DiscoMetalStu wrote:i don't have a dealers license, but i'm going to look into one in the near future because i'll be doing this a few more times in the near future.
i'm really not worried about having said what this car cost me because i'm not even going to be racing it. besides, i'm only spending $30 on the car. i'm trying to argue that the fees shouldn't count just because they're on the invoice.
The rule says "Except for items described in Rules 4.2 and 4.3, the total spent to purchase and prepare any car may not exceed $500." the $200 transaction fee isn't money being spent on the vehicle- it's money spent renting someone elses dealer's license. The internet purchase fee isn't money being spent on the vehicle- it's money spent on the services of a website for locating the vehicle i'm looking for. The buyer fee isn't money being spent on the vehicle- it's money being spent on paperwork....
i'm just wondering what the ruling would be on that.
I'm not a judge and I don't play one on TV. But I've been to this rodeo a couple of times and I think your argument would fall under Rule 4.1.1: Lame-Ass Rationalizations.
What you have to understand is that the important part of the $500 rule (as enforced) is that it's all about how the car looks and runs. For example, say that a little old lady inherits her husband's collection of 911 Turbos and doesn't know what they're worth, but feeling charitable, she sells you one in running condition for $499. Bargain of the century, right? Sure. But even if you have Grandma Moses herself come on down to tech with the cancelled check and swear on a stack of bibles that you only paid $499 for it, you're still getting laps. Why? Because it's not a $500 car -- i.e. it's not mostly a POS.
On the other hand, if you pay $2000 for a rusted-out Nash Rambler and you run the original motor, you're not going to get popped for laps.
So although you're not going to LeMonize your $30/300 Project Whatever, just know that if you buy a Copart.com car and rack up all those fees, then all of the transaction cost will apply. But if your car properly looks the part of a Lemons car -- i.e. like a piece of crap -- then you don't really have much to worry about. Unless you're running an e30 or e46 or Miata or other uber-competitive cars.
Is that clear as mud? Or does that make some sense of it all? The important thing is to have a good attitude and have fun. Cheers.
Pat Mulry, TARP Racing #67
Mandatory disclaimer: all opinions expressed are mine alone & not those of 24HOL, its mgmt, sponsors, etc.
