Availability Of Toyota 4Runner Parts

[soldier]

Greetings fellow members,
Are there any other Toyota 4Runner owners, members of this forum? I am undecided whether to sell my 2006 Toyota 4Runner V8 Sport Edition here in the U.S. with only 6000 original miles (only drive it on weekends, wanted to originally perserve it for possible CR shipment,) or, ship it to CR. I have seen several 4Runners in Costa Rica during several of our trips to CR. I have even seen a Toyota 4Runner or two on the auto website http://www.crautos.com. I have researched high and low, yet, am still unable to obtain information whether there are parts available for Japanese built 4Runners in CR. I even emailed Purdy Toyota in CR, however, have not received an answer; probably due to my limited Spanish ability. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Imxploring]

There seems to be quite a few on the road… so I’d guess parts and service are available. The bigger question is the need and usefulness of a V8… gas is quite a bit more expensive in CR… between the shipping cost, import tax, and fuel cost you might want to think about selling the truck in the US and finding something in CR.

There are folks that swear by shipping a car to CR… but when you look at bringing in a $20,000 car that winds up costing $32,000 after all is said and done… that’s a lot of money to shop with here. The economic downturn has put a BUNCH of nice newer cars into the market here, with prices that would not have been seen three years ago… and… Yes I know the horror stories about used cars here… but with some time and effort I’m sure you can find something for much less!

Just my two cents!

[DavidCMurray]

imx, you’re overlooking the fact that every vehicle physically present in Costa Rica has already been the subject of the same shipping cost, import duties, etc. One way or another, if you want to own a car here you’re going to pay those costs. It doesn’t matter whether you pay them to a shipping company and Customs or to a used car dealer here who paid the shipping company and Customs. The costs will be what the costs will be.

I, too, am skeptical about bringing in a V-8 4Runner. I wonder about engine parts and I wonder about the fuel cost. You’re right, it might be better to sell it in the U.S., but I’d still bring a car from the U.S. (a known quantity with U.S.-standard safety features) rather than take a chance on whatever that thing on the used car lot here really is.

Of course, I understand that there are lots and lots of nearly new used cars available in the U.S., so a question would be whether one could sell the V-8 4Runner at a tolerable price and buy something else at an equally tolerable price.

[soldier]

Thanks everyone for your in-put. I bought my 2006 4runner new, got it for a steal in 2006, way below invoice price, nobody was buying the V8 4Runner here in Pennsylvania. Toyota dealers were practically giving them away, to avoid paying the taxes. Wanted the V8 to tow a boat I was considering purchasing in CR (before I realized the high import taxes.)

[Imxploring]

David, I guess the real issue is the V8 and price of gas… or the need for heavy duty towing capacity. I’d agree… might be a better idea to sell and look for something with better fuel economy.

Just as we’re seeing in the US…. CR has a flood of used cars on the market these days… and prices are a little softer than they have been in years! Then there’s always that expat that imported a car and is now leaving CR and selling everything! LOL

[soldier]

Imxploring,
Thanks for your insight. You mentioned something that I also have been trying to research, expats selling their vehicles. Is there any publication, origanization or website where expats list their vehicles for sale; or, is it word-of-mouth only?

[redelvis]

Try Craigslist Costa Rica for used expat vehicles. That seems to be where they crop up the most.

[Author]

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