Thread: Another car buying question

Hello all,

New to this forum, but have been lurking for a few weeks. I have a question concerning buying a used car here in Panama (PC) and not having a resident permit (yet). The paperwork is being done but it may be a few weeks still before having a resident card and visa. Can I still buy a used car from a dealer or private party and register it or will I have to have the residency permit first?

Also looking to buy a Toyota 4Runner if anyone on here knows of or has one for sale.

Thank you,

Eric

Hola Eric, to buy a new or used car here in Panama it´s not complicate also you can register it under your name with a copy of your passport and drivers license and a local address. If you want me to help you, just contact me at KARLOZFREELANCETRANSPORTATION@HOTMAIL.COM

Eric...i have an older US registered Toyota 4Runner legally in Panama on a permit. I currently am residing near Boquete. As it has yet to be permanently legalized in Panama i have decided to sell it rather than pay the taxes or export it when my journey ends, so it will be priced well under market value despite being in good condition. I am not sure how you can contact me off forum or if i can leave my e-mail but will try a private message

buying a car that is not legal in this country is just NUTS , you are buying a headache . and just because it is a toyota does not mean you can get parts in this country for it , a friend bought a tacoma pickup that was imported ,most parts he needs now come out of the states , the 4runner is built on tha same platform as the tacoma , just buy something that is sold in panama and enjoy your ride .

I hate to take issue with the renowned and prolific Nakedguydb but one size does not fit all in this instance...as a rule of thumb i concur with his position as to the headaches that come with legalizing an imported car, but it depends on what chances you are willing to take on buying a used Panamanian car (which could have questionable mileage and maintenance) vs. a vehicle that has a proven track record and maintenance records...as for parts, (from belts to filters all common stock items anywhere) i had no problem getting a part in Panama the one time i needed one using Repuestos Internacionales on Via Fernandez de Cordoba in Panama City...and this model 4runner has the same drive-train as a HiLux, (not a Tacoma) very common here...I have a vested interest (beyond money) in making sure my vehicle is properly transferred when i decide to sell it so i would walk through the process with the buyer...would all sellers do that?

Originally Posted by daddybear

I hate to take issue with the renowned and prolific Nakedguydb but one size does not fit all in this instance...as a rule of thumb i concur with his position as to the headaches that come with legalizing an imported car, but it depends on what chances you are willing to take on buying a used Panamanian car (which could have questionable mileage and maintenance) vs. a vehicle that has a proven track record and maintenance records...as for parts, (from belts to filters all common stock items anywhere) i had no problem getting a part in Panama the one time i needed one using Repuestos Internacionales on Via Fernandez de Cordoba in Panama City...and this model 4runner has the same drive-train as a HiLux, (not a Tacoma) very common here...I have a vested interest (beyond money) in making sure my vehicle is properly transferred when i decide to sell it so i would walk through the process with the buyer...would all sellers do that?

well i am just posting from the experiance i know with his tacoma and another friend has a GMC yukon and when he comes back this trip he is bringing the gear set for the front axle , that should push the weight limit on his luggage , anyway thats what i know and as i have been here in panama 4 yrs and still read many panama posts , most say dont , buy local and yes you have to shop hard to find a good unit if you are looking for a older ride , newer stuff , not so much as they have not had time to bag it yet . now in your last post above you said you are not going to import it and rather than pay the taxes or export it you are going to sell it , in this post you say you are going to transfer it properly , you only get to do one or the other . i know about importing as i drove a motorhome here 4 yrs ago , i know that you and i do not get to set the price that the thing is worth , someone in panama makes that call . if they say you toyota is worth 10 or 3g you pay the tax on that amount , i went through that with my motorhome a 30 ft enclosed trailer and a tractor , they set the price , you pay the tax . i know you hate me for posting this , but he asked for advice , whichever way he goes is up to him .

Originally Posted by daddybear

I hate to take issue with the renowned and prolific Nakedguydb but one size does not fit all in this instance...as a rule of thumb i concur with his position as to the headaches that come with legalizing an imported car, but it depends on what chances you are willing to take on buying a used Panamanian car (which could have questionable mileage and maintenance) vs. a vehicle that has a proven track record and maintenance records...as for parts, (from belts to filters all common stock items anywhere) i had no problem getting a part in Panama the one time i needed one using Repuestos Internacionales on Via Fernandez de Cordoba in Panama City...and this model 4runner has the same drive-train as a HiLux, (not a Tacoma) very common here...I have a vested interest (beyond money) in making sure my vehicle is properly transferred when i decide to sell it so i would walk through the process with the buyer...would all sellers do that?

and as i said the 4runner is on the same platform , i did not say anything about the motor or tranny , , so thay includes all axles , bearings , steering components etc

"i know that you and i do not get to set the price that the thing is worth , someone in panama makes that call . if they say you toyota is worth 10 or 3g you pay the tax on that amount , i went through that with my motorhome a 30 ft enclosed trailer and a tractor , they set the price , you pay the tax ."

You are absolutely correct...what ever the book says is what its worth (hope to take a look at that book some day, sure the Adudana has it)...I am willing to take my chances...my opinion is that it is inflated beyond the blue book value in the USA because of taking the cost of importation into account...i lovingly used it, and when i pass it on to someone else they get a good vehicle, i get some money, and after i am sure my passport is liberated i can leave the country with a clean conscious...hope CapitanEric still interested