Are you considering buying a car in Costa Rica? Whether you’re an expat moving to paradise or a local looking for a reliable vehicle, purchasing a car in Costa Rica comes with unique challenges. This guide covers everything you need to know—from deciding between importing vs. buying locally, choosing new vs. used, navigating legal requirements, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Contents

Should You Import or Buy a Car Locally in Costa Rica?

One of the first decisions you’ll face when buying a car in Costa Rica is whether to  import a vehicle from abroad  or  purchase one locally . Each option has pros and cons, depending on your budget, vehicle preferences, and long-term plans.

Option 1: Importing a Car to Costa Rica

Pros of Importing

Cons of Importing

Is Importing Worth It?

✅   Yes, if:

❌   No, if:

Option 2: Buying a Car Locally in Costa Rica

Pros of Buying Locally

Cons of Buying Locally

Best Local Buying Options

  1. Dealerships (Agencias)  – Best for  new cars  with warranties.
  2. Certified Pre-Owned Programs  – Some dealers offer inspected used cars.
  3. Private Sellers ( Facebook , Crautos , Encuentra24 )  – Best for  used cars  (negotiate hard).

Final Verdict: Import or Buy Locally?

ScenarioBest Choice
Moving permanently & love your current car✅  Import  (if taxes aren’t prohibitive)
Want a new car with warranty✅  Buy locally (dealership)
Budget-conscious & need a used car✅  Buy locally (private sale)
Looking for a rare/luxury model⚠️  Compare import vs. local prices first

Key Takeaway

For  most expats and buyers , purchasing a  locally available car  (Toyota, Hyundai, Suzuki) is the  simplest and most cost-effective  option. Importing is only worthwhile for  specialty vehicles  or if you’re  strongly attached to your current car.

Choosing the Right Car in Costa Rica

Buying a car in Costa Rica is a big decision—especially since road conditions, availability of parts, and long-term maintenance costs vary widely. Whether you’re looking for a rugged 4×4 for mountain roads or a fuel-efficient sedan for city driving, here’s what you need to know before making your choice.

Best Car Brands for Costa Rica

1. Japanese & Korean Brands (Most Reliable)

These are the most popular and trusted brands due to their durability, widespread service networks, and easy-to-find spare parts:

Why they’re recommended:
✔ Mechanics everywhere know how to fix them.
✔ Parts are readily available and affordable.
✔ High resale value if you decide to sell later.

2. Chinese Brands (Rising in Popularity)

In recent years, Chinese car manufacturers have entered the Costa Rican market with competitive prices, modern features, and improving service networks. Some of the most common brands include:

Pros of Chinese Cars:
✔ Lower upfront cost compared to Japanese/Korean brands.
✔ Increasing number of dealerships and service centers.
✔ Some models come with long warranties (5+ years).

Cons to Consider:
✘ Resale value is still lower than Toyota/Nissan.
✘ Some mechanics may be less familiar with repairs.
✘ Parts availability can be an issue outside San Jos é .

Verdict:  If you plan to keep the car long-term and prioritize affordability, Chinese brands are worth considering—especially if you live near an authorized service center.

3. American & European Brands (Less Common)

Best for:  Expats who prefer familiar brands and don’t mind higher upkeep costs.

New vs. Used Cars

FactorNew CarUsed Car
PriceHigher upfront cost (~1.5–3x U.S. prices).More affordable, but still expensive for late-model used cars.
ReliabilityFull warranty, no hidden issues.Risk of wear/tear (must inspect carefully).
DepreciationLoses value quickly (like everywhere).Slower depreciation in Costa Rica.
FinancingPossible at dealerships (limited for foreigners).Usually cash-only for private sales.

Tip:  If buying used, always check:
✅   Marchamo & Dekra  (must be up to date).
✅   Odometer fraud  (common—verify service records).
✅   Rust/damage  (especially in coastal areas).

4×4 or Not?

Costa Rica’s roads range from smooth highways to rocky, unpaved trails. Here’s how to decide:

Best 4×4 Models:  Toyota Land Cruiser, Suzuki Jimny, Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Fuel Efficiency Matters

Gas prices in Costa Rica are high (around  $5/gallon ), so consider:

Best for Fuel Savings:  Toyota hybrids, Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Accent.

Final Tips for Choosing Your Car

  1. Test drive on rough roads  (don’t just stick to city streets).
  2. Ask expat groups  for mechanic recommendations.
  3. Avoid “too good to be true” deals  (common with stolen/flooded cars).

Where to Buy a Car in Costa Rica – Dealers, Private Sellers & Hidden Gems

Buying a car in Costa Rica requires knowing  where to look  and  how to avoid scams . Unlike in the U.S. or Canada, the market is smaller, prices are higher, and some sellers aren’t always transparent. Here’s a breakdown of the best (and safest) places to buy your next car.

Dealerships (Agencias)

Pros:

✔   Warranties  (new cars usually come with 3–5 years of coverage).
✔   Financing options  (some offer in-house loans, though harder for foreigners).
✔   Legal security  (less risk of fraud vs. private sales).
✔   Trade-ins possible  (if you already have a car to sell).

Cons:

✘   Higher prices  (less room for negotiation on new cars).
✘   Limited inventory  (especially outside San José).
✘   Pushy sales tactics  (common at some dealerships).

Best Dealerships in Costa Rica:

Tip:

Private Sellers (Particulares)

Pros:

✔   Lower prices  (room for negotiation).
✔   More variety  (older models, unique imports).
✔   No dealership markup .

Cons:

✘   Higher risk  (odometer fraud, hidden damage, no warranty).
✘   No financing  (almost always cash-only).
✘   More paperwork  (you must hire a notary).

Where to Find Private Sellers:

  1. Crautos.com  – Costa Rica’s #1 used car site (like Craigslist but more reliable).
  2. Encuentra24.com  – Classified ads with filters for price, model, and location.
  3. Facebook Marketplace / Expat Groups  – Many expats sell before leaving the country.
  4. “Se Vende” Signs  – Old-school but effective—check cars parked with for-sale signs.

Red Flags to Watch For:

🚩   No Dekra/Marchamo  (could mean fines or unpaid taxes).

🚩   Seller refuses a mechanic inspection .

🚩   VIN doesn’t match paperwork  (common with rebuilt wrecks).

Tip:

Car Rental Companies (Former Rentals)

Many rental agencies (like  Adobe , Budget, National ) sell their fleets after 2–3 years.

Pros:

✔   Well-maintained  (regular servicing records).
✔   Mid-range prices  (cheaper than dealerships).
✔   No surprises  (usually sold through reputable channels).

Cons:

✘   Higher mileage  (rental cars are driven hard).
✘   Basic models  (not many luxury options).

Best Rental Companies to Check:

Tip:

Auctions & Repossessed Cars (Subastas)

Auction houses like  Licitación INS or  Banco BAC  sell seized/repossessed cars.

Pros:

✔   Bargain prices  (sometimes 30–50% below market).

Cons:

✘   Sold “as-is”  (no test drives, no warranties).
✘   Competitive bidding  (dealers often dominate).

Who Should Consider Auctions?

Tip:

Online vs. In-Person: What’s Better?

MethodBest ForRisk Level
DealershipsNew cars, financing, peace of mind.Low
Private SellersBargains, older models.Medium-High
Rental CompaniesLightly used, well-maintained cars.Low-Medium
AuctionsExperienced buyers seeking deals.High

Final Tips for Choosing Where to Buy

  1. Dealerships = Safest  (but most expensive).
  2. Private Sales = Cheapest  (but riskiest—never skip the mechanic check!).
  3. Rental Companies = Middle Ground  (good balance of price and reliability).

The Buying Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing a Car in Costa Rica

Buying a car in Costa Rica involves  legal checks, negotiations, and paperwork —but if done right, it’s a smooth process. Below is a detailed breakdown, including how to use  Dekra inspections   to ensure your potential car is roadworthy.

Step 1: Verify Legal Documents

Before anything else, check:
✅   Marchamo (Annual Registration & Insurance)  – Must be up to date (paid between  Nov 1–Dec 31 ).
✅   Dekra (Vehicle Safety & Emissions Inspection)  – Required yearly (month depends on license plate number).
✅   Title (Libertad de Gravamen)  – Ensures no liens (debts) on the car.

How to Check?

Red Flags:
🚩 Expired Marchamo/Dekra (means fines or illegal driving).
🚩 Seller refuses to show paperwork.

Step 2: Inspect the Vehicle

Option A: Hire a Trusted Mechanic (~$50–$100)

Option B: Take It to a Dekra Inspection Station (~$17–$30)

Best for:
✔ Quick check before committing to a full mechanic inspection.
✔ Ensuring the car will pass its  next mandatory Dekra test .

How to Schedule:

Step 3: Negotiate the Price

Negotiation Tips:

Sample Spanish Phrases:

Step 4: Legal Transfer (Traspaso)

Costa Rica requires a  notary (notario público)  to finalize the sale.

Process:

  1. Sign a sales contract  (escritura de traspaso).
  2. Notary checks for debts/fines  on the car.
  3. Pay transfer fees  (~3% of the car’s fiscal value + $300–$500 lawyer fee).
  4. Wait 1–2 weeks  for new title in your name.

Who Pays?

Tip:

Step 5: Finalize Registration & Insurance

Final Checklist Before Driving Off

🔹   Signed transfer papers  (keep copies!).
🔹   Dekra/Marchamo up to date .
🔹   Mechanic’s approval  (if used car).
🔹   Spare key, manual, tools  (don’t forget these!).

Financing a Car in Costa Rica: Options for Expats & Foreign Buyers

Buying a car in Costa Rica is already expensive—and financing one as a foreigner can be even trickier. Unlike in North America or Europe,  most car purchases are cash-based , and loans come with strict requirements. Here’s what you need to know before exploring financing.

Can Foreigners Get Car Loans in Costa Rica?

Short answer:   Yes, but it’s difficult.

Local Bank Loans (Hard for Non-Residents)

Verdict:
✔ Possible if you have residency and local income.
✘   Not worth it  for short-term expats (high rates, strict terms).

Dealership Financing (Easier, But Limited)

Some dealerships (especially for  new cars ) offer in-house financing.

Best For:

International Financing (Rare but Possible)

Catch:

Alternative Options for Foreign Buyers

Since traditional loans are tough, most expats use:

1. Cash or Wire Transfers (Most Common)

Tip:

2. Seller Financing (Pacto de Venta)

Some private sellers allow  installment payments  (but rare).

Risk:

3. Credit Cards (Small Down Payments)

Some dealerships accept  credit cards for deposits  (e.g., $1,000–$2,000).

Key Considerations Before Financing

  1. Interest Rates Are High  (Often 10–20%).
  2. Residency Helps  (Temporal/Permanent makes approval easier).
  3. Used Cars = Harder to Finance  (Most loans are for new cars).
  4. Dealerships Are More Flexible Than Banks .

Final Advice for Expats

Owning a Car in Costa Rica: Ongoing Costs, Repairs

Once you’ve bought your car, the real adventure begins— maintaining it in Costa Rica’s rugged conditions . From  pothole repairs  to  annual fees , here’s what to expect for  long-term ownership costs , whether you need a  4×4 , and how much mechanics charge.

Ongoing Costs of Owning a Car

1. Mandatory Annual Fees

FeeCost (USD)Due Date
Marchamo  (Registration + Basic Insurance)$200–$1,500+ (based on car value)Nov 1 – Dec 31
Dekra (Riteve) Inspection~$20Depends on license plate #  (e.g., plate ending in 1 = January).

Note:  If you miss Marchamo, you’ll pay  late fines + risk impoundment .

2. Fuel Costs (June 2025 Prices)

For up-to-date prices check government site Recope.

Tip:  Gas stations are  full-service only —just say  “lleno, por favor”  (fill it up). For a small tip the attendant will check your tires and clean your windshield.

3. Maintenance & Repairs (Cheap vs. Expensive)

Costa Rica has  affordable labor  but  expensive imported parts .

ServiceCost (USD)
Oil Change (Conventional)$30–$50
Tire Puncture Repair$5–$10  (vs. $20+ in the U.S.)
Brake Pad Replacement$80–$150
Full AC Repair$200–$500
Toyota/Hyundai Mechanic (Hourly Rate)$20–$40
European Luxury Car Mechanic$50–$100+

Why So Cheap?

Watch Out For:

Insurance: Mandatory vs. Recommended

  1. Mandatory Liability Insurance  (Included in Marchamo).
    • Covers  3rd-party damage  (not your own car).
  2. Full Coverage (Recommended)  – ~$500–$1,500/year.
    • Covers  theft, accidents, natural disasters .
    • Best for:  New cars, luxury vehicles, or high-risk areas.

Tip:

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Alternative Transportation in Costa Rica: Golf Carts, ATVs, Scooters & More

If you’re living in a  beach town  (like Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, or Nosara) or a  gated community , you might not need a traditional car. Many expats and locals get around with  golf carts, ATVs, scooters, or even bicycles —saving money on gas, insurance, and maintenance.

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular  alternative vehicles , their costs, and where they work best.

Golf Carts (Most Popular in Beach Towns)

Pros:

✔   Cheap to run  (electric or gas models available).
✔   No car insurance required  (but recommended).
✔   Easy parking  (fits in tight spots).
✔   Great for short distances  (beach, town, groceries).

Cons:

✘   Not legal on highways  (only for local roads).
✘   Weak on steep hills  (unless upgraded—see below).
✘   Limited safety  (no doors, slow acceleration).

Types of Golf Carts in Costa Rica:

  1. Standard 4-Seater  (~$5,000–$10,000 used) – Good for flat areas.
  2. Upgraded 6-Seater (with Hill Climbing Power)  (~$12,000–$20,000 new) – Better for hilly towns (e.g., Santa Teresa).
  3. Street-Legal “Neighborhood Electric Vehicle” (NEV)  – Rare, but some communities allow them.

Best For:

Tip:

ATVs & Side-by-Sides (For Off-Road Adventures)

Pros:

✔   Handles rough terrain  (dirt roads, river crossings).
✔   Fun for exploring  (beaches, jungles, mountain trails).
✔   Cheaper than a 4×4 car  (~$4,000–$25,000 used).

Cons:

✘   Not safe for highways  (illegal on major roads).
✘   No protection from rain/theft .
✘   High maintenance  (tires, belts, suspensions wear fast).

Best Models in Costa Rica:

Best For:

Tip:

Scooters & Motorcycles (Cheapest Daily Riders)

Pros:

✔   Super fuel-efficient  (~100+ MPG).
✔   Avoids traffic jams  (lane-splitting is common).
✔   Super cheap ($800–$5,000 used) .

Cons:

✘   Dangerous in rain/potholes .
✘   Theft risk  (always use a chain lock).
✘   Not ideal for families .

Best Models in Costa Rica:

Best For:

Tip:

Bicycles (For the Frugal & Eco-Conscious)

Pros:

✔   Almost zero costs  (no gas, no insurance).
✔   Healthy & eco-friendly .
✔   Great for short distances  (markets, cafes, beach).

Cons:

✘   Not safe on highways .
✘   Hills + heat = exhausting .
✘   Theft risk  (even cheap bikes get stolen).

Best Bikes for Costa Rica:

Best For:

Tip:

Comparing Costs: Golf Cart vs. Scooter vs. Car

VehiclePurchase PriceMonthly CostBest For
Golf Cart$5K–$20K~$50 (electricity)Beach towns, short trips
ATV/Side-by-Side$4K–$25K~$100 (gas + repairs)Off-road adventures
Scooter$800–$5K~$30 (gas + insurance)City commuting
Bicycle$200–$3K~$5 (maintenance)Eco-friendly locals
Car (4×4)$10K–$50K+~$300+ (gas, insurance, Marchamo)Families, long-distance

Final Tips for Choosing Alternative Transport

  1. Rent before buying  (test different options for a week).
  2. Check local laws  (some towns restrict ATVs/golf carts).
  3. Prioritize safety  (Costa Rican roads can be chaotic).

Ready to Buy Your Dream Car in Costa Rica?

Buying a car in Costa Rica doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right research, a trusted mechanic, and a good lawyer, you’ll be hitting the road in no time!

Need help with real estate too?  🏡
At  BrokerCostaRica.com , Tony & Anna Velez specialize in helping expats find their perfect home in Costa Rica.  Contact us today   for expert advice!

Anna and Tony Velez
Follow us

CALL US TODAY

Work With Team Velez

Contact Details

Quick Links

© 2024 Coldwell Banker.com || All Rights Reserved

Reset password

Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password.

Get started with your account

To save your favourite homes and more

Sign up with email

Get started with your account

To save your favourite homes and more

By clicking the «SIGN UP» button you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Powered by Estatik