

yeah my car is awd

nyca

Your car is your property in VA.

nyca

Yes, CA has it too. This is why everyone in CA who owns expensive cars, tries to register them in Nevada or Montana. Alot of states do not have property tax on cars, they just have license and registration fees. Imagine if Ralph Lauren registered all his cars in California.

samaritrey

But if he is in med school why bother registering it in VA leave it registered at home much less of an issue unless he is trying to get residency in VA.


I would say bring your MB while Lynchburg is not as MB friendly as say NOVA or Charlottesville it won't be that bad. As others have said you have a MB dealer in cville and can visit UVA which is always fun (I write this sitting in cville btw) BTW if you visit UVA you will look like the poor kid as I see 4 different kids in c63s driving around like idiots all the time and many other expensive cars that I can't believe parents send the kid to college with. (I say this currently owning two Mercedes lol but I am talking about brand new range rovers, Audis, BMW and Mercedes)
Yes you will probably be noticed more than you would in richer areas but I get crap for my C320 and my E320 in McLean which is probably the richest town in VA and is in the richest county in the county. Just do what will make you happy and don't worry about the haters.

Cillys

Keep the Mercedes!

Akhafeez

Thanks guys making the move tomorrow morning!

rander

Not to worry. Take the Mercedes. Lynchburg isn't the backside of the moon. You won't impress, intimidate or irritate anyone by driving an MB. How do I know-- I live just a few miles from Lynchburg, I'm an MD and I drive a C300. Not bragging just setting the bona fides