Purchasing cars

[K. Reed]

Planning a scout trip in Feb. Possible move in mid summer. I am about to purchase a car here in the states but would it be better to wait and purchase a vehicle in Panama?

[Judy Sacco]

Buy it in Panama. It is a lot of trouble to bring a car in, and expensive too.

[Amigos de Animales]

What Judy says. Additionally, depending on where you plan to live in Panama, it's a good idea to be aware of service availability for your specific make of car.

[Don Ray Williams]

Cars in Panama use different specs than those designed in the US. That sometimes makes finding parts more difficult. To see the car dealers in David, you can go to http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2005/11/14/david-car-dealers/

[K. Reed]

Thank you guys for all your good information. I believe that I will wait. My big fear is not being able to speak enough spanish for a purchase transaction. Maybe I can find some one in Boquete who would be willing to help a female with little spanish speaking ability. I thank you again! Can't wait to get to Boquete! I am so excited.

[Don Ray Williams]

Most of the dealers have English speaking salesmen/women.

[K. Reed]

Well I hope that by the time I actually get to Boquete my spanish will be better but, it is nice to know that some dealers have English speaking sales people. Thanks!

[H.J. Macaulay (panamalady.com)]

Yes. Cars from the US have different specifications and therefore, parts would be impossible to find here in Panama. Better to get something here that you will have no problems maintaining and fixing...my advice.

[The Zapadora]

Come down, look, decide if you want to be here...THEN buy a car.
Just MY (not so) HO.
JUst trying to help you keep it simple. Also check out www.boquete.org ( the Discussion section)
Dlh - The Zapadora

[Wes McAda]

If you have jubilado status in Panama and a vehicle free form lien in North America, I suggest bringing the car for the following reasons:

1. Cost of transport port to port is probably under $1,000, depending on the port of origin and size/weight of your vehicle.
2. You pay no taxes to import the vehicle.
3. The auto market and its products are pretty standardized as a result of globalization and mass production, therefore most standard parts are easy to find, or a substitute can be found in junk yards, through dealers, or a machine shop. Mind you, this may not apply to a 1970's year make British import.
4. In as few as three stops (two days on the town), you can have your vehicle legally "on the road."
5. You do not even have to handle the process, if you do not want to. You need: freight forwarder (USA - Panama) and a customs agent (Panama). Optional: a service that takes care of the rest (can refer).

Last, but not least...

6. If you have a vehicle with a free title in North America, but want to sell it instead of paying a couple thousand to bring it down, you will probably take a hard loss as a result of the economic situation and a buyer's market. Sellers are hurting. I guess it depends on what the vehicle is worth to you -- or what it would cost to replace.

Greatest disadvantage: if your vehicle is lost at sea, you have lost it without any financial compensation or recourse (unless you buy expensive insurance). This is freight forwarding industry standard. It is also extremely rare, perhaps slightly more common during hurricane season, but keep in mind no ship and crew wants to be in such terrible seas that it is dropping cargo.

My two cents resulting from my experience over the years.