Costa Rica → Information → Car Buying

Costa Rica Car Buying

Although in Costa Rica we have a very trustable public transportation system. Some rather buy a car in Costa Rica when they relocate. If you are going to be living in san jose you must keep in mind that driving here is very different than driving in most countries. Buying a car in Costa Rica comes with some requirements, not need for example in the U.S. when purchasing a car for sale in Costa Rica there are common pitfalls you can easily avoid. Most foreigners tend to have the misconception that bringing your car overseas will save you some money, but it is actually not such a good idea. import duties have to be paid when importing any car and that is why cars are so much more expensive here, besides you will have to add the insurance and shipping costs, clearing the car through costums is quite a hassle and brokers tend to charge quite a bit. Your guarantee will not be valid here and you take the chance of having your car damage in the shipping process. To buy a car in Costa Rica considerate that for example, new cars are at list 30% more expensive than in the United Estates depending on the model and year. Also some cars are not only made for the Latin American market but there are actually some specially made for Costa Rica, with different engine tuning, sizes and some other features. People that need transportation for the urban areas are fond of buying trustable brands such as Suzuki and Nissan. Costa Rica has very different roads depending on the area, so you can easily tell the needs of someone just by looking at the car they drive.

Dealerships are very trustable in Costa Rica; used cars are very popular, of course cheaper than new cars and the financing is user friendly for everybody regardless the high rates, however you need a residency or an authorized source of income to apply. The most popular cars of course maintain their resale value better and spare parts are easier and cheaper to buy. While people in the city prefer regular automobiles like a Nissan or Toyota, some rather have an all terrain vehicle to expand their options, maybe a Land Rover. Costa Ricans tend to take good care of their cars and keep them for a long time, so you should not be afraid of buying a used car for it will probably be in very good condition. In Costa Rica, cars for sale by owner are usually a good deal; always have a trustable mechanic take a look at it before you buy it, read the specifications in the ads carefully and remember that in Costa Rica, you have to filled some requirements and need legal assistance in order to buy a car.

If you feel like browsing around, we recommend you go to the alajuela area: Grecia, La Garita and San Ramon have an interesting variety of used and new cars sales. Costa Rica does have dangerous roads but a car that has been pampered will not let you down. In the matters of gasoline and diesel, most of the cars that circulate in Costa Rica have a 1500 or 2000 engine, this is enough to go almost anywhere in the country, if wish to drive a 4 wheel drive try a jeep or an SUV, but consider Diesel motors. Diesel and gasoline have become much more expensive in the past years, they are still quite affordable but you don’t want your car driving you into bankruptcy. Duties to be paid yearly for your car are the “Marchamo” which is the circulation permit and the RITEVE: a general check up on the condition of the car. For this you have to make an appointment at one of the RITEVE shops and make sure your car is good condition before you go, otherwise they will not grant you the RITEVE approval which is a requirement to pay the marchamo and your car will not be allowed to circulate. Please check our guidelines about driver’s licenses and feel free to contact our in house attorney for further information on Costa Rica car sales and buying a car in the country.