Costa Rica Car Guide
June 8, 2026How to Buy a Used Car in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Car Buying Assistance
SUV | Trucks | Sedans -- Used or New Vehicles
Since 2006 we have offered our clients the PASS service. This eliminates common problems and issues expats face with the purchase of a vehicle, and makes the car buying experience as worry-free as possible.
See the section below to get more information on our process or contact us for an appointment.
In the right hand column you can find general information about vehicles in Costa Rica: driving, insurance, registration and other topics.
The fee for the PASS service is $440, click here: Contact Us (opens new window) to make your reservation now. If you would like to purchase a brand new car, please visit the information page ( Brand New Cars in Costa Rica ). The PASS service includes the following steps:
Preliminary Consultation
Preliminary consultation by email on suitable vehicles, methods for funding the purchase, and answering any questions you may have about the technical inspection or registration process. This step is very important in saving time during the purchase process.
Secure the Options
A day or two before your arrival we will call our pool of dealers and importers to locate vehicles matching the agreed upon specifications. While we may occasionally encounter new dealers through referrals, for the most part we have personally visited their lots and driven their vehicles. Not only that, we’ve had clients that have purchased a vehicle there. Working within this pool of dealers is vital for your peace of mind, you can be sure that these are reputable business owners who bring in quality vehicles and stand behind their product.
Once You Arrive
Once you arrive, we pick you up at your residence or hotel in San José. We visit each dealership and you will test drive the vehicle(s). We will interpret for you with the dealer to answer any questions you may have about the vehicle.
Making a Decision
In our years of experience in providing this service, after you have seen 4-6 vehicles one or two will stand out as far superior. Either for overall condition, a better price, or for features and extras you like. In rare cases you may need to see more in order to come to a decision, and that is no problem.
Do the Paperwork
The next step is to complete the purchase. First you will complete the payment, the exact procedure depends on your form of payment. Next is the sales contract, often the lawyer will come to the dealership, but if not then we go to the lawyer’s office which would be close by. We will help you review the sales contract and translate for you to clear up any questions on the registration process.
Get the Vehicle!
Once this is done, you will take delivery of the vehicle. Often the same day, but in many cases this is done a day or two after the purchase for varying reasons.
Our clients our very happy with our service, read what they say here — Testimonials. Most of our customers would hate to drive in San José traffic, or navigate themselves to the dealerships. Having a reliable translator is also a big plus, and they are also reassured by being able to deal with an established business person we consider trustworthy. Altogether, everyone feels that the $440 fee is a very fair price and well worth paying. Click here, Used Car PASS, to begin the process now.

Costa Rica Car Guide
Most foreign residents of Costa Rica find they need a vehicle to explore the country. While public transportation is inexpensive and frequent in urban areas, in rural and coastal areas it is more difficult to get around.
Our clients tend to rent or own property in more natural settings, with panoramic ocean or mountain views. This means driving to town for necessities or to enjoy the local activities and thus the need for a vehicle.
Also, when exploring the country outside of the community where you live, it is faster and easier to get around with your own 4×4 or all-wheel drive vehicle.
Below are links to frequent questions for vehicle owners in Costa Rica.
FAQS
Below are frequent questions about having a car in Costa Rica. Click to open for answers and links to further details.
Do I Need Insurance?
You may find yourself with an urge to get insurance, find out more: Obligatory & Voluntary Vehicle Insurance in Costa Rica
Can You Buy a Car Without Help?
You can buy a vehicle on your own, but should you? Click here to see the PASS Advantage
Can I Bring My Own Car to Costa Rica?
You can read this article, Shipping vs Buying in Costa Rica ,
What Are Popular Models in Costa Rica?
In general, Japanese and Korean. You can see articles about specific models here: Popular Makes and Models in Costa Rica

