Forums > General > Living, Working, Retiring

Ron

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #1 of 21 (2109 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?

Cynthia

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #2 of 21 (2102 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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I had my car in Mexico for the five years I lived there. The first year I kept my PA registration current, but after that, I didn't bother. The problem I had was when we returned to PA last year to live. Renewing the tags (registration) was easy. WHat was difficult was getting insurance again. Even though I could show a policy running continuously in Mexico, according to the agents in the US, I was uninsured, and therefore "high risk". I had to go into a high risk pool and paid a fortune this past year for auto insurance--probably more than if I had renewed it while living in Mexico, enough so to keep me out of the uninsured category. Despite the initial increased expense of buying a car in Mexico, I think when I return to live there in three years I will buy a vehicle (probably a 10 yo truck bought in the US and nationalized) and keep it there with Mexican plates and insurance. : If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.: Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?: If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?: and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?

alex

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #3 of 21 (2101 views)

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Bien Tijuaneado

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I looked closely at the post and did not see where the poster said he would like to live at Chapala, specifically. So, in general, I have to agree that it is not practical to have a new car if you don't want it damaged. I'm not saying don't buy a new car, I'm saying that if you do you must take solace in the fact that body repairs are pretty darn reasonable in MX.
One sunny afternoon I was sitting at the curb in front of our apartment complex with my then 3 year old daughter. She wanted a paleta. I said "Lets play a game : when the first car passes that has NO broken headlights or tail lights, we'll buy a paleta." After about half an hour I took pity on the poor kid and bought her the popsicle, we might still be sitting there otherwise !
Alex

Lucy

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #4 of 21 (2102 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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Lots of questions. A few answers. It is all subjective. Insurance is much less expensive for imported cars with foreign plates..Used cars as well as new cars are expensive in Mexico. The only car I consider a bargain in Mexico is the VW beetle. You can find a 3-4 year old one for $5,000, US. Other than that, most cars are outragious. most people buy a car in the US and bring it here. If you get an FM-3 you can keep the car in Mexico as long as you keep the FM-3 active. If you are here on an FMT, you must return to the border every 6 months with the car and renew the permit. this is not a big deal. Most people enjoy returning to the states every 6 months to shop anyway.If you bring a motorcycle, You are really taking you life in your hands. Mexicans are wild drivers. It is like a sport here. If you pass someone, it is like an insult if they don't pass you. There are also many drunk or drinking drivers on the road. Many drivers are not licensed here so there isn't the fear of loosing you privilages.If you bring a car in, I suggest it is a VW, Nissan, Ford or Chevy. Most Chrysler products are OK too. They are all made here and it is easy to get parts. Bring some basic parts with you. They are less expensive in the US. The car you bring should run well but have some dings and bangs. If it doesn't, it will get plenty here. The streets are narrow and the water and gas trucks will hit your car often. A radio is not important. I have lost 3 in the past 2 years. I won't replace it any more. The car you bring in should be good on rough, cobble stone roads and get good gas mileage. As you know, gas is expensive here. You do get full service though..Good luck.. Hope this helped.
: If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.: Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?: If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?: and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?

Bill

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #5 of 21 (2100 views)

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Wrong!!

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Lucy says:If you are here on an FMT, you must return to the border every 6 months with the car and renew the permit. this is not a big deal. Most people enjoy returning to the states every 6 months to shop anyway.
****************
This no longer applies since the borders have become computerized.

Robert

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #6 of 21 (2101 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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He actually does not need to return to the border anymore to renew a permit under an FMT. A recent hire in our company here did this at the same Banjercito I went to here in Mexico City this past Friday. He needed only go to the Department of Immigration and then to Banjercito to take care of the FMT and car permit, respectively.

Peggy

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #7 of 21 (2098 views)

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Lucy. I agree with you on many things, but you're in Florida...

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as Snoopy Walden found out, so why do you say things like you'll have lots of "dings and bangs"? Narrow streets, yes. Gas and water trucks, yes. And those huge Coca Cola trucks. My husband has been driving here for more than six years and has never had an accident or a parking "ding" on the streets of Ajijic, Chapala or Guadalajara. I have been flying here for more than thirty years with nary an incident to my plane, and driving my Jaguar roadster for some years with not a dent or scratch. So why scare people by saying they are going to be "hit often"? Yes, gas mileage is very important, don't bring down a stupid SUV or other gas guzzler, think Conservation!

Lucy

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #8 of 21 (2097 views)

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Lucy....

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I lived in Ajijic until March. Will return in a few months. Was there and PV for over 2 years. I think it is wonderful you have not had any mishaps in Ajijic. i did not have a garage or locked parking spot. I seldom drove. Walking was better for me. I often took the bus into Chapala because I enjoyed it.. My car was hit often. Mostly on weekends when the kids from Guadalajara were in town. Most people that had locked parking places seldom had a problem. I lost 2 radios. Would have lost the car, I think, but I had a kill switch and locked the steering wheel. These are my experiences. Not everyones. It is fine to disagree. Living there is different than being a visitor for a few weeks or a month. Again, these are my experiences..: as Snoopy Walden found out, so why do you say things like you'll have lots of "dings and bangs"? Narrow streets, yes. Gas and water trucks, yes. And those huge Coca Cola trucks. My husband has been driving here for more than six years and has never had an accident or a parking "ding" on the streets of Ajijic, Chapala or Guadalajara. I have been flying here for more than thirty years with nary an incident to my plane, and driving my Jaguar roadster for some years with not a dent or scratch. So why scare people by saying they are going to be "hit often"? Yes, gas mileage is very important, don't bring down a stupid SUV or other gas guzzler, think Conservation!

W.G. Snuffy Walden

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #9 of 21 (2096 views)

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The amount of things Lucy gets wrong is unbelievable nfm

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No Message

Lucy

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #10 of 21 (2103 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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Hi Peggy
I have my car registered in Texas. they know many people that live in Mexico do this and will work with you. I have been late to renew my plates but they are just fine and didn't fine me for being late. This is a great source of revenue for them. When I return, i purchase a 30 day policy in Mexico for the states. I wouldn't drive without insurance anyway so I don't consider this an excessive expense. Most insurance agents can issue a policy for any length of time in 30 day incriments. I also keep Mexican insurance.. I pay only $150 for liability per year for my Mexican insurance. My US insurance almost costs me that month per month. OUCH..This also helped me when I returned to Florida for 6 months and will return to Ajijic soon. If you insurance is consistant, you will save money.. This is only MY solution. Not for everyone. I will continue to return to the nStates every 6 months because I want to see my grand children. I don't find the paper work at the border a problem. I usually try to cross in Laredo at 4-5 A.M. It is usually a great time because there are few people and everyone is calm and relaxed. it is a good time for me to get started on the road after the paper work is complete. Planning is important FOR ME.. Not everyone's solution..: : Lots of questions. A few answers. It is all subjective. Insurance is much less expensive for imported cars with foreign plates..Used cars as well as new cars are expensive in Mexico. The only car I consider a bargain in Mexico is the VW beetle. You can find a 3-4 year old one for $5,000, US. Other than that, most cars are outragious. most people buy a car in the US and bring it here. If you get an FM-3 you can keep the car in Mexico as long as you keep the FM-3 active. If you are here on an FMT, you must return to the border every 6 months with the car and renew the permit. this is not a big deal. Most people enjoy returning to the states every 6 months to shop anyway.: : If you bring a motorcycle, You are really taking you life in your hands. Mexicans are wild drivers. It is like a sport here. If you pass someone, it is like an insult if they don't pass you. There are also many drunk or drinking drivers on the road. Many drivers are not licensed here so there isn't the fear of loosing you privilages.: : If you bring a car in, I suggest it is a VW, Nissan, Ford or Chevy. Most Chrysler products are OK too. They are all made here and it is easy to get parts. Bring some basic parts with you. They are less expensive in the US. : : The car you bring should run well but have some dings and bangs. If it doesn't, it will get plenty here. The streets are narrow and the water and gas trucks will hit your car often. A radio is not important. I have lost 3 in the past 2 years. I won't replace it any more. The car you bring in should be good on rough, cobble stone roads and get good gas mileage. As you know, gas is expensive here. You do get full service though..: : Good luck.. Hope this helped.:
: :
: : : If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.: : : Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?: : : If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?: : : and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?

Peggy

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #11 of 21 (2102 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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: Lots of questions. A few answers. It is all subjective. Insurance is much less expensive for imported cars with foreign plates..Used cars as well as new cars are expensive in Mexico. The only car I consider a bargain in Mexico is the VW beetle. You can find a 3-4 year old one for $5,000, US. Other than that, most cars are outragious. most people buy a car in the US and bring it here. If you get an FM-3 you can keep the car in Mexico as long as you keep the FM-3 active. If you are here on an FMT, you must return to the border every 6 months with the car and renew the permit. this is not a big deal. Most people enjoy returning to the states every 6 months to shop anyway.: If you bring a motorcycle, You are really taking you life in your hands. Mexicans are wild drivers. It is like a sport here. If you pass someone, it is like an insult if they don't pass you. There are also many drunk or drinking drivers on the road. Many drivers are not licensed here so there isn't the fear of loosing you privilages.: If you bring a car in, I suggest it is a VW, Nissan, Ford or Chevy. Most Chrysler products are OK too. They are all made here and it is easy to get parts. Bring some basic parts with you. They are less expensive in the US. : The car you bring should run well but have some dings and bangs. If it doesn't, it will get plenty here. The streets are narrow and the water and gas trucks will hit your car often. A radio is not important. I have lost 3 in the past 2 years. I won't replace it any more. The car you bring in should be good on rough, cobble stone roads and get good gas mileage. As you know, gas is expensive here. You do get full service though..: Good luck.. Hope this helped.
:
: : If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.: : Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?: : If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?: : and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?

Ron

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #12 of 21 (2099 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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One thing you did not answer how do I finally bring the car out of Mexico if I have had it in country for several years. the reg. expires. In N.Y. you cannot have it reg. without having it inspected. Lots of questions. A few answers. It is all subjective. Insurance is much less expensive for imported cars with foreign plates..Used cars as well as new cars are expensive in Mexico. The only car I consider a bargain in Mexico is the VW beetle. You can find a 3-4 year old one for $5,000, US. Other than that, most cars are outragious. most people buy a car in the US and bring it here. If you get an FM-3 you can keep the car in Mexico as long as you keep the FM-3 active. If you are here on an FMT, you must return to the border every 6 months with the car and renew the permit. this is not a big deal. Most people enjoy returning to the states every 6 months to shop anyway.: If you bring a motorcycle, You are really taking you life in your hands. Mexicans are wild drivers. It is like a sport here. If you pass someone, it is like an insult if they don't pass you. There are also many drunk or drinking drivers on the road. Many drivers are not licensed here so there isn't the fear of loosing you privilages.: If you bring a car in, I suggest it is a VW, Nissan, Ford or Chevy. Most Chrysler products are OK too. They are all made here and it is easy to get parts. Bring some basic parts with you. They are less expensive in the US. : The car you bring should run well but have some dings and bangs. If it doesn't, it will get plenty here. The streets are narrow and the water and gas trucks will hit your car often. A radio is not important. I have lost 3 in the past 2 years. I won't replace it any more. The car you bring in should be good on rough, cobble stone roads and get good gas mileage. As you know, gas is expensive here. You do get full service though..: Good luck.. Hope this helped.
:
: : If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.: : Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?: : If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?: : and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?

Lucy

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #13 of 21 (2100 views)

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My Answer, not for everyone

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The first time I returned to the states, my Florida tags were expired. They don't care at the border. I headed for the Texas license bureau. They issued me a 30 day temp permit with my 30 day insurance policy I purchased in Mexico. Onmy return to Mexico, i decided to re-register my car in Texas. Easy as pie... That works for me.. Not everyone. The license office in Laredo is like doing business with A high end department store. they treat you wonderful. Like a great high end customer. What a wonderful experience. The rates are reasonable too..Hope this helps
: One thing you did not answer how do I finally bring the car out of Mexico if I have had it in country for several years. the reg. expires. In N.Y. you cannot have it reg. without having it inspected.
: Lots of questions. A few answers. It is all subjective. Insurance is much less expensive for imported cars with foreign plates..Used cars as well as new cars are expensive in Mexico. The only car I consider a bargain in Mexico is the VW beetle. You can find a 3-4 year old one for $5,000, US. Other than that, most cars are outragious. most people buy a car in the US and bring it here. If you get an FM-3 you can keep the car in Mexico as long as you keep the FM-3 active. If you are here on an FMT, you must return to the border every 6 months with the car and renew the permit. this is not a big deal. Most people enjoy returning to the states every 6 months to shop anyway.: : If you bring a motorcycle, You are really taking you life in your hands. Mexicans are wild drivers. It is like a sport here. If you pass someone, it is like an insult if they don't pass you. There are also many drunk or drinking drivers on the road. Many drivers are not licensed here so there isn't the fear of loosing you privilages.: : If you bring a car in, I suggest it is a VW, Nissan, Ford or Chevy. Most Chrysler products are OK too. They are all made here and it is easy to get parts. Bring some basic parts with you. They are less expensive in the US. : : The car you bring should run well but have some dings and bangs. If it doesn't, it will get plenty here. The streets are narrow and the water and gas trucks will hit your car often. A radio is not important. I have lost 3 in the past 2 years. I won't replace it any more. The car you bring in should be good on rough, cobble stone roads and get good gas mileage. As you know, gas is expensive here. You do get full service though..: : Good luck.. Hope this helped.:
: :
: : : If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.: : : Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?: : : If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?: : : and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?

Rolly

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #14 of 21 (2095 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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: One thing you did not answer how do I finally bring the car out of Mexico if I have had it in country for several years. the reg. expires. In N.Y. you cannot have it reg. without having it inspected.To return to your home state with expired plates, cross the border into Texas. Stop at the DMV and get a temporary transit permit. It's good for 30 days.You do not have to keep your US state registration current while you are in Mexico. You do need to have plates on your car, but they can be expired. However, you should check your Mexican insurance policy to be sure it does not require valid registration – some of the sneaky ones do that.

Ron L.

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #15 of 21 (2096 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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: : One thing you did not answer how do I finally bring the car out of Mexico if I have had it in country for several years. the reg. expires. In N.Y. you cannot have it reg. without having it inspected.: To return to your home state with expired plates, cross the border into Texas. Stop at the DMV and get a temporary transit permit. It's good for 30 days.: You do not have to keep your US state registration current while you are in Mexico. You do need to have plates on your car, but they can be expired. However, you should check your Mexican insurance policy to be sure it does not require valid registration – some of the sneaky ones do that.Rolly, do you know how much the 30 day permit is?

Rolly

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #16 of 21 (2096 views)

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Sorry, I don't. I may have to find out someday...:-)...nmsg

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: Rolly, do you know how much the 30 day permit is?

Robert

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #17 of 21 (2097 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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My insurance contract, from Commercial Seguros America, does not have the U.S. registration permit, may be worth checking out. They do a lot of business with the Canadians and Israelis in my apartment building, who would be damned if they had to return to get their cars foreign registration renewed.

Ron

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #18 of 21 (2104 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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Robert

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #19 of 21 (2108 views)

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car import or buying in Mexico

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: One thing you did not answer how do I finally bring the car out of Mexico if I have had it in country for several years. the reg. expires. In N.Y. you cannot have it reg. without having it inspected.Well, are you talking about registration in N.Y.? I am from Washington, D.C., and they will give me a waiver on renewing my registration with regard to the part on inspection, if I can show valid proof from my company or government authority that the car is outside the country (outside the district is not good enough). I am sure a lot of diplomats here and elsewhere face this problem.Rolly is correct that you can get a temporary transit permit (in almost any state). I know of at least one person in my company who brought his car from Connecticut (registration expired), and got the temporary permit from Texas. He told U.S. Customs this information at the border, when they told him his plate was expired according to their computers, and they happily directed him to where he could get the temporary permit.I would never nationalize a car here. Too expensive in the long-run. Plus, in a few years NAFTA is 'supposed' to bring about somewhat of an equalization in car prices between U.S. and Mexico.
: Lots of questions. A few answers. It is all subjective. Insurance is much less expensive for imported cars with foreign plates..Used cars as well as new cars are expensive in Mexico. The only car I consider a bargain in Mexico is the VW beetle. You can find a 3-4 year old one for $5,000, US. Other than that, most cars are outragious. most people buy a car in the US and bring it here. If you get an FM-3 you can keep the car in Mexico as long as you keep the FM-3 active. If you are here on an FMT, you must return to the border every 6 months with the car and renew the permit. this is not a big deal. Most people enjoy returning to the states every 6 months to shop anyway.: : If you bring a motorcycle, You are really taking you life in your hands. Mexicans are wild drivers. It is like a sport here. If you pass someone, it is like an insult if they don't pass you. There are also many drunk or drinking drivers on the road. Many drivers are not licensed here so there isn't the fear of loosing you privilages.: : If you bring a car in, I suggest it is a VW, Nissan, Ford or Chevy. Most Chrysler products are OK too. They are all made here and it is easy to get parts. Bring some basic parts with you. They are less expensive in the US. : : The car you bring should run well but have some dings and bangs. If it doesn't, it will get plenty here. The streets are narrow and the water and gas trucks will hit your car often. A radio is not important. I have lost 3 in the past 2 years. I won't replace it any more. The car you bring in should be good on rough, cobble stone roads and get good gas mileage. As you know, gas is expensive here. You do get full service though..: : Good luck.. Hope this helped.:
: :
: : : If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.: : : Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?: : : If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?: : : and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?

Jaime

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #20 of 21 (2099 views)

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Auto inspection also waived in many other states nfm

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: : One thing you did not answer how do I finally bring the car out of Mexico if I have had it in country for several years. the reg. expires. In N.Y. you cannot have it reg. without having it inspected.: Well, are you talking about registration in N.Y.? I am from Washington, D.C., and they will give me a waiver on renewing my registration with regard to the part on inspection, if I can show valid proof from my company or government authority that the car is outside the country (outside the district is not good enough). I am sure a lot of diplomats here and elsewhere face this problem.: Rolly is correct that you can get a temporary transit permit (in almost any state). I know of at least one person in my company who brought his car from Connecticut (registration expired), and got the temporary permit from Texas. He told U.S. Customs this information at the border, when they told him his plate was expired according to their computers, and they happily directed him to where he could get the temporary permit.: I would never nationalize a car here. Too expensive in the long-run. Plus, in a few years NAFTA is 'supposed' to bring about somewhat of an equalization in car prices between U.S. and Mexico.:
: : Lots of questions. A few answers. It is all subjective. Insurance is much less expensive for imported cars with foreign plates..Used cars as well as new cars are expensive in Mexico. The only car I consider a bargain in Mexico is the VW beetle. You can find a 3-4 year old one for $5,000, US. Other than that, most cars are outragious. most people buy a car in the US and bring it here. If you get an FM-3 you can keep the car in Mexico as long as you keep the FM-3 active. If you are here on an FMT, you must return to the border every 6 months with the car and renew the permit. this is not a big deal. Most people enjoy returning to the states every 6 months to shop anyway.: : : If you bring a motorcycle, You are really taking you life in your hands. Mexicans are wild drivers. It is like a sport here. If you pass someone, it is like an insult if they don't pass you. There are also many drunk or drinking drivers on the road. Many drivers are not licensed here so there isn't the fear of loosing you privilages.: : : If you bring a car in, I suggest it is a VW, Nissan, Ford or Chevy. Most Chrysler products are OK too. They are all made here and it is easy to get parts. Bring some basic parts with you. They are less expensive in the US. : : : The car you bring should run well but have some dings and bangs. If it doesn't, it will get plenty here. The streets are narrow and the water and gas trucks will hit your car often. A radio is not important. I have lost 3 in the past 2 years. I won't replace it any more. The car you bring in should be good on rough, cobble stone roads and get good gas mileage. As you know, gas is expensive here. You do get full service though..: : : Good luck.. Hope this helped.: :
: : :
: : : : If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.: : : : Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?: : : : If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?: : : : and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?

gjyl

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #21 of 21 (2097 views)

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Auto inspection also waived in many other states nfm

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: : : One thing you did not answer how do I finally bring the car out of Mexico if I have had it in country for several years. the reg. expires. In N.Y. you cannot have it reg. without having it inspected.: : Well, are you talking about registration in N.Y.? I am from Washington, D.C., and they will give me a waiver on renewing my registration with regard to the part on inspection, if I can show valid proof from my company or government authority that the car is outside the country (outside the district is not good enough). I am sure a lot of diplomats here and elsewhere face this problem.: : Rolly is correct that you can get a temporary transit permit (in almost any state). I know of at least one person in my company who brought his car from Connecticut (registration expired), and got the temporary permit from Texas. He told U.S. Customs this information at the border, when they told him his plate was expired according to their computers, and they happily directed him to where he could get the temporary permit.: : I would never nationalize a car here. Too expensive in the long-run. Plus, in a few years NAFTA is 'supposed' to bring about somewhat of an equalization in car prices between U.S. and Mexico.: :
: : : Lots of questions. A few answers. It is all subjective. Insurance is much less expensive for imported cars with foreign plates..Used cars as well as new cars are expensive in Mexico. The only car I consider a bargain in Mexico is the VW beetle. You can find a 3-4 year old one for $5,000, US. Other than that, most cars are outragious. most people buy a car in the US and bring it here. If you get an FM-3 you can keep the car in Mexico as long as you keep the FM-3 active. If you are here on an FMT, you must return to the border every 6 months with the car and renew the permit. this is not a big deal. Most people enjoy returning to the states every 6 months to shop anyway.: : : : If you bring a motorcycle, You are really taking you life in your hands. Mexicans are wild drivers. It is like a sport here. If you pass someone, it is like an insult if they don't pass you. There are also many drunk or drinking drivers on the road. Many drivers are not licensed here so there isn't the fear of loosing you privilages.: : : : If you bring a car in, I suggest it is a VW, Nissan, Ford or Chevy. Most Chrysler products are OK too. They are all made here and it is easy to get parts. Bring some basic parts with you. They are less expensive in the US. : : : : The car you bring should run well but have some dings and bangs. If it doesn't, it will get plenty here. The streets are narrow and the water and gas trucks will hit your car often. A radio is not important. I have lost 3 in the past 2 years. I won't replace it any more. The car you bring in should be good on rough, cobble stone roads and get good gas mileage. As you know, gas is expensive here. You do get full service though..: : : : Good luck.. Hope this helped.: : :
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: : : : : If I buy a car in the states and bring it to Mexico do I have to keep up the U.S. reg? If so how do you do this if living in Mexico and not near a border. If you do not have to keep it up how do yor then bring it out of Mexico? Mexican law says you must bring it out you cannot leave it there.: : : : : Also if I buy an old car is it worth bring it in and nationalizing it?: : : : : If I buy a car in Mexico over ten years old is there no tax?: : : : : and Finally if I buy a motorcylce is there a ten year tax on this as there would be on a car?