Did you know that as of July 1st, 2011 California has lowered the state sales tax by 1%? That means that (most, there are some exceptions by city) residents Los Angeles county now pay 8.75% instead of 9.75%. If you are in the market to purchase a vehicle, act fast! Speculation is that with the financial trouble that California is in, this reduction may not last. Also, when you buy a vehicle in California, you only pay the sales tax for the county you reside in, NOT the county that the selling dealer is in. So, for you residents of Ventura, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Kern and Orange counties, it may be worth the drive to get the savings from the ultra-competitive LA market on your purchase and still get the tax savings.