Much has been written about this subject and everyone's opinion and experience varies. Hopefully I can provide a little guidance and share my experience with you.
First there seem to be two schools of thought on the subject. The first is to ship your own car, while the the second is buy it there. Both sides are passionate about their respective positions as has been shown in previous threads. Both schools of thought have merit, but you must choose the one that best fits your individual needs.
SHIPPING A CAR requires time and the need to involve multiple companies/persons to get the vehicle to its ultimate destination. (This assumes you already have a car to send). If you do not have a car to ship AND you do not have contacts to buy a good one here (here meaning wherever you currently reside outside the D.R.), you may be far better suited to skipping down to "buy it there."
Assuming you have your car and want to ship it, you must first find a transport carrier to get it to a port. Some shipping companies will have a working relationship with various transporters and can put you in touch with one.
The transporter will take your Title and any other bill of sale documents to the shipper, who will in turn prepare the proper paperwork for the Customs/Aduana department. Normally the car needs to be in a port 7-10 days prior to a vessel sailing. This is so the authorities have sufficient time to check for contraband and to determine that the car is not stolen.
Sailing times varyy and invariably there are delays. Just remember that it normally takes 1-2 days after arrival for the paperwork to be processed and final customs duties calculated. Once that has been completed, the vehicle is now ready to be paid for and released (unless the release date happens to coincide with what would later become Tropical Storm Fay). More on that in "My Experience."
Once the vehicle is released (no sigh of relief just yet) you now must acquire and pay for the placa (plate)/registration at the respective government office. Prior to this you should have already acquired insurance on the vehicle prior to leaving the port. That process, much like buying a used car in the U.S., calls for selecting coverages and having photos taken of the vehicle after its arrival. (Insurance companies require and normally takes photos at their office).
Once you have completed the above steps you need to go to Banreservas and pay for an inspection of the vehicle. Once you have your paid receipt, you need to go to another government office and have the vehicle inspected. Once "inspected" and I do use the term loosely, you are given a sticker for your windshield. Once completed you are now ready to enjoy all the driving pleasures the Dominican Republic has to offer.
BUY IT THERE can also be a long and tedious process. Buying a vehicle in The D.R. does not/should not/cannot be compared to what you may be used to elsewhere. (I am writing this for new/newer expats).
Typically, most cars in the D.R. are imported. Many are from auctions in the U.S. Those vehicles are/or could be off lease, tradeins etc. Invariably they were brought to the auction for a reason and generally the trade-ins are from people who may have sensed, or were told about apotential expensive upcoming repair and decided to trade the car. A little auction background is helpful here.
Typically foreign car buyers at auction (including dominicans) chase price first. By that I mean, they tend to want buy cars for the cheapest price. In order to achieve their goal, they often times look for cars that have a "story" and thus will/would be passed over by most U.S. dealers and thus sell for a lower price.
A "story car" is typically one where the auctioneer makes a verbal notation about the car, over 100,000 miles, "unibody"(potential frame damage etc), salvage title, transmission, etc. This is what is announced, not what else could be problematic about the vehicle. These cars are then purchased and usually shipped to other countries, including the D.R. Note though that not ALL the vehicles foreign dealers buy are "story cars," but enough that if you are going to purchase in the D.R., the following precautions should be taken.
If you do not know your cars, know your mechanic. He/she will be your first line of defense and should inspect and drive every vehicle you want to purchase. If you do not know your mechanic, then know your dealer. A reputable dealer, if you know/hear of one, can also be invaluable. All that being said, there are a few things you can do on your own.
Car fax and Auto Check are two independent companies that maintain databases with fairly reliable, but not foolproof, info on most cars registered in the U.S. From them you can find info on reported accidents with the vehicle as well as the last registered mileage history. These are two invaluable weapons when you want to check the accuracy of the odometer (odometers are regularly rolled back in the D.R) and the story from the dealer telling you the vehicle was never in an accident. But these companies are not foolproof.
Most rental companies are self insured and do not report accidents like the major insurance companies do. Thus a rental could have been involved in an accident and repaired with no history noted in the databases.
Check the exhaust for any signs of smoke, either blue or white for more than a few seconds, may indicate potential problems. Check the fluids, transmission, oil and anti-freeze. Make sure they are full and clean. Pay particular attention to the transmission dipstick. Smell the fluid on the dipstick, if it gives off a burnt odor you should have the trannmission checked by a mechanic. Check the brake pedal, drivers seat and rugs for wear. If they are heavily worn and the odometer indicates the car has 50-60k miles, buyer beware. Stand back and look at the paint work on each side of the vehicle as well as the hood and trunk. Any color variations may provide a hint as to prior accidents/repaints. Play with all of the buttons on the dashboard to insure everything works. This list can go on, but I think you get the picture.
One final note, pay to have the vehicle hooked to a diagnostic computer. Dealers regularly turn off the "check engine" light to mask certain problems a car may be experiencing, but the code may still be present in the cars computer.
MY EXPERIENCE is fairly typical, but note that I used clients here in the U.S with dealer contacts in the D.R. to minimize my involvement with the process and Aduana. Note, the car was shipped in the dealers name, so that he could retrieve it from the port in case I was unable to get to the Island (this is to prevent the daily parking fee from overtaking the price of the car in the event I could not get to the D.R. for a month or two)
Through my clients I shipped a 2002 (yes it can be done) Ford Escape, via car transporter, to the port in New Jersey on July 16, 2008. The car was checked, paperwork processed and the vehicle loaded on July 28, 2008.
The ship stopped in Miami for a short period and arrived in the D.R. on August 11, 2008.
I had already secured car insurance and the provisional insurance card was in the dealers hands.
While the paperwork (customs calculations) normally takes 1-2 days, the dealer I used was unable to go the port because of the tropical storm (ultimately "Fay") passing through the D.R.
On August 16, 2008, my flight arrives into Santo Domingo. Most of the storm has passed, but evidence of the wind and rain is obvious.
On August 18, 2008, the car was retrieved from the port by the dealer. I met him that evening and he took me to the car and provided me the port documents and receipts for the duties/fees.
August 19, 2008, the dealer gets and gives me my placa (plate) and registration. He then takes a copy of my translated passport and drivers license to a lawyer and has the contract drawn up for the vehicle to be transferred to my name.
As a precaution, I also have the brakes checked by a mechanic. Salt air on the ocean has a way of wreaking havoc on the braking system.
August 19, 2008, with the car in my possession, but without the new title, permanent insurance card, or an inspection I head to Bavaro for a meeting.
August 21, 2008, the dealer sends by Metropac the new title and other relevant documents. Since I have no time to get an inspection sticker, that part of the process will need to wait for my return.
The dealer proved to be invaluable in taking care of the registration, transfer and title.
Total costs of shipping, customs, etc., $6,388.41 breakdown this way:
Transportion to the port in New Jersey $125.00 USD;
Transportation via ship to Santo Domingo $850.00 USD;
Customs/Aduana/Dealer (179,000 R.D) $5,188.41 USD;
Legal fee contract of sale into my name $225.00 USD
In my final analysis and based on current prices for an equivalent car in S.D. I probably only saved $1,000-$1,500. Was it worth it? To me, yes as I don't have the time to spend looking for a car in the capital or elsewhere. However, that analysis would change were I to be a full time resident.
The bottom line with shipping vs. buying is that one can be more favorable than the other based on individual circumstances and needs
I hope this information has been helpful.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
First there seem to be two schools of thought on the subject. The first is to ship your own car, while the the second is buy it there. Both sides are passionate about their respective positions as has been shown in previous threads. Both schools of thought have merit, but you must choose the one that best fits your individual needs.
SHIPPING A CAR requires time and the need to involve multiple companies/persons to get the vehicle to its ultimate destination. (This assumes you already have a car to send). If you do not have a car to ship AND you do not have contacts to buy a good one here (here meaning wherever you currently reside outside the D.R.), you may be far better suited to skipping down to "buy it there."
Assuming you have your car and want to ship it, you must first find a transport carrier to get it to a port. Some shipping companies will have a working relationship with various transporters and can put you in touch with one.
The transporter will take your Title and any other bill of sale documents to the shipper, who will in turn prepare the proper paperwork for the Customs/Aduana department. Normally the car needs to be in a port 7-10 days prior to a vessel sailing. This is so the authorities have sufficient time to check for contraband and to determine that the car is not stolen.
Sailing times varyy and invariably there are delays. Just remember that it normally takes 1-2 days after arrival for the paperwork to be processed and final customs duties calculated. Once that has been completed, the vehicle is now ready to be paid for and released (unless the release date happens to coincide with what would later become Tropical Storm Fay). More on that in "My Experience."
Once the vehicle is released (no sigh of relief just yet) you now must acquire and pay for the placa (plate)/registration at the respective government office. Prior to this you should have already acquired insurance on the vehicle prior to leaving the port. That process, much like buying a used car in the U.S., calls for selecting coverages and having photos taken of the vehicle after its arrival. (Insurance companies require and normally takes photos at their office).
Once you have completed the above steps you need to go to Banreservas and pay for an inspection of the vehicle. Once you have your paid receipt, you need to go to another government office and have the vehicle inspected. Once "inspected" and I do use the term loosely, you are given a sticker for your windshield. Once completed you are now ready to enjoy all the driving pleasures the Dominican Republic has to offer.
BUY IT THERE can also be a long and tedious process. Buying a vehicle in The D.R. does not/should not/cannot be compared to what you may be used to elsewhere. (I am writing this for new/newer expats).
Typically, most cars in the D.R. are imported. Many are from auctions in the U.S. Those vehicles are/or could be off lease, tradeins etc. Invariably they were brought to the auction for a reason and generally the trade-ins are from people who may have sensed, or were told about apotential expensive upcoming repair and decided to trade the car. A little auction background is helpful here.
Typically foreign car buyers at auction (including dominicans) chase price first. By that I mean, they tend to want buy cars for the cheapest price. In order to achieve their goal, they often times look for cars that have a "story" and thus will/would be passed over by most U.S. dealers and thus sell for a lower price.
A "story car" is typically one where the auctioneer makes a verbal notation about the car, over 100,000 miles, "unibody"(potential frame damage etc), salvage title, transmission, etc. This is what is announced, not what else could be problematic about the vehicle. These cars are then purchased and usually shipped to other countries, including the D.R. Note though that not ALL the vehicles foreign dealers buy are "story cars," but enough that if you are going to purchase in the D.R., the following precautions should be taken.
If you do not know your cars, know your mechanic. He/she will be your first line of defense and should inspect and drive every vehicle you want to purchase. If you do not know your mechanic, then know your dealer. A reputable dealer, if you know/hear of one, can also be invaluable. All that being said, there are a few things you can do on your own.
Car fax and Auto Check are two independent companies that maintain databases with fairly reliable, but not foolproof, info on most cars registered in the U.S. From them you can find info on reported accidents with the vehicle as well as the last registered mileage history. These are two invaluable weapons when you want to check the accuracy of the odometer (odometers are regularly rolled back in the D.R) and the story from the dealer telling you the vehicle was never in an accident. But these companies are not foolproof.
Most rental companies are self insured and do not report accidents like the major insurance companies do. Thus a rental could have been involved in an accident and repaired with no history noted in the databases.
Check the exhaust for any signs of smoke, either blue or white for more than a few seconds, may indicate potential problems. Check the fluids, transmission, oil and anti-freeze. Make sure they are full and clean. Pay particular attention to the transmission dipstick. Smell the fluid on the dipstick, if it gives off a burnt odor you should have the trannmission checked by a mechanic. Check the brake pedal, drivers seat and rugs for wear. If they are heavily worn and the odometer indicates the car has 50-60k miles, buyer beware. Stand back and look at the paint work on each side of the vehicle as well as the hood and trunk. Any color variations may provide a hint as to prior accidents/repaints. Play with all of the buttons on the dashboard to insure everything works. This list can go on, but I think you get the picture.
One final note, pay to have the vehicle hooked to a diagnostic computer. Dealers regularly turn off the "check engine" light to mask certain problems a car may be experiencing, but the code may still be present in the cars computer.
MY EXPERIENCE is fairly typical, but note that I used clients here in the U.S with dealer contacts in the D.R. to minimize my involvement with the process and Aduana. Note, the car was shipped in the dealers name, so that he could retrieve it from the port in case I was unable to get to the Island (this is to prevent the daily parking fee from overtaking the price of the car in the event I could not get to the D.R. for a month or two)
Through my clients I shipped a 2002 (yes it can be done) Ford Escape, via car transporter, to the port in New Jersey on July 16, 2008. The car was checked, paperwork processed and the vehicle loaded on July 28, 2008.
The ship stopped in Miami for a short period and arrived in the D.R. on August 11, 2008.
I had already secured car insurance and the provisional insurance card was in the dealers hands.
While the paperwork (customs calculations) normally takes 1-2 days, the dealer I used was unable to go the port because of the tropical storm (ultimately "Fay") passing through the D.R.
On August 16, 2008, my flight arrives into Santo Domingo. Most of the storm has passed, but evidence of the wind and rain is obvious.
On August 18, 2008, the car was retrieved from the port by the dealer. I met him that evening and he took me to the car and provided me the port documents and receipts for the duties/fees.
August 19, 2008, the dealer gets and gives me my placa (plate) and registration. He then takes a copy of my translated passport and drivers license to a lawyer and has the contract drawn up for the vehicle to be transferred to my name.
As a precaution, I also have the brakes checked by a mechanic. Salt air on the ocean has a way of wreaking havoc on the braking system.
August 19, 2008, with the car in my possession, but without the new title, permanent insurance card, or an inspection I head to Bavaro for a meeting.
August 21, 2008, the dealer sends by Metropac the new title and other relevant documents. Since I have no time to get an inspection sticker, that part of the process will need to wait for my return.
The dealer proved to be invaluable in taking care of the registration, transfer and title.
Total costs of shipping, customs, etc., $6,388.41 breakdown this way:
Transportion to the port in New Jersey $125.00 USD;
Transportation via ship to Santo Domingo $850.00 USD;
Customs/Aduana/Dealer (179,000 R.D) $5,188.41 USD;
Legal fee contract of sale into my name $225.00 USD
In my final analysis and based on current prices for an equivalent car in S.D. I probably only saved $1,000-$1,500. Was it worth it? To me, yes as I don't have the time to spend looking for a car in the capital or elsewhere. However, that analysis would change were I to be a full time resident.
The bottom line with shipping vs. buying is that one can be more favorable than the other based on individual circumstances and needs
I hope this information has been helpful.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
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