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There are two charges: one is the import duty, the other is a plating fee (first placa).

The import duty is based on the value of your vehicle. A discount to this duty is applied based on the age of the vehicle (example: we got a 20% discount because our 4Runner was a model year 1019, imported in 2020). And yes vehicles are more valuable here and will be valued at a higher value than what you may have bought it for elsewhere.

The 18% plating fee is charged on any vehicle - bought here new or imported. So, that is a wash as to whether you import or buy here.

So, the expense of importing a car vs. buying is the import duty and, of course, the shipping charge.

Importing a vehicle without residency means you do not get the discount, and maybe more importantly, they may give you a hard time in Customs. I suspect since if one does not have residency their view is why do you need a vehicle imported here, so they suspect you will re-sell and view you as a "dealer". Or they are more apt to tear your vehicle apart looking for contraband, etc., just because. This happened to a friend of ours here.

That's the extent of my knowledge. Whether you import or buy something here is a personal choice based on your situation I think.

Also, what value is applied by Aduanas (Customs) is based on a chart of vehicle values maintained by Aduanas. I believe there is a vehicle tax calculator on the Aduanas web site. How accurate it is I do not know.

If I recall........ the residency discount is significant..... well worth the minimal effort

Way less than the traditional import route

Thanks Rocky for sharing what you know This clears up the cloudiness for me.

Thanks Willie, thanks to the both of you