Posted by Chris Decker on April 06, 1997:
What are the legal requirements for a U.S. citizen who wants to buy and operate a car in Mexico? Must one have a Mexican driver's license or a certain type of visa in order to obtain the license plates and registration on the car? Also, does anyone know the cost of a new economy model (e.g., VW bug or Nissan Tsuru) on the Mexican market?
Posted by esteban on April 09, 1997:
In Reply to: buying a car in Mexico posted by Chris Decker on April 06, 1997:What inexpensive small car nowdays is going to save your life? Probably none but the VW Beetle is probably one of the safest when it comes to rolling. Crushing a beetle in a roll is like trying to break an egg in the palm of your hand...you can't do it. If you can't afford the Beamer, the maid, the gardner (hiya Marvin) then you might want to purchase the new VW Beetle and just be a defensive driver. In Acapulco, last year, the price of a new 40 year special edition VW Beetle was just $4000 USD. It has the 1600 cc engine and is carbuerated and can be kept alive by a complete idiot with the book. If you can't figure out how to fix it you will find 10 million Mexicans who know what to do.
Posted by Gary on April 09, 1997:
In Reply to: Re: buying a car in Mexico posted by esteban on April 09, 1997:Esteban & Marvin, Thanks for the advice. Since I just sold my 84 Audi 4000 for $2100, a new beetle at $4000 sounds pretty good. I know they are not the safest cars, my brother in law was killed driving to work in one, but I am a defensive driver and have never had an accident. Besides driving around town in Zihua, the only driving we will be doing is going to the Price Club in Aucapulco once a month, or driving to one of the beaches nearby. Ive rented beetles in Mexico before and feel at least they are safer than a bike or motorcycle. Last time we were there my wife and my friends wife sat in the back of his pickup on lawn chairs when we drove to Playa Larga, not safe, but you cant live forever.
Posted by Marvin Kemel on April 06, 1997:
In Reply to: buying a car in Mexico posted by Chris Decker on April 06, 1997:Chris: Cars in Mexico can run 30 to 50 % more than in the USA depending on the model. They also do not have much of a warranty.Many of them are unique to Mexico in some way: different pollution eqpt., different motors, spartan interiors. The dealer network and related dealer infrastructure is also quite poor. I dont know about the registration but Mexican Insurance for a Mexican registered vehicle is very high. Why dont you just bring one from the USA. Much simpler. With an FM3 visa you can keep the car in Mexico for 5 years. Obtaining parts for US built vehicles is not really much of a problem and you would certainly get more value for your money.
Posted by Gary on April 08, 1997:
In Reply to: Re: buying a car in Mexico posted by Marvin Kemel on April 06, 1997:Marvin, Are you saying a used VW Beetle is going to be that expensive in Mexico? Afterall, they make them there. Some of the books Ive read like I believe it was in "Choose Mexico", imply buying a VW would be a good choice. We dont plan to drive that much but and we'll be alot further from the border than you are. I would appreciate anyones experience in buying one there. Thanks.
Posted by Marvin Kemel on April 08, 1997:
In Reply to: Buying a car in Mexico posted by Gary on April 08, 1997:I am no expert on Mexican cars but I can tell you this. The Beetle is unique to Mexico. Because it is not sold in the rest of North America it does not have to meet any N.A. standards I.E safety or quality. I suppose if you are looking for a cheap used vehicle the Bbeetle may be the way to go, but I would never buy a new Mexican vehicle. They are quite different. If you are a V- Dub lover they will be making a new Beetle like car very soon. I saw some pictures and it looks very nice: sort of cute/chic/modern and yet still looks a little beetle-like. BTW parts for many North American cars are available all over Mexico. Mexicans love Chevies( always pronounce the "ch" as in chivo). Many replacement parts for earlier chevs are made in Mexico, especially the pickups. I know many people will disagree with me but Beetles are a very dangerous car. The steering box sits up front and in an accident can drive the shaft into your body. I bet if the NHTSB ever tested a VW for crash worthiness the results would be shocking . I raced cars for many years and nostalgia aside would NEVER drive a Bug. Why does VW not produce or sell this car anywhere else in the world?? The fact that a vehicle is produced in Mexico does not have any bearing on the price. Until NAFTA vehicles that were not produced in Mexico were not allowed to be imported. The rules have changed considerably in the last few years. Even beemers can be seen on the streets. As for used cars, maybe you should look around Mexico and be prepared for a shock. A good used car is an oxymoron. PM ( preventative maintenance) is almost nonexistant. The poor can't afford it and the rich ( those decadent ricos ,probably have lots of maids- private joke) don't care. Because many don't have insurance when a car gets into an accident they simply take a hammer and straighten the damage( not like Maaco). The cars that are not "beaters" command a premium price. For my money a US vehicle is still the way to go. If replacement parts is a concern maybe someone else can tell you which US Models are similar to the Mexican units. If you do decide to buy a Mexican car I'll bet you could post an interesting story about the purchase. Customer service(aka Wal Mart) is not a priority in Mexico. Good Luck
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