Should I roll dice on a 2004 with 200k that won't start (for 2 grand)?

In Texas you pay tax on the purchase price OR the Tax collectors valuation, which ever is most. Theres a tool online that values your car according to what the state thinks its worth. I paid $1500 for a suburban that the state valued at $1200, that KBB valued at 3000.

 

Also in Texas it doesn't matter how many times that car is sold. The county tax collector gets his share when the title is transferred on each and every sale of said vehicle for it's entire life. And yes, if you under claim the amount on the paperwork, the tax assessor/collector can change that value if they so choose. Example, you paid $500 for a car, but the tax assessor says it is worth a grand, you would have to pay sales tax on a grand, NOT the $500 you paid.