Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

Sally

Aug 16, 2005, 7:19 PM

Post #1 of 11 (1418 views)

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Is a clear car title required?

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Hello,

We will be traveling in Mexico for a couple of weeks in Sept.-October. Will we need to have a clear (no liens)title to take the car across the border? We have the option of a Suburban which is not paid for, or a Volvo which is paid for hence (clear title). We'd like to take the big SUV for the comfort factor and because we will be traveling with pets and crates. However, if necessary, will make do with the Volvo.

I have been to Ajijic, in 1999, and know about narrow streets, etc. Another issue is gasoline. It's topping $2.58 gal. today. What is the price in Mexico?

Thank for any opinions and advice. Also, wanting to rent a casita, house for 2 weeks in Sept-Oct. Dogs, house trained, well behaved and crated when we are not with them. They are toy poodles and will be newly groomed and we clean up after them when they are walked.

Thanks,

Ed and Fran

Aug 16, 2005, 7:42 PM

Post #2 of 11 (1413 views)

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Re: [Sally] Is a clear car title required?

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Will we need to have a clear (no liens)title to take the car across the border?

No, but if the car has a lien you're supposed to get a letter from the lein holder (notarized) giving you permission to take the car to Mexico for the trip.

What is the price in Mexico?

Regular unleaded is running $6.34 (m.n.) a liter, which works out to about $2.26 U.S. a gallon, depending on what you use for an exchange rate. Premium unleaded would run a bit higher, maybe around $2.70 a gal (just an estimate). I'm open to correction if someone does a better job of converting prices/pesos/liters etc.

Regards

Ed

Sally

Aug 16, 2005, 7:55 PM

Post #3 of 11 (1411 views)

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Re: [Ed and Fran] Is a clear car title required?

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Ed and Fran

Thanks so very much for the information. That makes our decision much easier because I'm not sure how to get such a letter from GMAC.

Thanks,
Sally

Carron

Aug 17, 2005, 4:20 AM

Post #4 of 11 (1393 views)

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Re: [Sally] Is a clear car title required?

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Car finance companies do these letters of permission all the time. Nothing difficult or complicated for you or for GMAC. Just contact the office that handles your account and explain where you are going and what you need. Only problem might be for someone who is not current on payments or who has a bad credit history.

Sally

Aug 17, 2005, 6:35 PM

Post #5 of 11 (1336 views)

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Re: [Carron] Is a clear car title required?

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Carron,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I will contact my lender and check this out.

Thanks,
Sally

loriwilson

Sep 10, 2005, 11:05 AM

Post #6 of 11 (1282 views)

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Re: [Sally] Is a clear car title required?

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I read somewhere that the letter from the leinholder has to be in Spanish and notarized. Is this true? Drove our RV down last year and had a permission letter (in English, not notarized) from B of A. We were not questioned at the border but I have been wondering ever since what would have happened if we had been asked to show the letter.

sfmacaws

Sep 10, 2005, 11:36 AM

Post #7 of 11 (1277 views)

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Re: [loriwilson] Is a clear car title required?

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The first 2 years we had the motorhome, there was a lien on it. This was 2001 and 2002. I had the notarized letter in english and was asked for it both times. There was no problem with the language, I don't think they looked at much besides feeling for the notary seal.

I have a good friend who used to lead caravans of RVs to Mexico and he said they were always accepted in english. In fact, he used to make them up if one of the customers didn't arrive with one. He would print it from his computer and then use a US silver dollar to 'emboss' a seal on it for the notary. I'm not recommending this, it's probably a lot more work than it sounds like.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

loriwilson

Sep 10, 2005, 11:55 AM

Post #8 of 11 (1269 views)

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Re: [sfmacaws] Is a clear car title required?

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Thanks. We're planning to come down again this winter. I'll get the letter but this time have it notarized. Actually, I'm a notary myself, wonder if they'd notice that it's my stamp on the document? To be on the safe side maybe I'll have a friend do it. I like the idea of the silver dollar though. What a great finishing touch!

BTW - I've been to your web site in the past and am totally enchanted.

sfmacaws

Sep 10, 2005, 12:21 PM

Post #9 of 11 (1264 views)

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Re: [loriwilson] Is a clear car title required?

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Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the web site. Reminds me that I need to update it <g>

I doubt that they would notice that you were also the notary but... you never know. However, I'd bring the notary equipment with me if I had it. It could be quite handy SOB. The more raised seals, stamps, gold stickers and signatures there are on a document there, the bigger the chance it will be accepted. Who knows, you might need it for something.

In case you intend to go down as far as Belize, they require the same form to enter but accepted a copy. Guatemala doesn't seem to care.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

jennifer rose

Sep 10, 2005, 1:34 PM

Post #10 of 11 (1254 views)

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Re: [loriwilson] Is a clear car title required?

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Absolutely, do not notarize any document in which you have an interest. Whether "they" notice it or not is irrelevant.

loriwilson

Sep 10, 2005, 1:46 PM

Post #11 of 11 (1248 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Is a clear car title required?

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Guess I didn't make it clear enough that I was just joking. As a licensed notary I am fully aware of the laws and do not intend to break them. Hence, "maybe I'll have a friend do it".

To Jonna - I wish we were going as far as Belize and Guatemala. By the time we're able to do that, the RV will be fully paid for anyway.