Once you’ve settled into your fabulous new home in Playa del Carmen, it might be time to consider buying a car. While the whole Riviera Maya region is quite friendly for those who like to walk and is very well connected through public transportation, some people might enjoy the idea of buying a car. After all, many find it a necessity. You might need to drive to different places for work or have to take children to school. Or you might just enjoy going away for the weekend to different places – without a doubt there’s plenty to explore! However, finding the right car and gathering the correct documentation can be daunting for expats. In an effort to make your settling down process easier, we’ve gathered all the information you might need when buying a car in Playa del Carmen.
Define Your Needs
First of all, you need to decide what type of car suites your needs. Will you be using it just yourself or for your whole family? This will dictate the size of the vehicle. Shop around and check out the different options. Playa del Carmen has grown quite a bit and has plenty of car dealerships around. When you’re buying a car, you want to make sure you shop around. Make sure you purchase from a certified dealership that is available in Playa del Carmen. While Cancun has many more options, you need to consider that every service, tuning or other you might need will require you driving all the way out there.
Once you’ve settled for a brand and type of car, compare prices. Ask for all the detailed information from your dealership agent regarding type of gas, whether it holds well on highways, insurance options, and others. Don’t be afraid to bombard your agent with these questions. It is important you know all of this when you decide to buy a car.
Now that you have chosen the brand, model and car you want, you will need to gather all the proper documentation. Make sure you always get copies of all the paperwork. The dealership will receive both credit and cash. If you’re purchasing with a bank credit, make sure you’re up to date with all credit payments you have or they will not grant you the loan. The dealership will help you in this process and outline exactly which documents you are required to present.
Buying a Car in Playa del Carmen from a Previous Owner
When you decide that you are definitely buying a car but want to save the hassle of agency shopping you can always get a used car. Many people sell their cars in Playa del Carmen via several websites. But you can also find used car dealerships in town. Here is an outline of all the documents you will need when buying a car in Mexico from a previous owner to be able to register it to your name.
- A copy of the original title (front and back)
- A copy of the registration
- A copy of the property tax payments for the last five years
- Verify that the vehicle has two plates (front and back)
- A copy of the owner’s identification
Checking, Financing and Registering
When you buy a second-hand car, you want to make sure you get a trusted mechanic to look over it before making any decisions. He will run a diagnostic and check that it is running smoothly. When you purchase directly from a dealership, you may want to skip this step. They are guaranteeing the capable and full functionality of the car.
One thing to consider when buying a car from a previous owner is that they will very rarely negotiate the price. Sellers base their price off from the blue book. This allows owners to see the value of their car depending on the type of car, year, brand and mileage. The price you are looking at is probably the lowest you will get to and it already includes commission and sales tax. The only extra fee you will have to pay for is the license plate and registration.
There are a couple of different options to pay for vehicles. This depends on whether you’re buying a second-hand car or a brand new one from a dealership. You can either finance the vehicle, use a bank transfer or pay with your credit card (depending on your limit). If possible, bring a local friend who is familiar with the process to help make it all easier for you.
Take it a Step Further
Once you’re done buying your car it’s time to really enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest. Get in your new car during those days off and visit every beautiful corner of this Caribbean gem. And if you’re set on also purchasing a home, we can make it as easy as buying a car. So give us a call and get started on your journey to becoming a homeowner in Mexico.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
Image via Cheap Full Coverage Auto Insurance