Shipped a Vehicle

equinn2823

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Sep 30, 2013
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thanks playacaribe, I recently moved here 4 weeks ago from New Jersey to live with my dominican wife. We too like many on here are torn/debating wether to import or buy here. I worked in the auto industry in the US for many years and have access to dealer auctions but the whole process seems like such a hassle and risk that I dont know if its worth it or not. The prices here are so inflated that I think it is worth it but its a tough decision. Could you elaborate on the 5 year rule? I am assuming that they use the manufacture date on the vin plate/sticker on the b pillar inside the door. i had not heard before that you were allowed 6 months after the following year. Thank you.
 

drSix

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Oct 13, 2013
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There is also a "have to have owned it for two years" rule, correct? Is there any way around that?
 
Jan 9, 2004
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thanks playacaribe, I recently moved here 4 weeks ago from New Jersey to live with my dominican wife. We too like many on here are torn/debating wether to import or buy here. I worked in the auto industry in the US for many years and have access to dealer auctions but the whole process seems like such a hassle and risk that I dont know if its worth it or not. The prices here are so inflated that I think it is worth it but its a tough decision. Could you elaborate on the 5 year rule? I am assuming that they use the manufacture date on the vin plate/sticker on the b pillar inside the door. i had not heard before that you were allowed 6 months after the following year. Thank you.


The 5 year rule is still in effect. By way of example, a 2008 vehicle will have until June 30, 2014 to enter the country. They do not go by manufacture date. The government makes a fairly simple process (importation) into a sometimes long and arduous affair.

An off the cuff calculation for import is to take 50% of the current retail price of your vehicle and add them together. This will tell you your approximate costs (taxes, first plate, etc.) to get the vehicle into the country.

These costs are not with a residency. If you obtain residency there is a reduction in taxes..but then you need to factor in time/money to obtain it.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
 
Jan 9, 2004
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There is also a "have to have owned it for two years" rule, correct? Is there any way around that?

The have to own it rule time frame is only for bringing a vehicle in under the residency process....and thus a break in taxes. A straight import could/can be done whether you have owned the vehicle for two minutes or five years....as long as the vehicle meets the 5 year old age rule identified in my post above.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
 

drSix

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Oct 13, 2013
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Is the process for importing ATV's, UTV's, or Motorcycles that same as a car? I have been looking at ATV and UTV prices, and holy crap are they expensive. $20k for a UTV that sells in the states for $11. I assume that is because of the import tax.
 

windeguy

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Jul 10, 2004
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Is the process for importing ATV's, UTV's, or Motorcycles that same as a car? I have been looking at ATV and UTV prices, and holy crap are they expensive. $20k for a UTV that sells in the states for $11. I assume that is because of the import tax.

If you mean do you run through the same bureaucracy of taxes and extortion, the answer is yes. It is called Dominican Customs. The taxes and fees are killers.

The only way to import something like this is to get a door to door price from a shipper that does business in the DR all of the time. Like Montero, Awilda, etc.. Will the price be high, "stupid high" in fact? Sure it will, but probably less than buying it here. Keep in mind you have no warranty.

I also have spoken to a person on the north coast who says he will import a car from the US and charges 40% of what you paid in the US. I have not used him for that purpose, just other small legal matters.

Just yesterday someone I know bought a motorcycle. The DR price was $2,800 US. The price for that same motorcycle in India is $1,200 US. That means a $1,600 difference in transportation, customs duties, fees and profit for the dealer.
 
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william webster

Rest In Peace WW
Jan 16, 2009
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I asked Awilda about a UTV and they said 'No' but maybe a car importer would do it... worth asking.
Montero does cars, I think

There are dealers - Yamaha, Cam-Am, etc in SD for the UTVs..... I want one
 

drSix

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Oct 13, 2013
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If you mean do you run through the same bureaucracy of taxes and extortion, the answer is yes. It is called Dominican Customs. The taxes and fees are killers.

The only way to import something like this is to get a door to door price from a shipper that does business in the DR all of the time. Like Montero, Awilda, etc.. Will the price be high, "stupid high" in fact? Sure it will, but probably less than buying it here. Keep in mind you have no warranty.

I also have spoken to a person on the north coast who says he will import a car from the US and charges 40% of what you paid in the US. I have not used him for that purpose, just other small legal matters.

Just yesterday someone I know bought a motorcycle. The DR price was $2,800 US. The price for that same motorcycle in India is $1,200 US. That means a $1,600 difference in transportation, customs duties, fees and profit for the dealer.

Do you know if the five year old rule applies to ATVs or UTVs?
 

william webster

Rest In Peace WW
Jan 16, 2009
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They have used ones in Santiago and Sto Domingo.... I've seen them.

There's a website..... someone here will chime in.

First, I want my power paraglider - then the UTV... 700-1000cc, rollbar, brakes - they go 50+mph
 
Jan 9, 2004
11,284
2,651
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If you mean do you run through the same bureaucracy of taxes and extortion, the answer is yes. It is called Dominican Customs. The taxes and fees are killers.

The only way to import something like this is to get a door to door price from a shipper that does business in the DR all of the time. Like Montero, Awilda, etc.. Will the price be high, "stupid high" in fact? Sure it will, but probably less than buying it here. Keep in mind you have no warranty.

I also have spoken to a person on the north coast who says he will import a car from the US and charges 40% of what you paid in the US. I have not used him for that purpose, just other small legal matters.

Just yesterday someone I know bought a motorcycle. The DR price was $2,800 US. The price for that same motorcycle in India is $1,200 US. That means a $1,600 difference in transportation, customs duties, fees and profit for the dealer.

Windeguy:

So, if I inherit a car and my cost basis is zero....does that mean he will do it for 40% of zero? And is that the all in cost, freight. CIF, first placa, import taxes, etc.?

Having just gone through this and having provided full documentation for a tax reduction, it still cost me 50% of the vehicles value...all in...shipping, taxes, port charges, paperwork, first placa, matricula.

I guess I mean to say/ask what is included....and how is the 40% calculated....because 40% of what someone paid 4 years ago when they bought the car new would be one heck of an exhorbitant fee. Call me a skeptic on this one.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
 

AlterEgo

Administrator
Staff member
Jan 9, 2009
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South Coast
Windeguy:

So, if I inherit a car and my cost basis is zero....does that mean he will do it for 40% of zero? And is that the all in cost, freight. CIF, first placa, import taxes, etc.?

Having just gone through this and having provided full documentation for a tax reduction, it still cost me 50% of the vehicles value...all in...shipping, taxes, port charges, paperwork, first placa, matricula.

I guess I mean to say/ask what is included....and how is the 40% calculated....because 40% of what someone paid 4 years ago when they bought the car new would be one heck of an exhorbitant fee. Call me a skeptic on this one.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

In December, we're shipping down a 2009 Toyota Venza, into Haina. We'll be using Mr.AE's "returning Dominican one-time exemption". Will let you all know how that goes.....and what it ultimately costs us.
 

windeguy

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Jul 10, 2004
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Windeguy:

So, if I inherit a car and my cost basis is zero....does that mean he will do it for 40% of zero? And is that the all in cost, freight. CIF, first placa, import taxes, etc.?

Having just gone through this and having provided full documentation for a tax reduction, it still cost me 50% of the vehicles value...all in...shipping, taxes, port charges, paperwork, first placa, matricula.

I guess I mean to say/ask what is included....and how is the 40% calculated....because 40% of what someone paid 4 years ago when they bought the car new would be one heck of an exhorbitant fee. Call me a skeptic on this one.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

That's a good one. At that point I am guessing you would have to negotiate with him, which after all, is what anyone would have to do regardless of how they acquired a vehicle. His "normal" fee includes delivery to the buyer.
 

william webster

Rest In Peace WW
Jan 16, 2009
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In December, we're shipping down a 2009 Toyota Venza, into Haina. We'll be using Mr.AE's "returning Dominican one-time exemption". Will let you all know how that goes.....and what it ultimately costs us.

I filed a report of my experience bringing a 'residency vehicle' back in 2009...

Lambada asked me to bring back the info - I have the receipts in RD but I'll try to find 'searching'...
as I recall, not too bad - dollarwise

here it is, my answer is post 57 but the thread is well worth reading

http://www.dr1.com/forums/living/84191-buying-car-north-coast.html
 
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AlterEgo

Administrator
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Jan 9, 2009
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South Coast
I filed a report of my experience bringing a 'residency vehicle' back in 2009...

Lambada asked me to bring back the info - I have the receipts in RD but I'll try to find 'searching'...
as I recall, not too bad - dollarwise

Well WW, Mr. AE "thinks" he knows what it will cost. And I "think" it's going to be a lot more than he "thinks", haha.
 
Jan 9, 2004
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As I understand it, your reduction comes only on the value of the vehicle. The 18% ITBIS and the 17% first placa are not waived. So its 35% of the reduced value for a returning Dominican, plus shipping, insurance, etc. Those fees also increase if you choose to container the vehicle as opposed to roll on roll off.

If only the DR would use a constant to value the vehicles...N.A.D.A., KBB, Edmunds, Mannheim reports....at least you could get a close estimate of the costs....but perhaps they prefer the current system of uncertainty...it certainly keeps threads like this alive.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2
 

william webster

Rest In Peace WW
Jan 16, 2009
30,246
4,332
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As I understand it, your reduction comes only on the value of the vehicle. The 18% ITBIS and the 17% first placa are not waived. So its 35% of the reduced value for a returning Dominican, plus shipping, insurance, etc. Those fees also increase if you choose to container the vehicle as opposed to roll on roll off.

If only the DR would use a constant to value the vehicles...N.A.D.A., KBB, Edmunds, Mannheim reports....at least you could get a close estimate of the costs....but perhaps they prefer the current system of uncertainty...it certainly keeps threads like this alive.


Respectfully,
Playacaribe2

Read my thread from 2009..... same old, same old.... very little has changed.
SAme questions, same answers, same results.

The more I read, the more I would import again.

My biggest objection is the trips to SD... 3 or 4 of them...... 4hr round trip for me
If I lived in SD, I'd do it in a heartbeat - import

New cars, maybe not