What Real Estate Buyers Need to Know About Buying and Owning a Car in Costa Rica

If you’re relocating to Costa Rica from North America or Europe—or even just considering it as part of your real estate journey—you’ve likely started thinking about how to get around. Public transport exists, but for many expats, owning a car is the key to exploring this beautiful country and settling into your new home. However, as I’ve learned from working with clients and digging into local resources like the buyer’s guide from Trinity Motors, a reputable Costa Rican dealership, the car-buying experience here is a world apart from what you’re used to. From jaw-dropping prices to surprising resale values, here’s everything you need to know to navigate vehicle ownership in Costa Rica with confidence.

Sticker Shock: Why Cars Cost More Here

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: cars in Costa Rica are expensive. If you’re used to browsing dealership lots in the U.S., Canada, or Europe expecting a bargain, you’re in for a surprise. That $25,000 SUV you’ve got your eye on back home? Here, it might easily cost $40,000 or more. According to Trinity Motors’ guide, this boils down to one major factor: import taxes. Costa Rica doesn’t manufacture vehicles domestically, so every car—new or used—is shipped in and slapped with hefty duties, sometimes as high as 85% of the vehicle’s assessed value (which is often higher than its North American price tag to begin with).

This can feel like a punch to the wallet, especially if you’re mentally converting colones to dollars or euros. But here’s the silver lining: accepting this reality early will save you frustration. Plus, there’s an upside to these high costs that you won’t find back home—vehicles hold their value remarkably well here, which I’ll explain next. For now, just know that if a deal seems too good to be true (say, a price matching what you’d pay in Ohio or Ontario), it’s a red flag. Trinity Motors warns that suspiciously low prices often signal scams or hidden issues.

A Car That Pays You Back: Resale Value in Costa Rica

In North America or Europe, driving a new car off the lot means watching its value drop faster than a coconut falling from a palm tree. Not so in Costa Rica. Here, vehicles are seen as long-term investments, and their resale value can stay strong for years—or even increase. Take a Toyota Hilux, a popular pickup truck in Costa Rica. Trinity Motors notes you might buy one for $45,000, drive it for two years, and sell it for $47,000. That’s practically unheard of in the U.S. or Canada, where depreciation is the name of the game.

Why the difference? High initial costs mean buyers prioritize maintenance, and the culture here leans toward keeping things running rather than replacing them. Rugged terrain and a slower pace of consumption also play a role—people repair instead of discard. So, while you’ll pay more upfront, you’re not just buying a car; you’re investing in something that could hold or even grow in value over time. For expats planning a long-term stay, this makes the higher price tag easier to swallow.

Mechanics Everywhere: Maintenance Made Easy

Speaking of repairs, Costa Rica’s car culture is built around keeping vehicles on the road. Unlike North America, where quick oil changes dominate and new cars flood the market, Costa Rica has a robust network of full-service mechanic shops. The terrain—think bumpy backroads and steep jungle paths—puts extra wear on cars, but the local infrastructure is ready for it. Parts can be pricier (those import taxes again), but labor is affordable, often balancing out the cost to match or undercut what you’d pay stateside.

For expats, this means you won’t struggle to find someone to fix a flat or tune your engine. Trinity Motors highlights that this repair-friendly environment supports the longevity of vehicles here—a bonus if you’re planning to keep your car for the long haul.

Your Buyer’s Checklist: How to Shop Smart

Ready to buy? The process in Costa Rica requires a bit more detective work than you might be used to. Trinity Motors offers a handy checklist in their guide, and I’ve distilled it into must-know tips for expats:

1. Research First: Start by exploring brands and models popular in Costa Rica—think Toyota, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, and Isuzu (more on these later). Compare prices and read reviews to set a realistic budget.
2. Check Maintenance History: Ask for records, especially for transmission fluid changes on automatics. Original parts are a good sign; generic ones might hint at corner-cutting.
3. Get an Inspection: Hire a reputable dealership or third-party inspector to check for unreported accidents or hidden damage, especially on older cars.
4. Verify Tickets and Liens: In Costa Rica, vehicle transfers go through attorneys who can check for outstanding tickets, liens, or legal issues tied to the car.
5. Watch the Mileage: Odometer tampering is common here. Trinity Motors uses scanners to verify mileage, but you can also look for wear on the driver’s seat or steering wheel—though beware of sellers who replace these to deceive buyers.
6. Confirm Parts Availability: Chat with local mechanics about parts for your chosen model. Limited availability can mean costly delays.
7. Think Resale: Opt for brands with strong reputations and easy-to-find parts to maximize value down the road.
8. Read the Warranty: Private sellers offer none, so be sure of your choice. Dealership warranties (often 30 days on the powertrain) vary—check reviews to ensure they’re honored.
9. Dekra and Marchamo: These are Costa Rica’s annual vehicle inspection (Dekra) and tax (Marchamo). Look for current badges on the windshield.
10. Pay Safely: Avoid wiring money to private sellers abroad. Use escrow, cash, or a local bank transfer, and stick to trusted dealerships like Trinity Motors for peace of mind.

If a deal feels off, walk away. A little caution goes a long way here.

Top 5 Brands to Consider

Not sure where to start? Trinity Motors ranks five brands that shine in Costa Rica for quality, reliability, and resale value:

• Toyota: The king of the road here, especially the Hilux pickup and SUVs like the Rav4, Fortuner, and Land Cruiser. Built to last and easy to resell.
• Suzuki: Affordable and off-road-ready, with standouts like the Grand Vitara and quirky Jimny—perfect for smaller adventures.
• Mitsubishi: The L200 pickup and Montero SUV offer style and durability at a slightly lower price than Toyota’s luxury models.
• Hyundai: Modern Tucsons are a hit for small-to-midsize SUV fans, with solid 4WD options.
• Isuzu: The D-Max truck and MU-X SUV combine ruggedness with easy parts access.

These brands thrive in Costa Rica’s tough conditions and hold their value—a win for expats.

Importing Your Own Car: Worth It?

Can you bring your beloved car from home? Yes, but it’s a hassle. Trinity Motors outlines the process: you’ll need ownership proof, an export certificate, a bill of sale, and a Costa Rican emissions/safety inspection. Then come the costs—import duties (52-79% of the car’s value), shipping, and fees for Dekra and Marchamo. For most, it’s not worth it unless the car holds sentimental value. Plus, parts for uncommon models can be a nightmare to source. My advice? Buy local unless you’re deeply attached.

A Helping Hand from Trinity Motors

If this all sounds daunting, you’re not alone. That’s where Trinity Motors comes in. Their buyer’s guide (the inspiration for this article) is packed with insider tips, and they offer a free concierge service for expats. They’ll source new or used vehicles, handle paperwork, and even have your car waiting at the airport when you land—complete with plates, Dekra, and Marchamo. It’s a game-changer for newcomers, and their focus on expats means they get the challenges you face.

Final Thoughts

Buying and owning a car in Costa Rica isn’t like back home, but that’s part of the adventure. Yes, you’ll pay more upfront, but you’ll gain resale value, a repair-friendly culture, and the freedom to explore your new home. Armed with these insights—thanks to Trinity Motors’ expertise—you can make a smart choice and hit the road with confidence. Got questions about settling in? Drop me a line—I’m here to help you navigate life in Costa Rica, one blog post at a time!