buying a car on the north coast

[Jim or Dana Murphy]

I hear that there is a car dealer across from Playa Dorado in Puerto Plata who sells cars purchased from rental companies, . . does anyone have info about this place? Might it be better to go to Mocha where there is a better selection, . . ?
What to look out for when purchasing here? i'VE HEARD SOME HORROR STORIES!

[J D Sauser]

I don't know the "dealer" you mention, but I can't recall anybody mentioning him lately.
One dealer in Moca however, has been mentioned quite a bit and mostly in positive terms.
You may also already be aware of the fact that rental cars HERE are not always in such a great shape as you would expect them to be in the States or Central Europe.

Take TIME, look around, check out, kick tires, keep your mind open and most of all, once you decide for a deal, do it BY THE BOOK, without letting yourself being talk into skipping any "annoying" steps and fees.


... J-D.

[Lambada]

If you're not mechanically minded yourself it is worth paying a mechanic you trust a day's salary (or above) to go with you to give the vehicles a once over (or under) & to advise you on what is a reasonable purchase.

I don't know of a car dealer opposite Playa Dorada either.

[Abuela]

Jim & Dana,
Feel free to pm me for info on our mechanic who will go with you. Also use carfax to verify VIN and make sure your are not buying a Katrina car or otherwise salvaged.
Abuela

[tainojr]

Be very, very careful when buying a car in the Dominican Republic.
Regardless of the location, it is a very shady business, to say the least.
If you can afford it, consider bringing in one from the states.
of course, you will have to contend with the import duties bit.
You may ship a car from New Jersey, New York, Jacksonville, Fla or Miami, Fla, for around $950-1200. But, if you decide to go that route, first establish contact with someone in the DR that will be able to do the paperwork to get the car out of Customs (cost around $300) and, most importantly, will be knowledgeable enough to give you a good idea as to how much the Customs duties will be. If you decide to get a car from a dealer, then travel to Santo Domingo and look around for a used car being sold by a new car dealer.

[b.batista]

Originally Posted by tainojr

Be very, very careful when buying a car in the Dominican Republic.
Regardless of the location, it is a very shady business, to say the least.
If you can afford it, consider bringing in one from the states.
of course, you will have to contend with the import duties bit.
You may ship a car from New Jersey, New York, Jacksonville, Fla or Miami, Fla, for around $950-1200. But, if you decide to go that route, first establish contact with someone in the DR that will be able to do the paperwork to get the car out of Customs (cost around $300) and, most importantly, will be knowledgeable enough to give you a good idea as to how much the Customs duties will be. If you decide to get a car from a dealer, then travel to Santo Domingo and look around for a used car being sold by a new car dealer.

That is the worst car buying advice I have ever heard.

[AK74]

Originally Posted by tainojr

Be very, very careful when buying a car in the Dominican Republic.
Regardless of the location, it is a very shady business, to say the least.
If you can afford it, consider bringing in one from the states.
of course, you will have to contend with the import duties bit.
You may ship a car from New Jersey, New York, Jacksonville, Fla or Miami, Fla, for around $950-1200. But, if you decide to go that route, first establish contact with someone in the DR that will be able to do the paperwork to get the car out of Customs (cost around $300) and, most importantly, will be knowledgeable enough to give you a good idea as to how much the Customs duties will be. If you decide to get a car from a dealer, then travel to Santo Domingo and look around for a used car being sold by a new car dealer.

As a used car exporter with 10 years experience I`d dare say that it is the best all-round and honest advice. It works perfectly.

[corsair74]

Originally Posted by tainojr

Be very, very careful when buying a car in the Dominican Republic.
Regardless of the location, it is a very shady business, to say the least.
If you can afford it, consider bringing in one from the states.
of course, you will have to contend with the import duties bit.
You may ship a car from New Jersey, New York, Jacksonville, Fla or Miami, Fla, for around $950-1200. But, if you decide to go that route, first establish contact with someone in the DR that will be able to do the paperwork to get the car out of Customs (cost around $300) and, most importantly, will be knowledgeable enough to give you a good idea as to how much the Customs duties will be. If you decide to get a car from a dealer, then travel to Santo Domingo and look around for a used car being sold by a new car dealer.

Wow. I hadn't heard that shipping a car (or anything else for that matter) is this easy or cheap.

I wonder why more people don't do it?

I may be wrong, but doesn't a large portion of the cost of shipping a vehicle depend upon it's age and value?

Vince.

[corsair74]

Sorry. Double post.

[AK74]

Originally Posted by corsair74

Wow. I hadn't heard that shipping a car (or anything else for that matter) is this easy or cheap.

I wonder why more people don't do it?

I may be wrong, but doesn't a large portion of the cost of shipping a vehicle depend upon it's age and value?

Vince.

$1100-$1300 is the normal going rate.

Maybe even cheaper now.

For instance shipping to Kotka (Finland) thanx to recession went down from $1250 to $950 recently. Price war. We love to see it.