Most Popular Driving Vehicles in DR

fcred

New member
Oct 9, 2002
9
0
0
My husband and I are moving the Santo Domingo on October23rd. What are some of the most popular/reliable vehicles people purchase considering the road conditions (ie. need for good suspension)? We currently live in Panam?, so we are familiar with the varied driving habits and unkept roads in the interior. Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated ... thanks.
 
T

TiberiusMineola

Guest
SUV & diesel engine

I've been living in La Republica for 6 years. I now own a '96 Mitsubishi Montero diesel. In all modesty, a wise choice. SUVs are very good, high ground clearance & 4 wheel drive. Diesel fuel is @ US $1.30 / gallon; gasoline @ $2.50 / gallon. A diesel engine requires less maintenance; it has less acceleration, but much better fuel economy. Parts for all Japense & American brands are readily availalbe. From what I hear, Toyota is the best [high re-sale value & all parts available everywhere], but sells @ a significan premium,; Nissan & Honda rank next in overall quality, not much behind; then Mitsubishi; then Suburu & Suzuki; then the Korean brands. Most all are available with diesel engines. Check locally re: parts availability for less popular makes. This can be a very serious problem; you only find out later! Suggestion: check the Listin Diario classified section; you can usually find a 2 - 4 year old SUV selling for a reasonable price; from someone who has to sell; much lower price than the dealers charge. Cars & SUVs seem much cheaper in Santo Domingo & Santiago than the rest of the country. It's a buyers' market; negoiate hared, the nwalk away if necessary! You can always return the next day. Good fortune.
 

lhtown

Member
Jan 8, 2002
377
0
16
Also agreed. I did have a 1986 GMC van that I had a tough time finding parts for. Not only were parts difficult to come by, but expensive. Also, it needed a lot of them. :-( I sold it because I couldn't afford to keep it. I opted for a Toyota pickup instead.