Your best bet for buying a car here is to go to Santiago - more choice, more competition = cheaper prices & better deals!! Take a mechanic with you, one you can trust, to check the cars you are interested in!! If you have problems in this respect, call or e-mail me.
Just heard today of a friend going back to UK for three months who wants to sell her Chevrolet pick-up. 1996, 4 cyl., GOOD working A/c, recon engine, complete with 6 months Fully Comp. insurance for RD $150,000 (negotiable). I don't know condition, but my friend is normally meticulous in what seh buys & uses personally.
DON't put the vehicle in the name of your Dominican friend - FAR too dangerous. Let him negotiate it for you certainly, but YOUR name must go on the bill of sale AND Metricula (or the Company name if you have one!!).
I live here in Puerto Plata so if you want more just yell me, I am in the Tel. Book. Feel free to e-mail or PM me if you prefer! - Grahame.