BajaNomad

new car (honda) -- better price in mexico?

clark123 - 12-13-2015 at 08:17 PM

hi guys

anyone looked at buying a new car in Mexico? i'm looking for lower price and then to bring back to USA. preference is Honda Accord.

not possible? where to buy? etc.

thanks.

Whale-ista - 12-13-2015 at 08:51 PM

FWIW- Many people I know prefer to buy cars in US and take them south. They can get better financing if getting a loan.

Also- what state are you in? Emission standards for imports to CA may add costs/fees. Plus imports require additional documents. So... not sure what the real savings might be.

BooJumMan - 12-14-2015 at 07:51 AM

My buddy who was born and raised in Baja has a work visa up here in the states. We work together. He's always talking about how much cheaper cars are in the states compared to Baja (new from dealers). I never asked him details but he was planning on buying in the states and bringing down when he saved up some money.

bajaguy - 12-14-2015 at 08:03 AM

A "built for Mexico" car may not meet US EPA/DOT-NHTSA regulations, plus you are going to pay the 16% VAT (tax) here in Mexico, possible US import fees and whatever US State registration/title fees of your home state. Think it would be cheaper and less hassle to purchase in the US.

[Edited on 12-14-2015 by bajaguy]

pacsur - 12-14-2015 at 08:13 AM

A friend of mine bought a Honda in sjdc a few years ago when we had another peso devaluation, he said the deal worked out very well for him.
He was not legal here with residency papers but the dealership got him a drivers license and insurance, now he's having issues registering the vehicle and renewing his license here in San Jose.
He took the car to Idaho this summer and tried to get Idaho plates, it was a complete no go without it being legally imported to the USA,(some time ago bringing grey market European cars to the USA was a big deal, from what I know all cars imported into the USA must meet standard safety and emission rules, different from other countries), Idaho dmv also tried to fine him with some type of road use tax, so he brought it back.
Last note, new Mexican cars are usually 15%-25% more off the lot, and leasing basically cost the same as buying but you don't get to keep the car.

danaeb - 12-14-2015 at 09:51 AM

I have an older Honda CRV (made in US) that now lives in Baja. When the brake switch failed, I took it to the Honda dealer in La Paz. They couldn't fix it - US cars can have different parts than Mexico cars. I had to bring the part down from San Diego. So, it's not just the emissions equipment that could cause you problems if you bring it into the US.

BigBearRider - 12-14-2015 at 09:55 AM

I heard you can get a good deal on an almost-new black 2015 Honda CR-V AWD in the Loreto area. :no: [Edit: Apparently, this car is no longer for sale. Good news!]

Seriously, though, I wouldn't buy a car in Mexico for use in the US.

[Edited on 12-14-2015 by BigBearRider]

[Edited on 12-14-2015 by BigBearRider]

23S52N - 12-14-2015 at 01:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  
A "built for Mexico" car may not meet US EPA/DOT-NHTSA regulations, plus you are going to pay the 16% VAT (tax) here in Mexico, possible US import fees and whatever US State registration/title fees of your home state. Think it would be cheaper and less hassle to purchase in the US.

[Edited on 12-14-2015 by bajaguy]


This. I bought a brand new chev traverse in LA Paz in 2011. It was made in the states, BUT not to US or Canadian standards and thus not importable. Suggest you contact US customs to get straight from the horse. Also I believe to buy here you need a resident visa

Regards
Keith

dasubergeek - 12-18-2015 at 11:13 AM

It is never cheaper to buy a new car in Mexico, and you would have to maintain Mexican plates for it because importing it into the U.S. is absolutely a pain in the nalgas.

bajatrailrider - 12-19-2015 at 05:18 PM

I bought new Mexican Nissan truck in 2014.Never could this truck be licensed in the U.S.It was cheap because dollar to peso.Also you can not buy new car or truck in Mexico.Without MX DL.I can drive my truck in U.S because I live in MX,also Mx DL.Truck is Insured,both country's.Other members also right about many parts not interchangeable.Also Ins for non tourist,in MX much higher then U.S.I'm talking full coverage.