how to buy a scooter / pasola?

Where do you go to buy a new or used scooter if you live in Puerto Plata? Do you get better deals in the country for used scooters? What would be the cost of new vs a good used scooter?

Hi Lynda,
Two years ago, used pasolas were going from about RD $5,000. A new one (more of a small engined motorbile) was selling for RD $8,000. I do not have the up to date prices (new taxes & price increases MIGHT have forced them up a bit) but I will make some enquiries & let you know.

Pasolas brought used from the Campo MIGHT have a problem as a0 they are used very hard over rough terrain & b) they are unlikely to be maintained as one purchased from a town area - just an opinion that others might disagree with (some like to disagree just for the sake of starting an argument), but it is worth consideration when making your decision.

E-mail on other subject now on route to you!! GB ^_^

Check some of the better "Rent Motos". Pick the ones who are known for maintaining their bikes. Usually, foreign owned rental places are your best choice. As for price, you'll get what you pay for. DON'T FORGET..... Get the original matricula.

Must get your metricula (title) of the pasola. It took me 8 months to get it from the dealer. Finally, after daily badgering, he admitted that he could not get the title for the pasola and ended up changing the chassis of the pasola so I could have the title that matched the new replaced chassis with the serial number printed.
I had paid about 12000 pesos (3 yrs ago)for a new pasola, Honda DIO 50 (even new pasolas have a few miles/KM on them). Usually the title would have a older model date printed on it to save on the import duties. Ex: a 2000 model would probably come with a 1990 model printed on the title. This was explained to me by the dealer.
A used pasola in a reasonable condition would cost about 5000-6000 pesos.
Remember, always get the metricula (title) from the seller or your pasola could be worthless as many pasolas are often stolen from the streets.
( A word of advise: pasolas and motorcycles are considered dangerous to ride in any country but they are considered even more dangerous to ride in DR as the roads are often in bad conditions and people often drive irrationally. I have seen many accidents involving cars and pasolas / motorcycles in puerto plata and believe me, the results were not less than horrifying. I had a car but I bought the pasola to drive around on the beach area on weekends or lent it to visiting friends.)
have a nice day.

Lynda, I've heard/seen many purchases in the last 3 years.. take Grahame's advise, he will steer you right!

Must wear a helmet in DR as the police will stop you and take away your scooter if you do not have a helmet on. Then you would have to go to the police station to get back your pasola (providing you have all your paperwork with you ex: metricula (title)). You would have to pay a fine as well.
good luck

There is a large dealership accross the street (Manolo Travares Justo) from Mi Bohio. Be sure to have a local with good mechanical knowledge check the pasola out AND neogotiate the price. Gringos will always pay more. Also be sure that you have a secure place to store the pasola overnight. Forget about leaving it on the street - even with a lock.