Before Buying a Used Car in Costa Rica, Check the Availability of Spare Parts.

If you came to live in Costa Rica and decided that the public transport is too restrictive for you, then you are going to need a car. The next question will be whether you are going to buy a new or a used car. This is quicker to answer than you think…

Many foreigners have the misconception that buying a new car is cheaper and safer and makes more sense. Nothing could be further from the truth! Generally speaking, a new car in Costa Rica is between 30 and 40% more expensive than it would be in the United States.

When buying a new car, you still have to pay the import duties, so the cost will start rising there. Remember that this is the main reason why cars are expensive in this country. Then the headache of clearing the car through customs; you have two choices here, you do it yourself, and good luck to you, or you contact a customs broker who will no doubt charge you a fortune.

The next headache is the guarantee; The U.S. guarantee you will have purchased is not valid here.
The obvious problems remain, such as damages in shipping or if there are any missing parts. Usually the insurance claims that the damage occurred before shipping and will not give you a cent back. Finally, remember that there are cars in the market especially made for the Costa Rican market, with special tuning, sizes and other special features. Toyota, Hyundai, Suzuki are some of the most popular brands, with cheap spare parts available nationwide. If you import a car, be sure to check availability of parts for the specific model in advance by asking local mechanics.

Once you are settled on buying a used car, bare in mind that driving in Costa RIca is very different to what you are probably used to; Costa Rican drivers have a different concept of what safe driving means, and the roads, the roads! There are usually more pot holes than road, and when leaving the capital, virtually no road signs, although this has largely improved over the last few years. Many people opt for a SUV or 4X4 models, but this depends largely on where and how you intend to use your car.

If you decide to buy from a car dealer, you get a 30-day guarantee, which is always a good thing, and financing will also be offered to you if you require this option. Dealers are also importers, usually, and it is common knowledge that a car that has not suffered Costa Rican roads for years is going to be in a lot better state!

On the other hand, buying from an individual means that you will be able to meet the owner personally; constant care and maintenance and the advantage of the vehicle having had only one owner is a big advantage. Do be careful if you happen to find a car that is too cheap as there is usually a catch! On the other hand, such bargains have been heard of; the owner for example has to leave the country suddenly and quickly and is desperate to sell his car. Still, always make sure you have found a trustworthy mechanic so that he can give the car a check up before you decide to buy it. A good lawyer will also have to register the car for you and give you the necessary legal assistance.

Once you are a proud owner, you will have to pay a yearly duty called Marchamo, which is really the circulation permit, but in order to get this, you will have to present them with the RITEVE. This is a compulsory mechanical check up for which you will need to make an appointment. You will have to go through this every year, and if some mechanical flaw is found or the car fails to pass all the requirements, the RITEVE will be denied and you car will not be allowed to circulate.

Despite the extra hassles of buying a car in a foreign country, owning a car in Costa Rica is still the best way to explore this beautiful country. Good luck with your purchase, and enjoy!

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Filed under: Living on May 14th, 2008