Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

philfred

May 30, 2010, 6:25 PM

Post #1 of 24 (7919 views)

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Buying a new car

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My wife and I bought a home in Ajijic and are moving there from the USA next month, July 2010. I want to buy a new car and would like to order it now so it's available when we arrive. I'm looking to buy a Ford. Does anyone know of an English-speaking salesperson or manager at a Ford dealer in the Guadalajara area? I've written emails to dealers, in English, and have not received any replies. Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Best Regards......Phil

DavidHF

May 30, 2010, 8:08 PM

Post #2 of 24 (7883 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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Contact Spencer at S&S Auto in San Antonio. He'll handle the transaction for you. If you don't speak Spanish you don't want to buy a car on your own. The fact that you didn't get any replies to your emails should have been your first clue. I don't know where you're coming from but I assure you "it don't work the same way here."

Hound Dog

May 30, 2010, 9:49 PM

Post #3 of 24 (7859 views)

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Re: [DavidHF] Buying a new car

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Even though Spencer at S&S seems to be a good guy and will go to Guadalajara to buy a car from a dealer for you, why not do that for yourself. I must disagree with David that buying a new car in this area from a dealership is a problem. It is not customary in Mexico for businesses to respond to e-mail messages so it is not surprising that you received no response and you should draw no conclusions from that fact. We bought our Nissan XTrail in Guadalajara in 2004 and have dealt with that dealer or the Nissan dealer in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas with no problems over the years and I believe there are probably several Ford dealers in greater Guadalajara you can do business with even if you don´t speak Spanish.

My advice to you is that you go to a car dealership in Guadalajara and inquire as to price of the vehicle you wish to buy; get an offer and then inquire as to the cash price in which case you should get a discount over the initial price offer. Keep in mind that the price you pay will include the IVA (or sales tax) which probably will not be disclosed to you. Disclosure is not the thing in Mexico so be alert as to what you seek to purchase. Ford and Nissan and several other brands of cars are manufactured in Mexico or in the Ubited States for the Mexican market and that is an important distinction to keep in mind. Ford products are quite popular down here; especially the pick-up trucks.

We consider the best move we made on cars since we arrived in Mexico 10 years ago was to get rid of the two American cars we brought down here and buy a Mexican plated car. Of course, we are going to "inmigrado" status in a couple of months and can no longer legally own a foreign plated car. If you are serious about moving here, go Mexican all the way I say.

johanson

May 30, 2010, 10:57 PM

Post #4 of 24 (7848 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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I too say Spencer is a good choice, but just maybe you might want to look on your own after you get here. You could try a rental until you make up your mind. To get a feeling of costs down there (I'm freezing to death up here in Seattle for another month as I do every year at this time), take a look at or left click on http://www.autoconnect.com.mx/?lang=en

You will see a search engine for cars in Mexico which is translated mostly (kind-of-sort-of) in English. Once there, go to the top right hand side of the web page and enter the body style, for state, put in Jalisco, and for "Make" put in Ford. And go for it. Yes these are used cars, but they will most likely be located in Guadalajara at a local dealer, and will give you an idea what the costs are.

Within the next few months I will be buying a Ford Lobo via this search engine. (There are other search engines as well, but this is the only one I know of that is not only in Spanish, but in English as well)

Good luck. Oh and if you want a truck, the annual taxes are much lower. (No tenencia)

Pete

DavidHF

May 31, 2010, 6:02 AM

Post #5 of 24 (7838 views)

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Re: [Hound Dog] Buying a new car

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I didn't say that buying a car from a dealer here is a problem. I bought one in Guadalajara, but I had a Mexican friend with me to ensure that I clearly understood the details. Spencer makes it easy but you can do it on your own, especially if you speak Spanish.

simpsca

May 31, 2010, 6:46 AM

Post #6 of 24 (7830 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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I understand the annual car tax is eliminated within 2 years of buying a new car here in Jalisco, Mexico. Does anyone know if that is true?

Johansen you much be freezing, in every post you mention how cold it is up there. Wish we could send you some of this heat during the day!

philfred

May 31, 2010, 8:26 AM

Post #7 of 24 (7809 views)

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Re: [DavidHF] Buying a new car

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A big thanks to you, David, and everyone who replied with valuable information. I was referred to S&S Auto by my sister-in-law but after almost 2 weeks, I'm still waiting for a return call and am no closer to obtaining a new car than I was before. That's why I sought help from you folks.

Now that I've been reading stories in this forum, I have another, perhaps, more important question...I've been driving SUV's (glorified station wagons) for years for their capabilities during the winters here in the Philadelphia area. Now that I'm retired and looking forward to enjoying my golden years, I thought I'd get myself a nice new Mustang. I want to buy a Ford as they didn't need us to bail them out and that's as sporty as Ford gets. Am I nuts to get something as 'flashy' (a term I picked-up here in the Forum) as a Mustang? Am I just asking for unnecessary trouble? Your continued input is greatly appreciated.

esperanza

May 31, 2010, 9:16 AM

Post #8 of 24 (7795 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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You might want to consider how much under-clearance you'll have on the Mustang. There are high topes (speed bumps) everywhere in Mexico that might be problematic.

Ford makes a very attractive small SUV with excellent clearance--here in Mexico, it's called the EcoSport. You can see it here:
http://www.ford.com.mx/...icle.asp?idModel=ECO

If you Google 'Ford Guadalajara', you'll be rewarded with a list of Ford dealerships in the area. A word to the wise: the car you want might not be immediately available at any dealership, but the dealer you're working with will order--specifically for you--whichever vehicle you decide to purchase.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

(This post was edited by esperanza on May 31, 2010, 11:08 AM)

chinagringo

May 31, 2010, 9:33 AM

Post #9 of 24 (7791 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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What Esperanza suggested about clearance issues with the Mustang is spot on! Besides, IMO, it is a vehicle which might draw unnecessary attention from not only car thieves but others from which you don't need attention. I think that in Mexico, you may conclude that innocuous and function are the best traits.

From our experience, it would be most unusual for Karen or Spencer not to get back to you. You might try contacting them through their web site:
http://www.ssauto.com.mx/
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Kimpatsu Hekigan

May 31, 2010, 10:58 AM

Post #10 of 24 (7768 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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Is it still the case that the State of Jalisco requires a Mexican drivers license to purchase and register a Mexican-plated vehicle?

What about other States in Mexico? Is there any uniform rule about this?

Thanks,

-- K.H.

Before enlightenment: Chop wood, haul water.
After enlightenment: Chop wood, haul water.

DavidHF

May 31, 2010, 11:58 AM

Post #11 of 24 (7749 views)

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Re: [Kimpatsu Hekigan] Buying a new car

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Jalisco does not require a Mexican drivers license to purchase a vehicle. The car tax does NOT "go away" after 2 years, it lasts for 10. There is talk of doing away with it but so far only talk no action. Sound familiar?

philfred

May 31, 2010, 2:21 PM

Post #12 of 24 (7722 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Buying a new car

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Thanks, Neil and Esperanza. My wife also mentioned the speed bumps but I wondered if a Mustang is really lower than all the other non-SUV cars I see cruising around Ajijic. My biggest concern, though, is becoming a target and that's the last thing I need. So I guess I'm destined to drive an SUV for the rest of my life! I really appreciate everyone's gracious words of wisdom and look forward to living lakeside. Warm Regards.......Phil

ajijiccharlie

Jun 1, 2010, 6:23 AM

Post #13 of 24 (7658 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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I am driving my Acura into the ground--the topes, cobblestones, and different paving heights have ripped up the body. I don't care because everything still operates, no one would consider car jacking me, and I'm at about 100,000 miles, but it looks like crap. I get some annual body work to keep it looking like crap and to keep the panels from falling off. I'd only buy a new Mustang if I had a beater or a small suv to drive around the lake.

DavidHF

Jun 1, 2010, 7:57 AM

Post #14 of 24 (7632 views)

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Re: [ajijiccharlie] Buying a new car

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There are new Mustangs and Camaros here. Also, Porches, Ferraris, Corvettes et. al.. I think with a good alarm system and "the club" you'd be OK. At least that's what many Tapatios think.

Gringal

Jun 1, 2010, 8:36 AM

Post #15 of 24 (7616 views)

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Re: [DavidHF] Buying a new car

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I don't see 'em parked on the street though. Those are the kinds of cars that go from the owners' cochera to the valet who keeps an eye on them at the restaurant.

I like the Club. Since we still have our sexy truck after all these years, I'd say it works. 'Course, the contents have been burgled.......but then, anything that can be gotten to easily, is. We have two B&B's on our street. Visitors put on their useless car alarms....which stop nobody......and keep the neighbors annoyed.

As far as topes are concerned........we wondered if a regular light truck would be okay here. Then we noticed that all the taxi drivers were driving four door sedans, like Nissans. The worst thing about the SUV's I've seen around town is the difficulty of parking them on the narrow streets. So, that's my dos pesos.

Peter

Jun 1, 2010, 11:21 AM

Post #16 of 24 (7585 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Buying a new car

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Tere likes the new Camaros (and Mustangs, and Ferraris) so we stopped to take a look at them. They had two SS models that cost around $550k mx. I asked the salesman about topes and he said that they are sufficiently high enough to not bottom out, but that the Dodge Stratus and related models were notorious for that.

The new Camaro was not really tall but did seem sufficiently high with a fairly short wheelbase. I had a '97 Camaro convertible in California but that was really low and I would not consider bringing it here. I have a compact SUV here that is not too big for the streets or parking and seems to be the best of all worlds, economical too.

Gringal

Jun 1, 2010, 12:11 PM

Post #17 of 24 (7575 views)

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Re: [Peter] Buying a new car

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Those compact SUV's are nice vehicles. Seem to be the best of both worlds for around here.

I was referring to the sight of a Lincoln Navigator supreme trying to parallel park on 16 Septiembre for an LCS visit.
Especially entertaining when it's a LOL (lil ol lady) who's never got the hang of parallel parking. Anywhere.

Southern California and a sports car with the top down and xtra vroom vroom? Ah, sweet memories.

esperanza

Jun 1, 2010, 2:17 PM

Post #18 of 24 (7553 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Buying a new car

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Then there was the Guadalajara woman running very late to a lunch date, trying to find a parking place near the restaurant. The valet outside the restaurant said not to worry, he'd park her car. Relieved, she gave him the keys and went inside. When she got to the hostess station, she suddenly realized that the valet had not given her a ticket--and mentioned that to the hostess, who replied, "Valet? This restaurant doesn't have valet parking."

Oops.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

tashby

Jun 1, 2010, 3:12 PM

Post #19 of 24 (7529 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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I say buy the Mustang. So what if it gets stolen.

Is retirement really the time to put off a dream?

Gringal

Jun 1, 2010, 3:24 PM

Post #20 of 24 (7522 views)

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Re: [tashby] Buying a new car

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"So what if it gets stolen" doesn't quite cover the territory, IMO.

Let's look at that one for a sec. Is that a small, medium or large dream?

How badly would it hurt to have the Mustang stolen?
How much aggravation would it involve to worry about it getting stolen?
Another PITA would be having a foreign plated Mustang bearing a virtual sign for the local hungry cop saying "stop me".

Maybe our OP should rent one for a month and get that feeling. If it's still a "gotta have it" then.......go get one and the devil take the hindmost.

philfred

Jun 1, 2010, 7:44 PM

Post #21 of 24 (7479 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Buying a new car

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Oh well...now I'm totally confused. However, I've been checking out the Ford Edge. Looks like it could be a winner...

bournemouth

Jun 2, 2010, 7:06 AM

Post #22 of 24 (7438 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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There's a discount of 50,000 pesos on the Edge at the moment:

http://www.ford.com.mx/...90&SCODE=PMUEDGP

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jun 2, 2010, 7:08 AM)

philfred

Jun 2, 2010, 7:44 AM

Post #23 of 24 (7424 views)

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Re: [bournemouth] Buying a new car

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Thanks for the heads-up. I'm sure the discount is on 2010 models that dealers are trying to unload in anticipation of 2011 arrivals. I'd really prefer a 2011 model that, according to numerous auto-related websites, include significant improvements over earlier editions.

philfred

Jun 2, 2010, 5:24 PM

Post #24 of 24 (7343 views)

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Re: [philfred@comcast.net] Buying a new car

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Neil and others...I think I made a hasty judgement about S&S Auto. Spencer did get back to me and I think he can be a big help in buying a new car. He's very knowledgeable with respect to the automobile market in the Guadalajara/lakeside area and seems to be a heck of a nice guy. Real glad we got together.