www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Okay... I know buying used cars is a tricky business anywhere, but want to understand the nuiances in CR. I'm living in Escazu and really want the ability to get the hell out of town and hit the coast or mountains on the weekends. So far, I've been renting cars, which is quite expensive.

Anyway... the only advice I've heard is that you should buy from a dealer. However, I'm willing to bet I can find an easter egg in La Nacion. I'm looking at buying a jeep or small suv for about $4K USD. So, the car will be older... early 90's... late 80's or so. I'm also looking for 4x4, manual shift with preferably a diesel engine... as its much cheaper than gas.

Beyond the car itself... what kind of a hassel is it getting it registered, insured... oh shit!!!! do I need to have a CR drivers license or will my US license work???? What about taxes??? I've also heard about hassels getting tico plates.

Thanks for your help!!! Cheers!

_________________
http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

Chi_trekkerwrote:





Not sure I agree with that. Most, including myself, bought from a private party. Main thing is to be aware of the market price and have a mechanic you can trust to check the car out. Also make sure the car has a current " Retieve" (inspection)



Your US license is only valid for your 90 day tourist visa validity. When you buy the car you and the seller go to a lawyer who handles the bill of sale, title transfer and registration with the government, The license plates stay with the car. Taxes are payed in December and are called the Marchamo which includes basic insurance. Additional insurance (collision, comprehensive) is only sold by the government monopoly INS. It is very reasonable and I can hook you up with an agent.

DO NOT buy a car that does not have tico plates. It means it has not been legally imported into the country and taxes are going to have to be paid before it can be registered.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

CT I can't answer your last questions but an amigo just bought one and his advice is subscribe to Carfax for a month to check them out before you buy. Supposedly many cars in CR have been previously wrecked or had the odometer rolled back. I was reading a site the other night about cars flooded in hurricane Katrina now ending up for sale in CR. Also he was advised to put the car in a separate corporation.
Buena suerte

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

Chi_trekker,
I don't live in CR yet, but I do have business and real estate interests there. I got my CR Driver's License a few months ago. It's real easy. You can do it in about 3 hours (depending on the lines inside the MOPT building). It involves a 5 minute "medical/optical" exam, and then paperwork and waiting in lines inside the MOPT building.

I'll try to find the thread with all the information on getting your CR License, and I'll send it to you via PM. Buena Suerte!

Mucho Gusto

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Here's another question.... I'm not sure exactly how long I will be in CR as I'm working on a business plan and not sure how things will play out. I would like to be able to stay 6 months or 1 year, but don't know exactly.

I'm certain it would be a pain in the ass to try to sell the car privately.

Do dealers do any sort of buy-back????

I have scanned the papers for leases and would love to be able to lease. However, when I ask about auto-leases, the word/concept doesn't seem to compute. I assume no leases are available. Instead, they offer a "rentado" at about $900+ per month. No thanks!!! Is there a spanish phrase for auto-lease? I'd even be willing to pay for some or all of the lease upfront.

Please help!

Otherwise, how do you get rid of a car quickly???

_________________
http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

I have never heard of either a buy back program or an auto leasing program in Costa Rica. That is not to say they do not exist but I think you will have a problem finding them if they do exist. Good Luck

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Okay... I confirmed that there is no such thing as an auto lease in CR. The best they can do is rent a car for about $1,000 per month. This is about 4x what I would expect to pay. I used to rent a car for work in the US for about $250 per month.

Anyway... spoke to a lawyer... providing your car has tico plates....you have C 1,000,000 per person in liability automatically. The title and registration are tied together unlike in the US. Not much... $2k per person. For about $500 per year, you can get full coverage including more liability, comp and collision.

He also said that if you are drinking and get into an accident which causes any damage, take the keys and run. Your insurance is worthless if driving under the influence.

_________________
http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.