Will be parttime resident of Mazatlan and will need a vehicle. Should I buy in the States or local ?

Question

have heard prices for new cars in mexico very expensive.

not sure how to keep a US licensed car in mexico. (inspections/license renewals?) will have an FM3.

if bought in US...will mazatlan dearlerships service ?

thank you !!!

Answer 1

Buy in states, and some dealerships do honor your servise.  If not, thir are coscos and walmarts that have service centers and are pretty good.  Have Fun in the sun!!!

Answer 2

Hey new cars that are made in mexico cost about the same price than in the States,  like Volkswagen Beetle, Jetta or Chrysler PT Cruiser, and some models of Pick Ups, ...don´t believe me check it at any website......insurance is more expensive thn the states that is true, and parts of your car in a dealership some time will cost you twice the price of the USA.

Answer 3

Cars in the US are cheaper than in Mexico; you may take your US car into Mexico with a special temporary importation permit that you may get when crossing the border, but you will have to return to the border from time to time (every six months I think) to renew the permit. However, I am afraid that you will be subject of constant harassment of local police agents because of the plates of your vehicle; Of course you will be able to send them to h**l with your permit, but it may be annoying. If you want to  avoid that, you may buy a new or used car in Mexico but it will be more expensive.

About the service, you have to verify that. If you expect some free services, do not count on them. If you meant making the guarantee valid, I am not sure, but your local US dealer should be able to answer that.

Answer 4

The Mazatlan Ford dealership serviced our truck, but for warranty work we still had to pay. Then we filled out paperwork, sent it to the states, and they are supposed to reimburse us, I'll let you know how it works out when we get the check!

Answer 5

Sparks is correct. Horozcop is wrong. With an FM-3 you get an import permit ONE TIME, and as long as your FM-3 is valid and renewed on time, your import permit is valid. I have twice been asked for my import permit. Once the police actually noticed the date and thought there was a problem. He was doubtful what I told him about the FM-3 extending the permit was correct. He called on the radio and after a few minuets it was verified and I was on my way.

Not all makes or models are serviced here. One of my cars is a Jeep Grand Cherokee and certain parts must still come from the states because they sometimes use different parts on the models sold here.

Answer 6

With an FM3 you don't need to renew your auto permit as long as your Visa is good.  Insurance is also cheaper for a US plated car.  Mexican dealships will certainly service for a fee.  You also need to have the car paid for unless your finance company gives you permission to go to Mexico with it