Yeah it's stupid, but, it's not to keep older stuff off the road. It's about getting $$$$$. If you don't renew, they assume you're still driving it unless you go non-operational, one time fee of about $10-15.
My favorite back fee debacle. I bought a car, put plates on it. About 6-8 months later the DMV sends me a letter stating the registration is suspended for lack of "proof of insurance", I never got insurance on it, never drove it on a public road either. I park the car as it's a project, no biggie. About 3 years later, I get a letter requesting 450ish in back fees.... this after the DMV suspended the registration. Priceless reasoning there.
I bought a car with over 1200 in back fees one time. At the time it was less expensive to drag it to AZ, get a clear title for $8 and bring it back to CA.
2500 for that car is absolute dreamer territory... looks like a decent body sans bullet holes. There are decent drivers for that amount or less on occasion. I agree it's a $500-700 car at this point
