I am not sure about this, but I heard they made the import duty cheaper but then added the difference to the first time registration fee, to technically comply with the treaty provisions while circumventing them.
Skodas are a nightmare, because the same thing breaks on all of them, and you're SOL for finding parts.
Prados, not so much. Folks here love em, so there's a ton of parts to be found.
JD , it is not a matter of the same things breaking on a Skoda. it is a matter of everything breaking. i had one, and it was a joke. you would park it overninght, after it was running just fine, and the next morning it just refused to run.
"Czech" off the Skoda, so to speak.
You can sure say that again.
I love the Prado I purchased a couple of weeks ago.
It is a great truck, no doubt about it. Having said that, go on EBAY and try to find ANYTHING for a Prado.
If something pops up, it's in Australia or Latvia.
Most folks in the states have never even heard of a Prado. I'm not too worried about it, because I'll be able to find anything I need if something ever breaks, but I still like having the option of buying outside the country.
The Prado is one excellent example of a car I would not purchase here because of the parts issue. They don't exist in the USA.
Skoda is an entire line of cars not sold in the US. So in my opinion, to be avoided because DR dealers are notorious for not stocking spare parts.
Thankfully, I have Korean "Konnections" for parts for Hyundai and Kia cars even if not sold in the USA.
Buy Toyota vehicles here in the DR!
Parts on every corner.
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not exactly. the Lexus has a v8 motor.
Since 2009, the Prado has been available with a 4.6 L V-8.
Early on the Prado shared characteristics with the Land Cruiser and is still sometimes referred to as the Land Cruiser in some markets. Toyota should take notice as it is confusing.
More confusing is the Prado is not sold in N. America, where it is badged and sold as the Lexus GX.
Finally, Toyota does not even offer standard options throughout the line-up. Options available in one market (aux. fuel tank) are not available in others.
None of the Prados come into the country under DR-CAFTA.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
i was just noting that there is a difference between the Prado and the Lexus, insofar as all the Lexus versions come with the v8, as opposed to Prados , which also come with the diesel motor. i cannot remember seeing too many v8 Prados here, and i suspect fuel consumption would be the deterrent.
Point taken.
Prados can be found with everything from a 2.7 4 cylinder up to the V-8 and including as you point out, diesel options.
I too have seen only a handful of V-8 Prados in the DR.
DR-CAFTA has largely been a bust for most dealers. While they import and are taxed at a lower price point than individuals on cars qualifying under DR-CAFTA, they are still required to pay 18% ITBIS and 17% first placa on those valuations. Thus the average consumer likely sees little change in pricing. To circumvent the agreement the government created a workaround so as not to lose the huge revenue stream that imported autos provides.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2