Costa Rica Car Guide
The Used and New Vehicle Market Overview
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.
This post gives and overview of factors that affect the market, with links to information on specific models as well as guidelines for selecting a vehicle type or brand.
The market for used and new vehicles in Costa Rica has very special characteristics that make it different from countries in the US and Europe. There are cultural differences in the way people do business, bur more important are other factors.
- Fuel is expensive and fuel economy a high priority, this means large SUVs and trucks with gasoline engines are not popular here.
- The tropical climate and road conditions make some models and brands that were never too successful in North America very popular here. Interestingly, many of the same models that are very popular in Australia are popular here – it’s a good way to search for information on models you aren’t familiar with.
- Costa Rica is a small market and vehicle ownership is not a long standing tradition. Increasing substantially since 2000 though.
- 2024 was a record year for sales, with 77,000 units sold among the new car importers belonging to the association. (Source – AmeliaRueda.com )
- Similar to Delaware, Nebraska and New Mexico. But, miniscule compared to Florida, Texas and California(Source — F&I Tools )
- While small and efficient cars are preferred for the majority, road and traffic conditions lead many to prefer large, 7 passenger SUVs or trucks for their daily driver. Even so, these tend to be diesel engines, for fuel efficiency and the lower per liter price of diesel (20 – 30%)
Why Are Vehicles So Costly?
The import duties and Value Added Tax play a huge role in the price of new and used vehicles. For new cars, about 30% of the price is tax. Used cars are exempt from VAT, but pay higher import duties. Here is more information on the tax structure Click here for details
Should I Import a Vehicle on My Own?
In our opinion, the short answer is no. There may be cases where it is a good idea, but in general it is going to be more trouble than it’s worth. Most people won’t save money in the process, and there are advantages to buying cars that were sold as new in Costa Rica. Full Details Here …
What Models Are Good to Buy ?
We recommend sticking to brands and models that are popular in Costa Rica. In general, these are Japanese and Korean Brands. Ticos value efficiency and reliability, not to mention easy to find parts for maintenance and repairs. You can get information on specific models here: Costa Rica Car Models
What Type of Car to Buy ?
The kind of car you need depends on your plans for living in Costa Rica and traveling around the country. Most of our clients go with an SUV, either rugged 4×4 or a crossover urban type all-wheel drive. (See the article Types of Traction) The SUV offers more room for gear / luggage, and better ground clearance, but if you live in a more urban area then a compact sedan could work in your case.
What Is a Good Budget?
Because cars are expensive here, about double of whatever you have in mind. (Just kidding! Actually, not really)
Nowadays, we recommend $12,000 to $15,000 as a minimum for most people who want a 5 passenger, rugged SUV with 4×4 low range. These will be early 2000s models.
For brand new SUVs of this type $55,000 will be a starting point. AWD models with automatic transmission will start at around $35,000.
Used or New Vehicle?
For many buyers, a used vehicle makes a lot of snse. Maybe you will only be in Costa Rica a part of the year, and although depreciation is much slower in Costa Rica, there can be significant savings compared to new car prices. Quite often new year models carry a price bump with only cosmetic upgrades, and in that case the used models are a great value.
Of course, getting a new car is nicer and you can make sure the maintenance is done properly from the beginning. New cars carry a 3 year / 100,000 km warranty, and the largest dealers have service centers around the country.
We help our clients buy both types, you can get details on the process here:
Get in Touch with a Pro
Used
New
Virtual
Make an appointment to buy a used SUV or Truck
Make an appointment to buy a brand new SUV, truck, sedan, motorcycle or UTV
Buy in advance of arrival, or without traveling to San Jose
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take ?
The process of test driving and selecting a vehicle is just 5 or 6 hours. If you have the money in Costa Rica you can complete the purchase the same day.
Should I Have a Company Own the Vehicle?
For most people the answer is no. You might read the full article here:
Should I use a company to buy the car ?
What's AWD versus 4x4 ?
If you’re more familiar with differential equations than differential locks, have a gander at this article – TRACTION TYPES CR
Can You Explain the Marchamo?
This is the mandatory insurance paid every December for the following year. This article explains insurance coverages in general — Vehicle Insurance Coverages in Costa Rica
Can I Use a Credit Card to Buy a Car?
Actually, you cannot. This article covers Forms of Payment for Vehicles in Costa Rica