I going to be buying a car in the near future, probably in La Vega or Santiago. What are people experiences on negotiating the price. Me I'm lousy at bartering, but my wife is a pro. I'm looking at Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV (2002-2006) Price range from 450,000 to 650,000. Any advice? There are other vehicles I like but my parking space is limited.
Raining right now whilel the sun is shinning so I guess a witch is going to get married.
Good choice with either model...but opt for an 06...or better yet 07. The reason for this is the 5 year rule. Right now until June 30, 2013, 2007's are still allowed in to the country. Dominican dealers favor the 07 because it is the oldest vehicle they can bring in and it has the least duty owed (as compared to the same model but newer).
I mention the 06 as there may still be some on dealers lots that have been imported and not yet sold. If so, you will still be able to get a Car Fax/ Auto Check on the vehicle and reasonably rely on its accuracy. After the vehicle has been sold in the DR, as the case may be on a 2003, 2004, 2005 model year cars, you have no way (unless you personally know the owner) to verify accidents/maintenance etc.
As you are aware, odometers are regularly rolled back once they reach the DR. So start with a reputable dealer and as former Pres. Reagan said "trust but verify." If you do not know or trust the dealer try to find someone knowledgeable about cars. This is not necessarily a car mechanic.
While many mechanics can repair anything, they lack the training to spot "salvage" vehicles (fire, flood, collision) or "clipped" cars (two different vehicles "clipped" (welded) together.
That is why so many people rely on Car Fax/Auto Check....but they are not foolproof. Rental fleets (Hertz, Avis, National, Enterprise etc., are self insured and DO NOT report to Car Fax/Auto Check. They regularly send damaged cars to the auction and the out of country dealers salivate over these. They can buy them cheaper, repair them and ship them out of the US with a "clean" title. Therefore, on your Car Fax/Auto Check Report pay particular attention to the prior owners. If they were a rental fleet, be aware that the vehicle
may have more history than is being shown on Car Fax/Auto Check.
While "salvage" vehicles are supposedly banned from import (I am sure some get through) I am told that salvage vehicles that are "reconstructed" can be brought into the DR after a one year waiting period. Again, a Car Fax/Auto Check should spot the majority of those vehicles being sent out of the US...but it is not foolproof.
If you do not know your cars, know your dealer. If you do not know/trust your dealer, bring someone knowledgeable with you. There are several dealers that have been recommended here over the years. That might be a good place to start. Do not forget Pres. Reagan's words..."trust but verify" and you should be able to find what you are looking for.
Good luck with your search.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2