Quote:
Originally Posted by shadow2k
42% increase in taxes last May on cigs was just the increase, not the total tax. And I don't think 200k is the average lifespan of a car, among other things wrong with the math here. But let's just say for argument's sake that the numbers are equal. All that says to me is don't raise the tax on cigs again.
Heck, you still get to drive your two ton machine of death anywhere you please. The same can't be said for smoking. Maybe I should pay less taxes...I mean, it's only fair. Your driving habit costs a heck of a lot more per year as my smoking habit...if you're truly worried about the costs.
Car Crash Stats: There were nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in the United States in 2005. The financial cost of these crashes is more than 230 Billion dollars. 2.9 million people were injured and 42,636 people killed. About 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States -- one death every 13 minutes.
Smoking Deaths Cost U.S. $92 Billion a Year
Total costs, including health care, more than $167 billion yearly
The new lost productivity estimate when combined with smoking-related health care costs, which was reported at $75.5 billion in 1998, exceeds $167 billion per year in the United States.
Not that I would stake my life on any of this data being anywhere near accurate, but you get the point. |
What's wrong with the math? I provided sources. Oh, I know, I used 12 years instead of 13.3 years for tag renewals - except that year 1 is paid for with TT&L, and I didn't figure .3 years mattered - end result, slightly higher percentage.
Also, I gave an example fuel cost. In 12 years, we'll be lucky if it's $3.00...again, end result, higher tax percent.
200K isn't unreasonable for the average lifespan of a vehicle. Most vehicles will last that long or longer if properly maintained and not abused. My 1997 Ford Ranger lasted until 163K, and the only thing I did was occasionally change the oil, swap the battery twice, new tires twice, a new alternator after soaking the OEM one with water, and the 100K maintenance called for in the manual, at 130K.
It sounded like hell in the engine, but still started and ran fine, 3rd was nearly shot (was grinding when I bought it, at 50K), and there were some things that needed replacement that I felt wasn't worth it - however, after the 2 payments I've made on my new truck, I'm already "behind" on what it would have cost me to fix my old truck, that more than likely, would have made it until 230K if not more. I just got tired of owning it, and wanted it out, and found a good enough reason, and the dealer gave me enough on trade in to make it worthwhile to do so.
My Dad's 77 CJ7 had well over 300,000 miles on it, before the odometer/speedometer stopped working.
I had a 78 Thunderbird that had over 225K.
200K is not an unreasonable estimate for the life of a vehicle.