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wunderbar

Jul 31, 2009, 11:59 AM

Post #1 of 10 (1280 views)

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What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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I want to be able to buy a car in Mexico or in a different country but have it licensed in Mexico. What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico? I want to drive the car in and out of the USA but have the car licensed in Mexico

Rolly

Jul 31, 2009, 1:41 PM

Post #2 of 10 (1260 views)

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Re: [wunderbar] What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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If you want Mexican plates, you will need to buy the car in México. "Nationalizing" a foreign car is next to impossible.

The car dealer will guide you through the registration process.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
This is a good time to be living in Mexico.
A clean house is the sign of a broken computer.

gpkgto

Jul 31, 2009, 2:51 PM

Post #3 of 10 (1235 views)

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Re: [Rolly] What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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Not all car dealers do this--especially used car dealers. I bought a car here 9 yaers ago and got no help with the registration.

Papirex

Jul 31, 2009, 8:18 PM

Post #4 of 10 (1195 views)

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Re: [wunderbar] What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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Rolly is right, the easiest way to get Mexican plates on a car here is to buy one in México. Late model, low kilometraje (mileage) cars are generally cheaper in México than they are in The US in spite of the misinformation posted by many ex-pat “experts” that have never done it. If you buy a used car here it is safer to buy it from a reputable dealer. If you buy it from an individual, or at a tiangus the likelihood of getting a stolen car with phony papers is higher.

Most Mexican states now require “verification”inspections (smog tests) every six months. Without that inspection sticker in your rear window, you are subject to being stopped by the cops anywhere here. That may lead to serious, or minor consequences.

To drive the car into The United States, it must meet all US safety and emissions standards, most, but not all, cars manufactured or sold in México since 1992 qualify. You must also buy insurance valid in The USA. I have never done it, but those that have say you can buy that insurance in the border area, and it is expensive, limited, and short term.

Buying, or selling a car with American plates from anyone in México is illegal and risky. It is a can of worms that you don't want to open.

Rex

"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved" - Victor Hugo

jerezano

Aug 1, 2009, 7:45 AM

Post #5 of 10 (1163 views)

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Re: [Papirex] What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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Hello,

Papirex (who lives in Cuernavaca?) said:>>Late model, low kilometraje (mileage) cars are generally cheaper in México than they are in The US<<<

Not my experience here in Zacatecas. Here they are usually about a $1000 usd or more expensive.

Papirex also said:>>You must also buy insurance valid in The USA. I have never done it, but those that have say you can buy that insurance in the border area, and it is expensive, limited, and short term.<<

Absolutely right. However that insurance can be bought on line at very reasonable rates for Mexican plated cars and if the driver has a Mexican drivers license and Mexican insurance and a Mexican residence. And for several months. The insurance outlets along the highway as you approach the frontier really are robbers.

The insurance company I use is based in San Antonio Texas and its url is:

https://www.segurogringo.com/index.asp?VAR_AMF=S

You must be able to read Spanish to use this on-line service.

jerezano

(This post was edited by jerezano on Aug 1, 2009, 7:50 AM)

ken_in_dfw

Aug 1, 2009, 8:51 AM

Post #6 of 10 (1146 views)

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Re: [jerezano] What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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Hey Jerezano, great recommendation! I checked it out and there is an English language (and French and German, too!) version of the site. This is the English language version: http://www.segurogringo.com/sg/ . I tried out the instant quote system and did note that the actual quote sent back to me was in Spanish. So you will have to know some Spanish to complete the transaction, but not as onerous as a site completely in Spanish.

The other thing to note in using this site: "This service is exclusive for Méxican citizens or people who reside permanently in Mexico and which they drive automoviles or trucks. Any address outside México do not cover the insurance."

"Respect for the rights of others is peace."
Benito Juarez

jennifer rose

Aug 1, 2009, 10:28 AM

Post #7 of 10 (1122 views)

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Re: [Papirex] What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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A newly added benefit to those whose cars are insured by Inbursa is coverage for Mexican-plated cars when driven in the US. The insurance only covers the insured as a driver, but it did not add to the cost of the policy.

Staring at Strangers

(This post was edited by jennifer rose on Aug 1, 2009, 10:29 AM)

gpkgto

Aug 1, 2009, 2:55 PM

Post #8 of 10 (1084 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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Carlos Slim (owner of Inbursa, I think) is a genious.

Georgia

Aug 2, 2009, 11:48 AM

Post #9 of 10 (1028 views)

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Re: [Papirex] What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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To drive a Mexican plated car into the US for less than a year you do not have to meet any particular safety or emissions tests. You do have to have insurance in the US which is easily purchased just before you cross the border. check the us.dot website for details

(This post was edited by Georgia on Aug 2, 2009, 11:49 AM)

mcm

Aug 2, 2009, 12:35 PM

Post #10 of 10 (1008 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] What do I have to do to license a Car in Mexico?

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In Reply To

Axa Seguros (formerly ING) also provides this benefit.