Oh my god purchasing a car here is a nightmare

30POSTS

8 years ago

In the 3 attempts I have made to purchase a car here, I have had three failures due to suspected attempts at fraud. That's a 100% attempted fraud rate. Each story is somewhat unique, but the last included me engaging my own attorney (who I fully trust) and yet the outcome was the same. Is this what happens here and is there anyway to get around it? I'm looking for a maximum of a 10 year old car (preferably an SUV.. as i live in the mountains) and have a budget of about $8k.

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Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

8 years ago

Yes car buying is a challenge here.

First expect to pay 30%or more above KBB prices and that it new or used.

Second ALWAYS run the vehicle through car fax. Many used vehicles either have bad titles (junk or salvage) back in the US and many currently will be "flood" cars from the recent hurricanes.

Always have a mechanic you trust to look at the car

Best buy may be from another expat who is either leaving or buying a new vehicle.

We have bought 1 new and 3 used vehicle here with some effort and all have worked out well.

Bob K

1 member reacted to this post

BahamianexpatDR Active member

30POSTS

8 years ago

Thanks, Bob. You're advice will thoroughly followed. To all expats viewing, help! All offers appreciated.

1 member reacted to this post

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17773POSTS

8 years ago

I have bought several vehicles without issue always with carfax. I did catch a major fraud but they bought it anyway. Cost them a lot of extra money!

1 member reacted to this post

luisenriquereyes Active member

37POSTS

8 years ago

Is there a particlar, forum or Facebook group that expats regularly post their vehicles for sale?

Bob K wrote:
Best buy may be from another expat who is either leaving or buying a new vehicle.

1 member reacted to this post

Bob K VIP Member

7675POSTS

8 years ago

Check at least on the north coast
FB Everything Cabarete
FB Everything Sosua
FB Everything Puerto Plata
Also the bulletin board at Playero, and Pola

Bob K

2 members reacted to this post

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17773POSTS

8 years ago

Corrotos Google them. Also mercadolibre

2 members reacted to this post

dumluk Serial expat

430POSTS

8 years ago

Do you really need a private auto in the D.R.? Or is the public transport excellent like it is in Panama, Colombia, C.R. Ecuador, etc? Ive got 2 cars in Panama and its straightforward and more or less American prices.....and no issues with registration/liscensing.....