Buying a Car in Costa Rica: The Process, the Risks and How to Do It Safely
Buying a car in Costa Rica as a foreigner is legal and straightforward: you can buy and register a vehicle with your passport. The hard part is the market. Prices are high because of import taxes, and private sales carry real risks like rolled-back odometers and hidden flood or accident damage. Trinity Motors in Uvita inspects every car, handles the paperwork in English and backs each sale with a 30-day exchange promise.
Who this is for
This page is for you if you are moving to Costa Rica, have just arrived, or have lived here a while and are buying your first car here. It is especially for buyers who do not speak Spanish well and do not want to learn the system the hard way.
Why cars cost more in Costa Rica
Almost every car here is imported, and import taxes add a large amount to the price. That cost flows through to the used market too. A five-year-old SUV can cost what you would pay for a much newer one in the US or Canada. The upside is that vehicles hold their value, which matters when you sell. The vehicle import taxes explainer goes into more detail.
The steps to buying a car in Costa Rica
Choose the car and check its history. Look at maintenance records and confirm the mileage is real.
Check the Dekra (RTV) inspection. The car needs a valid inspection to be driven legally. Know when it expires.
Check the Marchamo is paid. This annual circulation fee includes basic mandatory insurance and is due every December. Unpaid fees follow the car.
Transfer ownership before a notary. A Costa Rican notary prepares and witnesses the transfer and registers it in the Registro Nacional. You sign with your passport.
Arrange insurance. Basic coverage comes with the Marchamo. Most owners add further coverage on top.
The risks to watch for
Odometer rollback. Mileage tampering happens. A low number on the dash is not proof.
Flood and accident history. Rainy season, river crossings and rough roads take a toll. Damage can be cleaned up and hidden before a sale.
Unpaid fees and paperwork problems. Outstanding Marchamo, a lapsed inspection or liens can land on the new owner.
No recourse. In a private sale, once the money is paid you usually have no one to call if something goes wrong.
“When we started looking for a car in Costa Rica, we'd been warned about all the scams, so we were naturally skeptical—even about Trinity Motors. To be safe, we did extensive research, met them in person, video chatted, and texted with them quite a bit. It quickly became clear they are the real deal.” — Olga J., Google review
How Trinity handles it for you
Inspection before sale. Every vehicle gets a background check, a maintenance records review and a computer-aided odometer validation scan, plus pre-sale maintenance.
100% Purchase Protection Pledge. Not satisfied? Bring the car back within the 30-day exchange window and get full credit of the purchase price toward another vehicle.
Optional extended warranty.
Paperwork prepared for you. The transfer documents are ready when you come to sign.
Sourcing. If the right car is not on the lot, Trinity will find it, including new vehicles not listed online.
Buy from abroad. The whole process can run by WhatsApp, email, chat and video, with delivery anywhere in Costa Rica, including the airport.
Financing, including for non-residents, and trade-ins accepted.
“The 30 day guarantee is so crucial. We decided to trade a car in before the 30 day limit for something with more space. It was a piece of cake. They were happy to oblige and we are very happy with our Prado.” — David H., Google review
“Flawless experience buying a brand new car from Trinity Motors, all through Whatsapp while I was on the other side of the planet. No delays, no nonsense, just perfect coordination. When I arrived in CR, I just signed all the prepared papers at the dealer, I was in and out in 30 minutes.” — You Rye, Google review
Get the free buyer's guide
Want the full checklist before you start? Download the free Guide to Buying a Vehicle in Costa Rica. It covers what to check, what to ask and what the paperwork involves.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy a car in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners can buy and register a car in Costa Rica with a passport. Residency is not required to own a vehicle.
Why are cars so expensive in Costa Rica?
Mostly import taxes. Almost every vehicle is imported, and the taxes paid at import are built into the price of new and used cars alike. Used cars also hold their value longer because of that, so prices stay high.
What is Dekra?
Dekra runs Costa Rica's mandatory vehicle inspection, known as RTV. A car needs a valid inspection sticker to be on the road legally, so check the inspection is current before you buy.
What is Marchamo?
Marchamo is the annual circulation fee, which includes basic mandatory insurance. It is due in December each year and must be paid for the car to be driven legally.
How is ownership transferred?
The buyer and seller sign the transfer before a notary, a Costa Rican lawyer, who then registers the change of ownership with the Registro Nacional.
Can I buy a car before I move to Costa Rica?
Yes. Trinity handles the search, questions and paperwork by WhatsApp, email and video from anywhere in the world, then delivers the car or has it ready when you arrive.
Related
Questions about buying a car here? Message Trinity on WhatsApp and get a straight answer in English.