Buying a new car in Saltillo Coahuila

We bought new Nissan 3 years ago.  You need your Curp paperwork, and your RFC paperwork. Do not buy a used car unless the local police have checked it out.  Here in Jalisco they have a branch just for this because alot of problems can come with a used car if not checked out first.  So we just bought new no issues to be had.  Not sure if salito has a air quality inspection for cars.  but if they do buying a hybrid with the leaf symbol on the plate means you will never be bothered with the inspection.  We bought a Nissan EPower which has a 3 cylinder engine that is used as generator that feeds the electric batteries so we never run out of power as long as we have gas.  It gets 50 mpg from what we have drove it.

MexicoAfterlife, thank you!

I am planning on getting a new Toyota Corolla from a dealer here in town for the reason you mentioned, and because so many people have cautioned me about the mileage on used cars not being accurate.

I have a CURP number and have tried repeatedly to get an appointment online at the SAT office to get an RFC, but their site has been down for weeks. And it says appointments are only granted online!

If I ever get an RFC, what else will I need? A Mexican driver's license? I'm afraid my poor Spanish will prevent me from passing the test even though l am familiar with the driving rules.

I appreciate your help very much.

I bought a Toyota Tacoma 4 years ago, and an Audi last week. I didn't need my CURP or RFC or any driver's license, although I still have the US one. All I needed was ID. Please, make sure that you have a good lawyer you trust check everything for you, and you'll be fine.

I need a lawyer to buy a car?! What state are you in?

@jazzpaz

No, you don't need a lawyer to buy a car. It's just cheap protection. The first vehicle I bought was "chocolate." ILLEGAL. Sure, it had a fractura, plates, paperwork showing impuestos paid, etc. All fraud, and I lost 240,000 pesos. I didn't use my lawyer, and I never suspected fraudulent plates, fractura, etc. From then on, I used my attorney to check all paperwork, fractura, tarjeta de circulation, engine number, VIN, etc., which he did by phone, in his office. Cost me maybe $40 USD, and he has access to gov't sites on the Internet to check cars and their legal status, which I don't have. This saves worry and confusion and makes buying a car easy.  All you have to do is test drive it and agree on price.  Maybe  have a mechanic check it if it's used and ask for service records if used. Your attorney will take care of everything very reasonably. As for states, I bought both my Tacoma and my Audi in Guadalajara, Jalisco, although I now live in San Miguel de Allende, GTO, and my attorney is in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, because I used to live there. You can certainly buy a car on your own, but it is much safer to use an attorney.

@famouskate100

One more thing.....get insurance. It is required by law, but many Mexicans don't have it and you don't need it or even a license to buy a car and drive away. As for lying about mileage on a used car, a thorough inspection by a good and knowledge mechanic, of which there are many, gives a decent indication of mileage, due to vehicle condition, paint wear, headlight clarity or lack thereof, upholstery wear, wear and tear of parts, dings, scratches, dents, etc. A 20,000 mileage car will appear very different from a 200,000 mileage car. I see many low mileage cars, due to the high gas and autopista prices.

famouskate, you have been my best source of good information ever since I decided to move to Mexico. Thank you so much!

I intend to buy a buy a new car with cash from a local (Saltillo) dealer. I've heard too many stories about stolen cars being sold, cars with milage rolled back, etc. to tempt me to buy even a recent used car.

Of course I will have insurance.

Do you think it's wise to employ a lawyer under these circumstances?

Hi Jazzpaz. I would not buy any car, new or used, without an attorney, but of course, that is up to you. He should also be able to easily help with your RFC. Transfer money to buy a car with your tarjeta, don't carry that much cash. As for used vehicles, your attorney can run them through CarFax, we did, but of course it is fine to buy new, I just hate that immediate depreciation because I am frugal, lol. Your attorney can also assist with insurance, negotiating the vehicle price [it is very common to be charged more, being an ex pat], and paying your yearly vehicle taxes where and when . Good luck, you'll be fine, and enjoy your new car! You're welcome for the help....I have lived in Mexico long enough to learn most things the hard way.

Thank you again, Kate! I wish you lived in Saltillo; l would be knocking on your door all day long with questions!

And we could drink tea! Or beer......you'll get the hang of things, just takes time. Mexico teaches patience.

Patience l have. It's facts l have packed ... until you!

Many thanks.

Well, I haven't done much, but you are very welcome!