CAR INFO!! Help, please!

FORD

New member
Nov 12, 2004
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I received such a rapid and detailed response re: my Residential Casa Linda question a few days ago - I thought I'd "go to the well again" - this board is a great resource!

I live in the United States and have a car coming off of lease later this fall (October). I anticipate relocating and taking permanent residence in the DR by the end of 2007. My question is how I should handle my auto situation in anticipation of my move.

Should I take another short term lease (24 months) so I arrive in the DR "clean" and then purchase an auto on the island when I arrive or should I purchase a practical auto in the fall (Mitsubishi Montero?) here in the U.S. and then by the end of 2007 have the car shipped down with me? By 2007 the truck will be registered/owned by me for over two years.

I am well aware that there are very high import tariffs on autos brought in from the U.S but aren't the retail prices of autos bought from dealers in the DR significantly inflated and therefore effectively offset these tariff charges?

BTW, I will have my cedula, by the time I move. Thanks for the info,

FORD :)
 

canadian bob

Bronze
Jan 16, 2002
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Hi Ford! DO NOT IMPORT A VEHICLE!! Buy a Montero down here & get bumpers installed front, back & both sides at Batuto Motores in Moca (Near Santiago). These people are specialists, & are very good. Consider buying a used vehicle, but ensure you have clear title to it, Matricula No. must match the engine tag! Remember, after 90 days your American Drivers licence is no good here, so the insurance co. will not pay if you have an accident. You must get a Dominican Drivers Lic. Canadian Bob.
 

FORD

New member
Nov 12, 2004
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Hi Canadian Bob,

Batuto Motores near Santiago, got it! I asume they are specialists in "Dominicanizing" a vehicle. Thanks for the tip.

I was hoping however, that Bob or anyone else who reads this could give me some of the pros and cons of importing a vehicle as opposed to buying a used one on the island.

Import tariffs are high plus custom agents have to be "tipped" and all to get your car thru, but aren't used cars purchased in the DR wildly overpriced?

Thank you to anyone who has an opinion,

FORD
 

suarezn

Gold
Feb 3, 2002
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FORD: While importing a car can be a pain, in your case since you're not planning to move for a couple of years you'll be much better off buying a car now and start paying it off (it must be paid off for you to take it out of the US) than waiting until then to buy in The DR. Cars are not really that overpriced in The DR when you consider the taxes dealers have to pay to import them. I can tell you from first hand knowledge that dealers don't make that much on most cars they sell.
If you do purchase a car to export at a later date make sure is a Toyota or Honda (Mitsubishi Monteros should be OK too).
 

Hillbilly

Moderator
Jan 1, 2002
18,948
514
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If you have your Residence

You should be able to bring one vehicle, with not too much hassle.

Do try to get a diesel engined Toyota-just about anything they make is well thought of here. Monteros are #2.

Suzuki Forresters are well thought of and do come with diesels. So do the most basic Land Rovers.

these vehicles will be fine for 10 years of service and still retain good value.

HB :D:D
 

Talldrink

El Mujeron
Jan 7, 2004
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I have been considering the car issue for about a year now. I was told that since I am a US citizen I dont get some sort of tariff/impuesto break a Resident gets. So I think I'll buy one there.

Can you guys give me some round numbers for a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic - year 2000 or so...

Thanks