WheelsCR.com – Info on Getting and Using a Vehicle

By: Russ Martin - December 16th, 2010  Filed under: General

WheelsCR.com Information on Vehicles in Costa RicaWelcome to our site!  Here you will find useful information about cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs in Costa Rica. Nothing on oxcarts is planned, but you never know…
Buying a Car in Costa Rica – If you would like to purchase a vehicle in Costa Rica, we can help you make the process as hassle-free as possible.  This page offers the details of the service we provide for a very reasonable fee.

Makes and Models – (section in progress) this section offers articles on different brands and models available in Costa Rica.  The features, pros and cons of different vehicles. We also discuss whether parts are available and whether they can be repaired by most mechanics or not.

Costa Rica Automotive Info – (section in progress) this section offers articles on many aspects: tips on buying a car, discussing advantages of diesel vs. gasoline engines, tips on passing the RTV inspection, handling a traffic stop, changes to the traffic law, tips on buying accessories, and much more.

If you have suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us with our form.

Import Duties on Shipping a Car to Costa Rica

By: Russ Martin - April 26th, 2011  Filed under: Costa Rica Car Buying Info Add Comment

The Galloper was never sold in the USA, but offers good value and economical operation.

If you have a vehicle that you have owned and that is commonly imported to Costa Rica, you may consider shipping the car to Costa Rica. This article explains the reasoning behind the high import duties, as well as some exceptions, including updated information on environmentally friendly taxes.  [Read More]

Tags: ,

Permit for vehicle to leave Costa Rica (temporary exit)

By: Russ Martin - April 7th, 2011  Filed under: Costa Rica Autos: Services, Accessories and Information Add Comment
Tico Plates, Exit Stamps for Vehicles

Getting an Exit Permit for Costa Rica Registered Vehicles

If you want to go see the Panama Canal or take a weekend trip to Nicaragua, then your car, truck, SUV or motorcycle with Costa Rican plates, must get a permit to leave the country.  This is something you can do yourself, although someone else can do it for you with a notarized letter.  The cost of the permit is about $11, but it is only  good for 15 working days, so you have to leave the country within about 3 weeks of the time you get the permit. Following is the low down on the procedure, which varies according to whether the vehicle is owned by an individual, company, NGO, government agency, or if it is in the process of being registered to a new owner. [Read More]

Tags: ,

Costa Rica Fuels: Gasoline, Diesel, LPG, and more

By: Russ Martin - March 9th, 2011  Filed under: Costa Rica Autos: Services, Accessories and Information, Costa Rica Car Buying Info Add Comment

Turbo Diesel Intercooler Engine - The best of both worlds?

If you are going to own a vehicle in Costa Rica, a big part of your life (and budget) is going to be spent filling her up.  Here is some information about fuel varieties, the national refinery and distribution system, and the choices you may make in buying a car. [Read More]

Tags: , , ,

Paying for a Vehicle if You Don’t Have a Costa Rican Bank Account

By: Russ Martin - February 24th, 2011  Filed under: Costa Rica Car Buying Info Add Comment
Sexy, eh? Could be trouble though ...

Jeep Wrangler Close-up

Many of our clients for the car buying assistance service are in the process of relocating and have not yet established a bank account.  But they would prefer not to wait to buy their vehicle until they get an account.  There are a number of ways to arrange for payment of the auto, but the best one for you may depend on your budget (the amount to be transferred to Costa Rica), and also where (or who) you intend to buy the car from.  For example, currently a wire transfer to the dealer’s account is the best option in most cases.  But if you are buying from a private party or a dealer you’ve just met, then it wouldn’t be wise to wire the money into their account and expect to pick up the car a few days later.  They will probably be in Rio spending your money on wine and loose women!

[Read More]
Tags:

Importing a Car to Costa Rica vs. Buying a Vehicle Here

By: Russ Martin - February 18th, 2011  Filed under: Costa Rica Car Buying Info Add Comment

On some web sites people recommend importing a vehicle yourself rather than buying a vehicle that is already in Costa Rica.  A common concern cited is that cars coming in are flood damaged — Katrina Kars — or wrecked vehicles.  But, often the person giving this advice is a customs broker !  To be fair, we also earn money providing a service to people who buy cars here, so if you import a vehicle yourself, then we obviously can’t help you or earn our keep. This article attempts to objectively look at the issue and offer you advice depending on your situation. [Read More]

Tags: ,