I recently had to get some more car tax (end of March) and was dreading the bill. When it came to it, though, I felt pleasantly surprised - although with hindsight, I shouldn't have.

With Brown's recent exploits, I expected to pay big bucks for that little round piece of paper in the windscreen. However (and here was my surprise) I was JUST inside the bracket . . . BY FOUR DAYS!!!

I registered my Crossfire on 19 Mar '06 . . . 4 days before the cut off date. I don't know exactly how much I've saved but £112 for 6 months sure sounds better than it could have done!

As for the money that it raised by road tax being spent wisely . . . I think I'd better avoid that particular soap box just now . . . I don't want to be accused of overusing my "rant" mode.

For full info on the new costs (and to "buy online" if you want/need to), look here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...le/DG_10012524

The Crossfire is a "TC48" vehicle (which means petrol car) and if registered before 23 Mar '06 it is in Band F. After that date, it's Band G. Current costs are as follows:

Band F 12 Months = £205.00 6 Months = £112.75
Band G 12 Months = £300.00 6 Months = £165.00

I don't have the future costings to hand, but my thinking is to go for 6 months this time, then get the 12 months just before it goes up again (if, indeed, it does go up). Hopefully, that should save a few pennies.

Anyway, hope this info is of some use to you! Happy motoring . . .

Regards,

PP