Can I lease a car for 2 years when I move to Costa Rica?

Question

Thanks for all serious answers.

Answer 1

I live in Costa Rica and travel often to the U.S.  My wife and I have checked around for car rentals quite a bit for ourselves and/or for business associates and I don't think there is anyplace in C.R. that would be worthwhile economically, to lease for 2 years.  You're better off shipping your car there or buying one once you live there.  (By the way, bus transportation is VERY cheap and buses go just about everywhere.)

Answer 2

You can lease a car but only a new car.  The process involves going to the dealership proving yourself to be credit worthy- it could be difficult without bank accounts in Costa Rica, but with some references and the help of an attorney you probably could get into a lease.  The price is significantly more than in the US. for a $35000 car it will cost over $1000 per month to lease on top of a signing deposit of about $3000.  It is a major headache , I was considering leasing at one point but decided to just purchase a car, the terms are outrageous in Costa Rica.  Perhaps things will change with Cafta but in general cars are 20-30% more expensive in Costa Rica than in the U.S.

Just want to give you some perspecitve:

here is a reputable dealership in Costa Rica

http://www.nissancr.com/

you might also find something on craigslist or ebay.