A NEW Car

by: Russ Martin - December 28th, 2012   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service Add Comment
A new experience for Russ -- buying a new car!

A new experience for Russ — buying a new car!

I had a positive experience that I wanted to share with anyone who might be seeking a similar type of service.Many months ago, I ran across an ad in the ARCR (Association of Residents in Costa Rica) magazine “El Residente” which advertised the services of Mr. Russell Martin. Mr. Martin, hailing from Texas/Nebraska, aids expatriates and others in the search for reliable used cars in Costa Rica. Since I recently purchased a small home near La Fortuna, in the Lake Arenal area, I knew that, for me, the next step was to buy a car, so I clipped the ad out and placed it within a folder in one of my desk drawers.

I had taken the leap to relocate to Costa Rica with the hope of easing the financial burden of my retirement. Buying a home in a foreign country is scary enough so I was careful to utilize a well recommended lawyer and to work through a competent real estate professional, which, in Costa Rica, can be an oxymoron. I feel strongly that those decisions were a vital factor in my acquiring a very nice property at a fair price without any hassles or irregularities.

So when I learned that acquiring a reliable car can turn out to be more difficult than purchasing a home, I wanted all the help I could get. Eventually, I contacted Mr. Martin via e-mail and we began a long and frequent communication as to what might be best for me, given my budget and where I chose to live. It wasn’t long before we were on a first name basis and I developed the assurance that Russell knew what he was doing. During these communications, I was impressed by Russell’s knowledge of autos, the clarity of his explanations, and the general thoroughness of his procedures.

I have no doubt that he can help anyone get the best value for their money in the Costa Rican market. He works only with proven and trustworthy dealers.

I finally decided that I would prefer to buy a new car and asked for his help in shopping the market and completing a deal. We began a new dialogue until we arrived at a game plan. Russell’s patience, his knowledge and his fluency in Spanish guided me through an unimaginable labyrinth and ended in total success. Although I suppose
there is no guarantee, I believe that his fee easily saved me money in the end. But even if it did not, given the frequent trips he made to the dealership, the time and the energy he put into the process, he saved me a ton of time and aggravation.

If you want your best chance to find a reliable used car or to help negotiate the process of purchasing a new car, I think that Russell Martin is a great asset to have on your side.

Alan R. Altman

Tags:

Getting Our Client Into a Jam …

by: Russ Martin - March 15th, 2012   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service Add Comment
Geo Tracker 1998

4 doors for beach living

Russ

Thank you for providing me with incredible service in helping me find a car. My requirements on car size was strict due to my small garage, yet you managed to provide me with many choices to inspect.

I appreciate that you scheduled my day very efficiently, and I was able to choose one on the first afternoon. I had no knowledge that the paperwork would be so involved, yet you managed to get the legal lawyer and have me on my way in less than one hour.

In addition, you truly went above and beyond in helping me locate a roof rack afterwards. I would certainly  recommend your services, especially after discovering how involved it would have been for me, to attempt it myself.

Sincerely, Gerry Wilson

Tags: ,

Thanks Before Thanksgiving

by: Russ Martin - November 15th, 2011   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service Add Comment

Hello Russ and Kattia

Thanks for all your help with the purchase of the vehicle. The service provided was excellent, fast and efficient. We appreciate all your efforts in sourcing suitable cars, arranging the appointments, driving us around, and arranging the insurance, etc.

We would most certainly be recommending your company to any of our friends that one day might be interested in coming to live in Costa Rica.

We really are enjoying the car, with the only issue being a slow leak in one of the back tires that we will need to have fixed in San Joaquin.

Thanks again and look forward to seeing you once the license plates arrive.

Enjoy.

Garry McMullen
David Phipps

Tags:

A Pleasant Resolution

by: Russ Martin - November 4th, 2011   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service Add Comment

As you know, Kattia was very helpful in the purchase of a car. She indicated that you would like to be kept informed as to the service that Autos Delgado would provide after the sale. I am writing this to alert you to the fact that the brakes are going out.

I mentioned my  concern to Julio Cesar Delgado G. at the the time we were trying the car out and he assurred me the problem with the softness of the brakes had to do to with that they were new and had not settled in. Now, if I do not pump them up or if I only apply them, the pedal will go to the floor. This has been a slowly developing problem, becoming this serious last night.

I will contact Mr. Delgado today and I hope he will respond in a positive, rapid manner and correct to problem immediately. I will keep you informed as to his reaction and response to the 30 day guarantee.

Thank you John Martin

********** Afternoon Message

Julio, the owner was always very reachable, courteous and helpful. At first, he indicated his mechanic would not be available until Monday as today was the end of the work week. I politely told him that I would have no transportation this weekend and for much of Monday.

He told me that he would contact his mechanic to see if he could get to it this morning. Ten minutes later he called me and told me to bring the car in immediately as he had made arrangements to have the repair done. We did so.

He repaired the window control on the passenger side before having me follow him to the repair shop. He took me back to his agency and the my waiting family. We took a tour of the surrounding area. He called about an hour later with news that the car was repaired and at his agency.

We returned and it was ready with a new master cylinder, ready to go. He had one of his workers washing and polishing it, as good as an exterior detail job. I have driven the car and given lessons to Carolina this evening.

Needless to say, I am pleased with his response.

John

Tags: ,

Driver’s Education?

by: Russ Martin - February 14th, 2011   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service

Nissan Pathfinder 2000Hi Russ and Kattia!  Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but we have spent the last two days trying to recover from the ordeal of driving in San Jose!

We had a reasonable journey back to Tilaran and all was going well until we got to our house and Peter discovered that he had left the key for the padlock on the gate on the keyring of the rental car!  Thankfully there is also a side gate where we can bring in the car in off the road, but there were a few moments of panic!  I have called the car rental company and they have found the key – they say they are going to put it on a delivery service which runs on the bus from San Jose to Tilaran.  Hopefully it will arrive on Monday and we can go and collect it from the the bus station.

Anyway, the most important part of this email is to tell you how happy we were to have found you – you have both offered us service with a smile (in Kattia’s case anyway – Russ, we imagined you smiling through your emails!) and have gone above and beyond the call of duty from beginning to end.  You helped us through what could have been a very stressful time and there is no way we could have done it without you.  We were lucky to find a suitable car straight away and you managed to speed us through the buying, registration and insurance processes so that we could get on our way.  Kattia – your cheerfulness and can-do attitude made everything seem easy, even if your driving did leave us holding our breath on occasions!  One day we will learn to drive like you!  Many, many thanks for all you did for us – and please feel free to use our comments as a testimonial on your website – we would have no hesitation in recommending you to anybody.

Regards,
Frances and Peter :-)

Tags: ,

Surf’s Up ! Kalon Surf Costa Rica Buys Galloper

by: Russ Martin - February 8th, 2011   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service
Galloper 2000 for Surf School Transportation

Hyundai Galloper 4 x 4 SUV for Kalon Surf

When I was planning my move to Costa Rica to open my luxury surf school, Kalon Surf, one of the key things that I needed to manage was getting a car, a proper one, preferably not overpriced. But how do you go about it? Where to go? Private sale or to a dealer? Which ones are good, which one not? What is the right price? Which type of car should you get? With seriously high taxes on import, you really do need to consider your options. But again where to start…

Then funny enough, at the same time I found Fijatevos on the internet, they were also recommended to me by someone I trust on anything he would say – I checked their website, read their extensive reviews (I now even more understand why Kattia has so many) and decided that this is definitely the best option. In fairness, at that moment I also thought – even just on getting from dealer to dealer by taxi and the amount of time to locate the taxi’s their service would pay off.

It turned out to be such much more, Russ replied quickly on any questions I had, but more importantly they have knowledge about the market tell you sincerely what to do, what not to do and even help you with some additional issues (e.g. Read the article on opening a Costa Rica bank account on Fijatevos of Russell). I felt I was already well prepared before I arrived.

On arrival, Kattia picked me up at the hotel and had a list of cars ready to be checked out. And boy, she knows a lot – she checks the car with you, part for part, asks whether certain things get replaced or not and also tells you when it is better to move on to the next car – and although she is on good terms with most of the dealer you will visit (which definitely helps) she is 100% on your side and tries to get done as much as possible.

It goes without saying I would recommend them in a heartbeat, and chances are that when I buy my next car here in Costa Rica (as I might need another one for my business) I would like to use Kattia and Russel again. Thanks guys.

Kjeld Schigt, Founder
Kalon Surf School – Playa Dominicalito, Costa Rica

Ps. Their “after-sales” is perfect as well!

Tags: ,

Remember December?

by: Russ Martin - January 18th, 2011   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service Add Comment

Hola Kattia and Russ, sorry I didn’t get back to you yesterday but it was a very long one for me.  I had to drop Sheila off at Liberia airport at 6 AM then pick up my friend at 6 PM.  In between I went to the Riteve office and got my sticker then a young lady who spoke Spanish and English called Jorge for me and we figured out where i had to go to get the marchamo, the INS office.  I had both stickers on the windshield by 9 AM and had the rest of the day to explore Liberia while I waited for my friend.  If Jorge had explained that because I had the original receipts I had to go to Liberia or Nicoya to get the stickers, I would have done that as soon as I got the plates and documents and there would have been “no problemo”.  Perhaps he will learn form this and the next gringo that buys a car needing licensing will be better informed.

I want to thank you very much for your able assistance in helping me find the right vehicle.  From meeting me at the airport, taking me to reputable auto dealers who had the vehicles I wanted to see then helping me conclude the purchase, I could not have done it without your support.  Your service was invaluable and very much appreciated.  I also appreciated your help after the purchase when a problem came up relating to the license plate and stickers which must be displayed on the windshield.  Problem solved with your help!  I would recommend your services to anyone looking to buy a car in CR.

I  hope our paths cross again, warm regards… Bob

A “Novel” Experience

by: Russ Martin - August 5th, 2010   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service

Kattia (and Russ),

I cannot begin to thank you enough for how helpful, patient, and informative you were in helping me find my truck. It would have been a nightmare for me to do it all on my own, and I just may have given up! Your services are such a huge help, and Kattia was so incredibly kind. It was a crazy three-day marathon of shopping, Riteve, banks, and tears (mostly mine, I’m such a wuss) but we managed to find just what I needed, get it legal, get it insured, and get me on my way to my new home in Montezuma. Incredible. Thank you so much for your patience, and your herculean efforts to find the cheapest, best car possible for the rough roads out here on the peninsula. Wow. What a job it was! I’m loving being a Costa Rican resident and because of you I have the freedom to go see more of this incredible country. It’s so beautiful and so diverse. I find myself more and more inspired here every day as I work on writing my novel. Thank you. It was so lovely to meet you and your daughter, and I truly do feel like I have family in San Jose now.

Much love.

Evie Stewart,
Montezuma & Florida

Helping a 15 year Resident of Costa Rica

by: Russ Martin - June 15th, 2010   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service

I would recommend Kattia for helping a person find the car of your dreams in Costa Rica,as I spent considerable time looking with no results, she did the job in two days.

Thanks again.

Robert Browne, Desamparados

Kattia on the Case !

by: Russ Martin - May 23rd, 2010   Filed under: Testimonials PASS service

I am a non Spanish speaking Gringo who decided to take a year out from life in England and move to Costa Rica with my family. One of my biggest concerns before moving out here was what shall I do about a car? The cost of hiring one was going to be prohibitive so my only option was to buy one but I had no idea about how to go about sourcing one, ensuring it was in good order mechanically, negotiating a price, how to pay for it, how to insure it and what to do if things go wrong. In hindsight I need not have worried at all as thankfully I came across Kattia’s website on Google and once she was on the case everything was sorted for me!!

In the run up to flying to San Jose I had a few email conversations with Kattia & Russell about what car I was looking for and how to pay for it. In Costa Rica you can buy a car with CASH or BANKERS DRAFT only, nothing else. I decided upon a Caxton Card that you load with Dollars and is in theory accepted in Costa Rica as it is associated to MasterCard. As it turned out it did work, much to Kattia’s surprise, but I will come to that in a moment. It was agreed Kattia would meet me at my Hotel at 8:30 am the day after I arrived to get the ball rolling. Being honest I was a little nervous as I did not know her and was potentially going to be drawing out large sums of cash and being driven around a city I didn’t know without speaking the language.

Well I need not have worried as Kattia turned up prompt, she was professional, friendly and put me at ease straight away. She took me in her car for a tour of dealerships in San Jose which took most of the morning and allowed me to drive a number of different cars before deciding which I wanted. I was terrified of driving in San Jose as they drive on the wrong side – but with Kattia and the garage owner in the car and me behind the wheel I did pretty well.

Once I had decided upon a Hyundai Galloper the next issue to resolve was how to raise the cash for it. I didn’t want to carry thousands of dollars with me from the UK so was relying on the Caxton Card to be accepted by the local banks in exchange for cash or bankers draft. As I said it did work, much to Kattia’s surprise, but it had a withdrawal limit on it so as part of the service Kattia took me to the bank twice, she arranged with the bank clerk to produce a bankers draft in the name of the garage owner, again I was a bit concerned but I shouldn’t have been as Kattia had my best interests in mind at all times and is totally trustworthy. Once we had the 2 cheques we went to pay for the car, initially I put down a 10% deposit and the remainder the next day.

The car was yet to be registered in Costa Rica which would you believe was another little worry for me but as always Kattia had it covered and she along with a lawyer that she had arrange all the necessary papers were signed and I was to return to the garage in 4 days time to pick up the car. At the same time Kattia had arranged for Mario the insurance man to be at the garage so I was able to get fully comprehensive cover for me and any driver.

Before I actually drove the car off the forecourt Kattia checked that it had all the necessary safety equipment and tyre changing kit which was very helpful as it turned out it wasn’t all there so they quickly replaced them. I then followed Kattia to a local petrol station to fill up and check the oil and tyres and just to top off Kattia’s amazing service we followed her across San Jose to the Pan American Highway so we got onto the right road for our trip to Tamarindo, which was well out of her way.

As I said at the beginning buying a car in Costa Rica was one of my biggest concerns but with Kattia’s help it was really very easy and I can’t recommend her services enough. Kattia is professional, friendly, efficient, patient and goes out of her way to help. Thanks Kattia, I will keep in touch.

Matt, Lu & Moxy Kalupka
Currently of Tamarindo