Buying a car in Mexico?

Question

Has anyone bought a car in Mexico? We're visiting Puerto Vallarta and I'd like to buy a car on the way. Any experiences and advice would be helpful. Thanks.

Answer 1

Why 'on the way' and why do you want the car.  Cars are expensive here and you can't take it back to the US without mucho problemas (if at all).  Finding a good car along the way would require more than a week of looking and getting it registered.  Some Aduana offices may not want to transfer if you only have a tourist visa

Either buy a car up north or take the bus.  Have registration in your name and get insurance.  Insurance for a Mexican plated car is about double that of a US plated

Answer 2

Are you an American citizen?  If so, It is against Mexican law to sell a car to a foreign citizen who is in Mexico with just a tourist card.  The purchaser must have an FM3 or FM2 visa.   Why would you want to buy a car in Mexico?  They cost more in Mexico than in the states.  Also, models sold in Mexico usually will not pass EPA standards in the states...and you would have to pay a large customs charge if you tried to take it back to the states.  Also...you would not be allowed to register it in Mexico.In other words...cannot be done. Now, some unscupulous salesman or individual may offer to sell you a car...but you would never get out of the country with it.

Answer 3

I have lived in Mexico  for two years. First, are you white? If you are get someone you know like a friend to go with you that speaks Spanish  well.  Because they will see you coming like a tourist and try to take advantage of you. Its much easier and believe me much cheaper to hire a driver, you can negotiate

with them for a better fare. Everyone just wants to make some money so this better. Most of these car lots buy broken, flooded, wrecked and just plain lemons and sell them for cheap in Mexico. Be careful , life in Mexico is like a different planet.

Answer 4

Why?

Buy it in the US if your legal.........