I'm not sure about purchasing used cars, but after 2011 or 2012 all new purchases no longer have the ad valorem annual tax. It's just $20 or so a year to update your vehicle registration now. So the tax is shifted to an upfront tax that's lower (over the life of the vehicle) than the previous ad valorem tax revenue. While I like the savings, I'm not sure I understand where they intend to make up the revenue differences.