Buying this new Hummer H-2 in Costa Rica will cost you twice the amount if not more from a dealership in Costa Rica
When someone moves to Costa Rica, one major decision they will have to make whether to buy a car and/or just use the excellent public transportation system. If they plan on living in San Jose, it is a wise choice to use the public transportation until one gets the feel of things.
A common misconception among foreigners coming to Costa Rica is that you will save money by bringing a car here from overseas.
There are just a few of the drawbacks:
- You still have to pay the import duties, which is the main reason cars are so much more expensive here. Plus insurance and shipping costs.
- You’ll have to go through the process of clearing the car through customs, either yourself (god luck) or with a customs broker (who will obviously charge you)
- If you buy a new car from a dealer in the US, the guarantee won’t be valid here.
- The car may be damaged in shipping or have parts stolen in transit. While the insurance you buy may cover this damage, it probably won’t. Especially if the damage may have been pre-existing or not related to the handling of the container.
If there is some compelling reason you must purchase abroad, you will pay the following rates on cars, SUVs and pickups. Less than 3 years old – 59.33%, 4-5 years old 70.63% and 6 or more years old 85.32%. Brand new cars purchased at dealers here have about 20%worth of duties applied to the price. These rates are applied not only to the Black Book value of the car (regardless of the purchase price), but also to the shipping and insurance costs.
More about this go to Shipping, Importing a Vehicle to Costa Rica
Buying a New Car from a Dealership
Fact the fact, new cars in Costa Rica run about 30% more than new cars in the U.S. This is more or less the import tax amount. Any difference higher than 30% would be due to higher prices the dealer pays to the factory, model popularity, or because of a better reputation locally. Or bluntly putting it, a specialty car like a Hummer or Limo will cost an arm and leg.
One of the things you must understand, Costa Rica is laxed in safety features and do not expect to get some of the standard accessories as a car you would buy in the US. That GPS may not come with the car as advertised on U.S. TV.
Also, few new cars are made specifically for the Costa Rica market with special engine tuning, motor sizes and suspension. Some brands that aren’t very popular in the US, like Suzuki, are excellent choices because of price and are stripped to the bear bones to make the car affordable to Costa Ricans. Cars that are popular have specific selling points like high clearances and Four Wheel Drive. What to watch for if seeking to buy a new car from a dealer.
- Financing has improved dramatically in the last several years, but rates are higher than in the U.S. Foreigners who don’t have legal residency or “authorized” income sources may encounter difficulty with financing, regardless of your credit rating.
- Check the popularity locally of the car in the secondary market. The more popular and respected cars will obviously retain their resale value better, and will offer more options when you need parts later.
- Check out the dealer’s reputation, service center and time they have been in business. L y S, Purdy Motor, Agencia Datsun, EuroAutos, VETRASA & VEINSA all have excellent reputations for inventories of parts, service, and carry popular brands. Not that you have to stay away from others, but you have to do more research on them before buying.
- “New” cars – Most brands only have one authorized dealer, because Costa Rica is a small market. But some makes have dealers that bring in 0 km cars that are “like new”. Often these are last year’s models that haven’t sold in Korea and are shipped here. This isn’t to say that they aren’t good deals, you just have to read the ads carefully so that you know what you’re getting.
Buying from an Individual vs. Used Car Dealer
The used car dealer offers several advantages. The principle one being that they are legally bound to offer a 30 day guarantee on the transmission and motor. While a good mechanic will more than likely be able to steer you away from a real lemon, this guarantee is nice to have. Another advantage is that they can offer you financing on the cars they sell and they’ll take your car as a trade in, saving you the hassle of selling it.
Another big advantage is that most dealers are direct importers. It’s no secret that the roads in Costa Rica are hazardous to the health of your car. If you purchase a car that is just coming into the country, you are assured of getting a car that has suffered much less abuse when compared to any car that has circulated in Costa Rica for a few years. This obviously benefits the mechanical condition of the car a great deal. Also, many cars now are coming from Korea, which is small country with great roads. That means low mileage and generally good overall condition.
There are 2 scenarios where buying from an individual could be better. One case would be buying a 1 owner car from someone who you know is very meticulous about the care and maintenance of their vehicles. Another case may be from someone who is leaving the country and who is desperate to sell the car at any price before they go.
However, be careful in buying a car from like Craig’s Lists or any other free ad place. If you find a car that is well below market value advertised, be very careful why the price is so low, because normally there is several reasons. 1) The car has forged docs or stolen. 2) The owner imported the car,and has not pay the import taxes, which when you registered the car, you will get nailed or the car impounded.
What Makes and Models are the Best for Costa Rica
The 3 most popular brands in Costa Rica have always been Nissan, Hyundai, and Toyota, but since the Toyota recalls, that has changed. Before, you could not go wrong for several reasons.
1. Parts are readily available in almost any area of the country.
2. Parts are generally less expensive than any other brand.
3. These cars hold their resale value very well.
4. Mechanics are familiar with these cars and have the necessary equipment for diagnosis and repair.
Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Honda are also good brands that are popular and solid choices. You have much more freedom if you plan to buy a new car from a dealer and drive it into the ground, but it still won’t hurt to keep the above factors in mind. For example, Puegot has entered the market here in a big way and will probably be 1st tier status within the next year or two.
How much are the taxes when buying a car from a individual here in CR. Are the taxes the same if you buy from a dealer?
Thanks,
Steve
Ok,some things I've learned from my many trips and now residing in CR. If you import your car, ie.. ship,train ,plane,etc. you have to be ready with the taxes and then some when you go to pick it up.This includes using a broker or doing it yourself. If you drive it across the border you can register it for tourist use. This gives you 90 days and then the vehicle must leave or come up with the taxes. I've heard you can get extentions on the 90 but check for yourself. Use a lawyer for everything,they are usually reasonable especially when referred by someone here. Good luck!!
A brand new Suzuki Alto sells in Costa Rica for only $13,000US It has a one liter engine.
I rented one for two weeks and found the folowing: Power was surprising for one liter, it could limb steep grades. It was difficult to get good traction due to the front end being so light. With three adults and heavy luggage it did bottom out a few times. If there are just two people in the car, and not carrying heavy loads, it's a nice car for the price. Suzuki is also a good quality car. We beat the hell out of that rented car and it took everything we threw at it.
Thats a good car to rent and one of the cheapest. A bit gutless but it will get you just about anywhere.
The lowest priced car sold in Costa Rica is the Suzuki Alto, a five door sedan with a 3 cylinder one litre engine. It sells for under $13,000 Suzuki has always been a dependable car. This vehicle is only two wheel drive. For $10,000 more you can get a Suzuki Jimny, a four wheel drive jeep with a 1.3 litre engine. This vehicle is absolutely perfect for all roads in Costa Rica. Best bet is to rent one of these vehicles for a week before deciding whether to purchase one or not.
I too am moving to CR in near future. The caution is that some vehicles are salvaged (eg. flood submersion) and sold to Central America as legit vehicles. Also remember that duty whether bought in country or brought in (my choice) amounts to 35-50%. In country buy has that in the price. There are legit ‘finders’ who will shop your specs there and find you a good vehicle for not much cost and make sure it’s mechanically ok.
I’m going to be moving to CR in a couple months. I’m looking at purchasing a vehicle there. Are there any legalities or setbacks? Is there is a place I can find a step-by-step process? I don’t want to get there to purchase one and find there’s a very long and expensive process to even be legal to drive it.
I’m an american and just want something to get around in so I’ll be purchasing a used one from craigslist or something like that. I’d have it checked out mechanically but my main worry is if any limitations will exist for me as an american or if I can just purchase one from someone there and be good to go. Also what about any registrations, insurance, annual taxes?
Just make sure that if your plan on buying a vehicle from a 3rd party (Craigs Lists) that the vehicle has been registered and has all the docs. You may consult with a local and/or attorney. Otherwise, you may have to pay huge import fees etc.
Do you know if i can buy solar path lights in Costa Rica. Have tryed to get in touch with Wal-Mart there but no luck.
CAN SOMEONE PUT ME IN TOUCH WITH A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN COSTA RICA?
I HAVE A 2006 HYUNDAI SONATA AND HAVE GOTTEN GREAT SERVICE OUT OF IT. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY AN NEW HYUNDAI SUV, BUT DONT WANT TO PAY AN ARM AND A LEG FOR IT. I THOUGHT ABOUT BUYING IT IN THE STATES AND SHIPPING IT TO C.R.
CHARLIE
i would like to buy a goood used car for arounf 5.000.00
Go to Costa Rica’s Craigs List, but make sure the title is clean and the vehicle is registered in CR.
I’m looking to buy a motorbike (motocross type). How hard is it to get it registrated and “legal”? We’ll be in Costa Rica for 1 month and a half. Would it be better to rent?
Costa Rica has a hefty import tax for motorbikes etc, so buying one expect to pay almost double for what it would cost you in US, plus then the headaches of trying to sell it after only 6 weeks! – Renting is cheaper.
I’ve bought property and will be retiring in Costa Rica starting February of 2013. I want to buy a new Suzuki Jeepny or Datsu Terios. I was wondering if it would be wise to have a Tico secure the price for me, as I know Gringo pricing does exist in Cost Rica.
GREAT. but how much is diesel (typically) per gallon/liter?
thanks, tex
As of today, diesel is around 546 colones/per liter ($1.10+- USD). Reg gas is around 608 colones/per liter ($1.25+-USD). Price varies a bit depending if you are in the sticks or close to a major city.
i drive a ford F-250 DIESEL. – how much is diesel fuel there, these days?
Just about every gas station in Costa Rica has diesel – you will have no problem finding diesel
I was wondering is it hard to ship Harley Davidson bikes down there. Is there a dealer there . I was wanting to start a business down there. I have great sources for four wheelers and the big bikes,I really need to check things out.
It is not hard to ship, what is hard is paying for the import tax, which can be twice as the bike cost. Email Los De XIbalba Motorcycle Club in Costa Rica – and they can give you all the facts etc. And or go Motor Cycle Tours
How much would it cost to drive our 2004 f150 ford to Costa Rica?