Thread: New / Used vehicle prices

Does anyone have an idea as to what new vehicles are worth? I would be looking at a doble cabina 4x4 or smaller SUV. I was thinking about shipping a vehicle down when we relocate but have heard that the duty has just been bumped up to the point that it doesn't make sense. Am I better off buying used would be another question. Also, are the vehicles cheaper in PTY than other ares? We'll be in the Pedasi area so I guess that Chitre or Las Tablas would be closest for dealers. Thanks!

If you can avoid it, my recommendation would be to NOT bring your car down. Prices on used vehicles can be found here: Panama Cars

encuentra24, as mentioned has good base info on market prices for used cars. There are quite a few dealers that advertise there and as you'll see their prices tend to be higher. I'd definitely recommend taking any car under serious consideration to a trusted mechanic to check for the usual plus *chassis integrity*

Since the "cash for clunkers" in the states took so many good used cars out of the market, I would check on prices both bringing your auto in country or buying one here. I brought mine in a container and didn't get hit with exorbitant customs fees but I imagine it is case by case.

I hear that prices in the states for used cars are higher since there are not as many. Supply and demand

Mileage listed would that be miles or kilometers?

Originally Posted by JimAB

Mileage listed would that be miles or kilometers?

Generally Kms

Kilometers... some North American cars are for sale that Americans bring over then sell - they are in mileage

The prices are quite low on the luxury vehicles. Prices in Canada are usually higher than the States but still the prices down there are even lower.

There is not a big market for second hand luxury cars. You will find some great deals on used bmw's and mercedes. I have seen some AWESOME deals on used Mercedes AMG's.

The used car matket is excellent here!!!

I would be very very careful when buying on the internet---- you have very little recouse for a deal gone bad... I know someone who even spent a night in jail because he purchased a stolen car(he did not know this of course).

I also suggest askign a friend to see all of their paperwork for the ownership of their car---and ensure that if you purchase from an individule, that they are provinding the right documentation.

I purchased both of my cars from Patel Autos....excellent people and excellent prices.

Is it better to buy a 4x4 car in Panama because of the abundant rain or any other reason?
And about the used car dealerships, I heard that they regularly play with the car's mileage. Is Patel Autos any different?

Originally Posted by HOSEM1

Is it better to buy a 4x4 car in Panama because of the abundant rain or any other reason?

If you go with a Japanese diesel 4x4 it will not loose much in resale value, reliable, many roads here are still pretty bad, and you can get them serviced MUCH easier. In regards to rain check out this vid from downtown Panama City a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks for the video MRWOOHOO. But in the final part of the video, seeing that Diablo Rojo reminded me of the attack and robbery that I was subjected to inside the bus a few months ago.

Which are the most reliable japenese 4x4 diesel cars for Panama? Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Originally Posted by HOSEM1

Thanks for the video MRWOOHOO. But in the final part of the video, seeing that Diablo Rojo reminded me of the attack and robbery that I was subjected to inside the bus a few months ago.

It didn't happen on the Harry Potter bus did it? Sorry, I could not help it. As far as brands I would recommend Toyotas, Nissans, Mitsubishis.

I can't believe people were still driving......geezz....

Thanks for sharing the vid.

This happened at rush-hour and I believe it was on a Friday. This street is off Calle Uruguay one block over from Balboa. Everything was flooded and traffic was at a standstill for much of the time.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

There is not a big market for second hand luxury cars. You will find some great deals on used bmw's and mercedes. I have seen some AWESOME deals on used Mercedes AMG's.

I've been searching for a car and found a good deal on a Lexus LS400. But everyone I talk to in Panama tells me Luxury cars are difficult to get parts for, and hard to find mechanics that know how to work on them. I feel I have found a deal on a great car, but everyone is talking me out of it. What do I do? Is it really so difficult to find spare parts for a 1996 Lexus?

Hey halfthrottle, send a message to No-Non-Sense-Matt. He owns an LS400 in Panama City and he could tell you. It is my understanding that parts are more expensive but you should be able to find somebody to work on it in David.

No -- you just buy your parts online -- get them shipped to Miami and off you go. I would NEVER buy parts in Panama (the mark ups are insane). The big online part sites are your friend.

Matt

Originally Posted by No-Non-Sense-Matt

No -- you just buy your parts online -- get them shipped to Miami and off you go. I would NEVER buy parts in Panama (the mark ups are insane). The big online part sites are your friend.

Matt

The mark ups are more than the part plus a plane ticket to Miami? What about getting work done in David. Can the Toyota dealership handle it?

Get a Mailboxes ETC... account in Panama (then you ship to Panama and they ship it here for about 3 to 5 lbs a lb). And yes -- you'll save a fortune. Yes, the Toyota dealership can handle it. Although, they'll charge full price. If you hunt around, you might be able to find a really good mechanic for a fraction of their price.

(Halfthrottle -- I got your PM, but it says I can't email you because you don't want PMs). I also bought a Lexus 4 X 4, which I have to admit is great for the roads here. The car is nice for city driving -- but if you're going to be riding around the country (going to beaches or off beaten roads). You might want to consider getting a truck.)

Thanks Matt I think I've fixed the settings for PM's now. Great tip about Mailboxes etc. as I love to shop online especially for electronics. I would love a truck, but have been having a hard time finding something as nice as the LS400 for that same price.

Watch out with Mailboxes. They are the most expensive (I use them myself since all others lose regular mail) and have a high monthly minimum.

For just an order here and there Aeropost, Airboxes etc should be better.

Make sure to call your credit card company and add the Miami address as a shipping address before ordering. Always ask for gift receipts in the package and submit "your" invoices to the shipping company.

Make sure check edmunds.com before buying a car.

Originally Posted by EdBowers

Make sure check edmunds.com before buying a car.

Edmunds is probably the best resource for purchasing cars. Anytime I have purchased anything new or used I checked out the reliability and resale values on Edmunds.

I was checking used car prices in encuentra24 and noticed 2007 chevrolet sparks with low mileage being sold in the $3k range.
Isn't it better to buy that instead of renting a small car for 3 months for the same price?

Renting a car for that amount of time would cost you a fortune. Buying the Chevy, and possibly being able to sell it when you leave is a good option. But renting has benefits too. If the car breaks down you can call the rental agency and they will bring you new car. If your Chevy is a lemon, you could end up spending a large part of your trip searching for parts, while it sits in the shop. Just something to think about.

The rain video, it's just like home

Originally Posted by halfthrottle

Renting a car for that amount of time would cost you a fortune. Buying the Chevy, and possibly being able to sell it when you leave is a good option. But renting has benefits too. If the car breaks down you can call the rental agency and they will bring you new car. If your Chevy is a lemon, you could end up spending a large part of your trip searching for parts, while it sits in the shop. Just something to think about.

I thought chevrolet parts were easy to find. Am I wrong?

Originally Posted by HOSEM1

I thought chevrolet parts were easy to find. Am I wrong?

If your trip is in Panama City it should be no problem to find parts. If your in a smaller town asking for parts, good luck. You will likely get a blank stare from the guy behind the counter who will ask you "What is a car?" You will try to explain to him that "He works in a car parts store, and that all of the little bits and pieces on the shelves behind him go on cars." Then he will probably ask "What is a store?" You will start to get frustrated and explain, "Well a store is a place that sells things, they pay you to work here." Then he will laugh, lay his head back on the counter and fall back to sleep.