Arlington, Va. did that to me back in the mid-80's (among many other less-than-ethical behaviors I won't go into right now because it's bad for my blood pressure). I bought a good-running '82 Mercedes 300SD, although with faded paint and 180k miles, for $7500. Went to the tax office to get my county sticker, and lo and behold my "new" car is now worth $12,200, full retail with no allowance for condition, so that's what I paid property tax on

I told the woman that she could give me $11K, I'd hand her the keys and walk home. Didn't help. Crooks.