Can I sell my American car in South America (Argentina)?

Question

Hello, I'm driving down to South America this summer and I'm wondering if I can sell my American (California) registered car (1980 Mercedes Benz 300SD Turbo Diesel) in South America, preferably somewhere like Buenos Aires, Argentina. I heard some conflicting stories about import tax and age of the car being a limit as well. Please let me know if this is doable, otherwise, I'd have to ship it back ($4000), and I don't want to do that. I'd rather donate it if I can't sell it.

Thanks.

Answer 1

well yes, but the buyer will pay a lot of taxes

Answer 2

You can sell it, but I wouldn't publicize that fact while entering the country.  Otherwise, you'd pay import taxes--not for the value of the vehicle, but for whatever value the customs agent decides the value is.  This could be up to 30% of the made up value.

I may be able to help you sell it for a reasonable price, as my wife has family down there.  My profile name is the same as my yahoo.  Feel free to drop me an e-mail.

Answer 3

It shouldn't be a problem to sell your car as long as you are the registered owner of the car and can document it.  

Do you think that your car will make it down to Argentina?

Be safe, have a planned route, and check in with someone continuously along the way.  

Be prepared to pay toll fees.  Carry many, many singles as most places won't be able to make change for dollars.  

Also, make sure your money looks new.  It sounds stupid, but as I was making my way through central and south America last year, I received change for a $100.  The $50 bill I received had a small corner missing from it.  No big deal here in the US, but all vendors  out there refused to accept it, in all the countries I went through.  Even the banks refused to exchange it for me.  It was a lesson learned.  

Speaking Spanish will also help.

Best of luck on your journey.

Answer 4

As the previous answerer alludes to,  Import Taxes will have to be paid.  I am almost certain they are paid on "Original Cost" (that's right 1980 Cost on the invoice) and they represent 35% in Argentina, 21% for VAT and 14% duty.  You will need to find and importer to do it for you and you will have to pay him.

So even if you pay on current value you would have to pay $1.5K taxes, probably $500 in fees to the importer.  If you don't do this, the new owner can not properly nationalize it and will not gain clear title, something they will not do.  You're better off donating it, they might not care.  You can always get it stolen or just leave it somewhere,  they won't be tracking you down, they don't care about people who leave valuable things there, even if it is technically against the law.

Answer 5

Yea you can

Answer 6

I think you can do it. http://www.pasajeonline.com.ar

Answer 7

DO NOT do it!

It will be a hazzle as you can-not imagine! Of course if you are going to do it the right way.

You (or the buyer) will have to pay a hefty Tax and Import Expenses, then Licencing (the Licence Plates in AR belongs to the car/NOT the owner as in North-America) For all that you will need to hire a "consultant" that will also cost you some money.

All these ONLY IF you find a buyer. For a 1980 MB, you will have to look around a lot. Spare parts are a big issue!

Paraguay may-be an option, the ONLY one actually.

You are far better off, flying "through" South-America!

And if what you want is land-adventure, try the bus services.

Remember you have to cross the Darien Gap, and there is NO regular line from Panama to Colombia. Another hefty sum to ship your precious 1980 MB!

In any case, I do not see "much" left of your MB after almost 10,000 kilometers of "non-north-american" high-ways!

If you "STILL" insist" drive a Ford or GM/Chevrolet pic-up truck. Better chances for spare parts and service centers.

Enjoy!

Ohhh: You CAN NOT DONATE it as no-one will be able to plate it! Untill YOU import it properly, thus paying!!!!!!!!