trucks and potholes

We have rented different 4X4’s every trip we have taken to test their capabilities. A car is virtually useless unles you would never venture outside of San Jose.
So far, the best 4X4 vehicle has been the Toyota Hi-Lux Quad Cab Pick-up or the Prado SUV with the 3.0L diesel. The 2.5L is underpowered and the mileage difference between the two is insignificant. For SUV’s, I believe the best choices are the Toyota Rav or Prado, Hyundai Galloper or Mitsubishi Montero or Trooper (all diesels). These brands seem to be ubiquitous in CR with parts and mechanics easily found.

I would not agree with your general statement cars are “useless” outside of San Jose. We have rented both 4×4 and cars, of course the 4×4 was a must when driving across the monkey trail as well as the drive south along the coast from Nosara to Mal pais. But a car has been fine going from San Jose to Playa Hermosa/Jaco and then for driving up and down the central pacific coast down even south of Dominical. The road from Quepos to Dominical is gravel but no problems with our little alto and after Dominical its nicely paved. Also most of our driving around the central valley has been in a car. Atenas, Grecia Sarchi,San Ramon etc…Of course if cost is not a factor go with the 4×4 but renting a little car is half the price. But if you are going off the beaten path then yes a 4×4 will be a must.

Try and fjord a river in a car or climb a steep rutted road after a torrential downpour. It simply isn’t going to happen in a car. We spend most of our time between Montezuma and Samara, with Montezuma as our base. The coast raod is completely impassable with a car in the rainy season. If you surf and want access to the more remote beaches, a car will not get you there. If the roads are fine to get from airport to destination or your house to town, then a quad or some type of ATV may meet your needs.
Cars are at least 50% more than in the states for the same model, however, your choices of diesels in the states are limited to big trucks, VW Jetta or Mercedes only. Diesels are 30% more efficient and tend be more common outside the US (60%+ in Europe) and you can make your own biodiesel if you are so inclined. There is no such thing as bio-gasoline.

Yes, that’s very expensive. The Toyota Prada is a “watered down” version of the tried and true Land Cruiser. Toyota is the most popular vehicle in the country in a 4X4. The government uses the Hi-Lux for that reason. I have a 1997 Toyota (¨Toyotona) 8 passenger , full time 4WD Land Cruiser that will (and has) gone ANYWHERE

I don’t know what these vehicles are selling for, Tracy, but you might consider importing one from the U.S. as an alternative.

Any imported item, including vehicles, is expensive here due to the import duties. What used cars cost will suck the air out of your lungs. The import duty is assessed on the “Black Book” value of the vehicle (which has nothing to do with market value anywhere and which has nothing to do with the vehicle’s condition, mileage, trim line, etc) plus freight and shipping. Whether you buy a used vehicle here in Costa Rica or import one, one way or another you’re going to pay the freight and import duty.

If you can locate a vehicle in the U.S. which is commonly driven here (so parts and service are readily available), and which is for sale at a depressed price, why not bring it down? That way, you’ll get the lower U.S. price and pay the same freight and Customs duty you’re going to pay anyhow. Were I going to do this, I’d be looking at Suzuki (Grand) Vitaras and Trackers which you see all over the place.

Too, bringing in a U.S.-standard vehicle means you get all the U.S.-mandated safety systems. That won’t necessarily be true for vehicles imported new or used from the Far East.

There are importers who’ll take care of all this for you.

If, on the other hand, you’re bound and determined to buy a vehicle here, then come to Grecia which is the used car capitol of Costa Rica. We have about three dozen used car lots.

There are many variables here. How old are you (what shape is your back in?) Where will you be doing most of your driving (where do you plan on living?) What is your financial situation?
I live in Nosara with pot holed roads and rivers to forge if going north to Ostional. I’m approaching 60 and have had a back operation at Cima in San Jose. I used to have a 4 dr. Toyota Hi Lux but it beat the hell out of my back because of the truck like suspension. I did an extensive investigation and found the 4 WD Toyota (Toyotona) Land Cruiser SUV (diesel) to be the ultimate vehicle for my location as well as my back.Additionally, living around unpaved roads where there is no rain for over 5+ months of the year means very……..VERY fine particles of dust will find their way into your lungs. Not a very healthy situation, to say the least! A solid vehicle with good windows and an a/c is a wise health consideration. Again – it’s your pocketbook, location and your physical condition that you should consider. Bottom line…….you get what you pay for. To me, a Samuri is great if you’re young and basically want a “covered quad”. Ultimately, don’t leave anything in your vehicle that you don’t mind getting stolen. At the beach, keep your windows down to indicate there’s nothing there to steal. My Land Cruiser has an ignition shut off system so if it’s stolen, it will automatically stop within a few hundred meters or so.