Costa Rica New Car Guide
May 10, 2026How to Buy a Brand New Vehicle in Costa Rica
For popular brands and models, the new car dealers usually don’t have any in stock.
The cars you see on display are actually ready for delivery because they were pre-ordered! The normal time frame for delivery is 6 to 8 weeks.
Not all dealers have English speaking sales agents, so getting the information you need on the vehicles and the purchase procedure to follow can be difficult.
And many people moving here don’t have bank accounts in Costa Rica, so there will automatically be a delay while the funds are wired internationally to Costa Rica.
The new car PASS service is designed to allow you to pick up your vehicle upon arrival in Costa Rica. Here are the steps:
Preliminary Consultation
We will work with you in advance to determine what models suit your needs and budget, then proceed to obtain quotes from our contacts at the new car dealers, and confirm prices / availability.
Reserve the One You Want
Once you’ve selected a car, we can then proceed with the reservation, payment information for the dealer, and assist with arranging everything for delivery.
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.
Get the Vehicle!
Upon your arrival we will pick you up from your hotel in San Jose and take you to the dealer to get your new car.
The price for the new car PASS service is $490. You can find further information on new car purchases below.
Helping with New Cars, SUVs and Trucks
In 2006 we began helping clients purchase used cars from reputable dealers here in Costa Rica.
While you might think that it should be fairly easy to walk into a dealership and pay cash for a new car, it isn’t necessarily the case.
In 2015 we began a similar service for clients want to purchase a brand new vehicles.
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
Without Hesitation!
I used Wheels CR to buy a new Toyota Hilux and the service Russ provided was exceptional. Initially, I thought I would buy a car from a dealership myself. All the reports I had found on the internet said new car prices are non-negotiable and Costa Rican dealerships...
The Best Experience Ever
If you’re looking to buy a New or Used car in Costa Rica then you may have already read a lot of distressing articles about the perils of their car buying process. And, if you have been searching the web, then you also know that a lot of information you’re looking for...
Easy and Extremely Helpful
Working with Russ can be summed up in a few words: Fantastic, Easy, Extremely Helpful! I found wheelscr.com in a search a little over a month before I made the move to Costa Rica. I immediately sent him an email to inquire about his services. The reason I did this is...
What Car to Buy and Dealer Procedures
Information on the way car dealers operate here. Why they don’t have any inventory, pricing and negotiating practices.
New Vehicles Advantages
Buying a new car has pros and cons, take a look here to find information about those issues.
Getting a Brand New Car in Costa Rica
New Car PASS service, why do you need help to buy a new car? YOU may or may not, find out here …
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...