Importing a vehicle body and engine separtly

[arete92]

Some context first..

Importing a car into the D.R under most circumstances is not a good idea due to the taxes. For new residents, it can make sense given the vehicle is less than five years old and they own the vehicle.

My question is this and independent of residency status; If the vehicle is disassembled this means engine is out of the car ( separate or same sea-can with body ) tires off without seating is there a way to get a vehicle into D.R in this state given the vehicle is lets say 10 years old in this state and declared "as parts" ? im not sure such a classification exists for private transport vehicles but I do know people who have escaped construction vehicle heavy taxes by using this method. Is it the same for cars or trucks in this country?

 

[arete92]

Also, seriously ( not being sarcastic ) in the last few years here there has been a lot of growth. How the hell are so many people able to afford nice vehicles here. Sitting and having a coffee I noticed 8/10 vehicles passing me on the north coast are good quality newer vehicles? are the leasing options cheap in this area or is everyone paying 90% of their salary and eating platano and salami once a day?

 

[playacaribe2]

Some context first..

Importing a car into the D.R under most circumstances is not a good idea due to the taxes. For new residents, it can make sense given the vehicle is less than five years old and they own the vehicle.

I have always imported my own vehicles..........and yes, paid the taxes. It is individual preference.

My question is this and independent of residency status; If the vehicle is disassembled this means engine is out of the car ( separate or same sea-can with body ) tires off without seating is there a way to get a vehicle into D.R in this state given the vehicle is lets say 10 years old in this state and declared "as parts" ?

Parts importation is legal. Reassembly of those parts back to reconstitute the same vehicle is NOT legal............and you would have no papers to obtain or be given a title or registration or to get an inspection...............and additionally (moot point) it would violate the 5 year rule.

im not sure such a classification exists for private transport vehicles but I do know people who have escaped construction vehicle heavy taxes by using this method. Is it the same for cars or trucks in this country?

Construction vehicles are exempt from the 5 year rule. Title/registration and in some cases inspection are required.

Lots of ways to operate on the edges..............none are however legal...............and may lead to seizure/forfeiture.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

 

[Peterj]

My advice: just pay the taxes on the car you want to import, even better: let a professional company take care of that, cost you more but avoiding headache(s) should be a priority...just my 2 cents

 

[arete92]

I have always imported my own vehicles..........and yes, paid the taxes. It is individual preference.

Parts importation is legal. Reassembly of those parts back to reconstitute the same vehicle is NOT legal............and you would have no papers to obtain or be given a title or registration or to get an inspection...............and additionally (moot point) it would violate the 5 year rule.


Construction vehicles are exempt from the 5 year rule. Title/registration and in some cases inspection are required.

Lots of ways to operate on the edges..............none are however legal...............and may lead to seizure/forfeiture.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

Solid information there thank you.

 

[arete92]

My advice: just pay the taxes on the car you want to import, even better: let a professional company take care of that, cost you more but avoiding headache(s) should be a priority...just my 2 cents

This is something to consider and good advice too.

 

[arete92]

resurrecting this post here guys, I have a vehicle in DR I am sick of little things and finding discoveries on a monthly basis, the engine has low compression from abuse by the previous owner, and despite my best efforts to keep it in great condition and top-notch maintenance I feel like I'm just polishing a terd at this point. Importing a diesel engine alone.. just the diesel engine is subject to all the nasty taxes ? let's say the engine is 2020 and is 4 or 6-cylinder Toyota engine that I know this history of, have had compression tests, verified mileage etc. so it's worth a small headache potentially as shopping around here I see third-fourth-fifth hand engines that are just horrible to be honest that probably has horrible compression, high mileage, overheated from water, lack of maintenance.. I just dont want to deal with any piece of mechanical device from this island that is used here to be honest.

 

[Fulano2]

Also, seriously ( not being sarcastic ) in the last few years here there has been a lot of growth. How the hell are so many people able to afford nice vehicles here. Sitting and having a coffee I noticed 8/10 vehicles passing me on the north coast are good quality newer vehicles? are the leasing options cheap in this area or is everyone paying 90% of their salary and eating platano and salami once a day?

A car means everything for most Dominicans, most are on credit, which is given easily.
You will see them driving around with less than 1000 pesos in their pocket.
Lessing cheap? 13-15% Interest rates!

 

[chico bill]

resurrecting this post here guys, I have a vehicle in DR I am sick of little things and finding discoveries on a monthly basis, the engine has low compression from abuse by the previous owner, and despite my best efforts to keep it in great condition and top-notch maintenance I feel like I'm just polishing a terd at this point. Importing a diesel engine alone.. just the diesel engine is subject to all the nasty taxes ? let's say the engine is 2020 and is 4 or 6-cylinder Toyota engine that I know this history of, have had compression tests, verified mileage etc. so it's worth a small headache potentially as shopping around here I see third-fourth-fifth hand engines that are just horrible to be honest that probably has horrible compression, high mileage, overheated from water, lack of maintenance.. I just dont want to deal with any piece of mechanical device from this island that is used here to be honest.

Depending on the popularity of the motor you can find used motors. But you're right if it came from a Dominican owned vehicle with the miles and abuse they deliver you will need to rebuild it. That cost alone will be $1500 or more.
The frustration of chasing from mechanic to mechanic, the time, the money and the fact that some mechanics create other problems, don't put back all bolts or properly tighten things.
Get a newer car - it's cheaper in the long run

 

[arete92]

Depending on the popularity of the motor you can find used motors. But you're right if it came from a Dominican owned vehicle with the miles and abuse they deliver you will need to rebuild it. That cost alone will be $1500 or more.
The frustration of chasing from mechanic to mechanic, the time, the money and the fact that some mechanics create other problems, don't put back all bolts or properly tighten things.
Get a newer car - it's cheaper in the long run

and this is exactly my frustration summed up. without complaining. stuff in used and abused - the newer cars here though.. are quite a bit more expensive something that would be 40k in US or Canada let's say would be 70k here. Those newer vehicles even have some KM on them coming from Miami or X location, motivation for them being imported here could have been water damage or X reason. Although newer generally is better of course I do not want to distract from what you said