They were never collecting that before, at least with me. 
Its technically called USC tax anyways. 
   The last 3 cars i've bought and registered down in minden they never charged me sales/usc tax.  all 3 times in a row.   

     one in 2001,  one in 2003 and one in 2005  all imprezas.  or maybe imprezas have been exempt the whole time ?