Reliable San Jose Mechanic

[rf2cr]

I need the help of all you experienced expats.

1) We are going to need to buy a vehicle soon and have found a couple that look hopeful on Craigs list, before we buy we would want to have it checked out by a reliable mechanic. Anyone have any suggestions who to go to?

2) If anyone is heading out of town and has a diesel pick up or suv for sale – let us know.

3) Is there any tax charged on the sale of vehicles (like our local sales tax)?

Thanks in advance for your imput.

[rf2cr]

OK – judging by the deafining silence on this topic – “reliable mechanic” is an oxymoron, if we find something we will take it to a dealership for a check out and hope for the best.

Would however appreciate knowing if anyone knows if it is worth bringing a 96 Toyota T100 pickup. I will look at customs duty and shipping costs, more than anything I would like to know if this is a common vehicle in CR and if we can get the necessary parts.

Thanks, Ruth

[cindyc]

There is a mechanic in San Jose that I’m told does checks on cars for condition and problems that need repair. Web site http://www.tallercardoc.com.
I have not used this service but heard they were good and charge about $100.

As far as bringing your car down, do look at duty costs and shipping and then look at sites with cars for sale (am costa rica, tico times, la nacion, craigs list). Try to get a feel for what it would cost you to replace it down here; cars are not cheap. Most people recommend not bringing a car because of the hassle, duty, and paperwork. I had an opposite experience where it was very easy with the right shipper handling it (Barry @ shipcostarica.com).

[GringoTico]

Ruth,

My understanding is that it’s never worth it to bring in a car that’s more than 5 years old, as you get no further reduction in import taxes for older cars.

Also generally speaking, you’re usually much better off buying a car there than trying to bring one in. There are plenty of reasons why, and if you search the postings you’ll find them all.

[rf2cr]

cyndic & Gringo Tico –

You have both confirmed what we really allready know about shipping the Toyota – it was a thought, it is a “man and his pickup” thing, Dave doesn’t really want to let it go.

I appreciate the website info. It looks like we will probably opt for a new vehicle but if we do find something that looks good will give the mechanic a try.

Appreciate your imput.

Ruth

[DavidCMurray]

Ruth, I don’t know just what type of new vehicle you might opt for, but let me tell you that our 2006 Hyundai Terracan (2.9 liter diesel automatic) which now has about 37,000 km on it has been literally perfect. It has never had a repair, warranty or otherwise. It gets over 19 miles per gallon on diesel fuel which costs about 68% of what regular gasoline costs. And, unlike other diesels I’ve driven, it never seems to run out of power.

When I was shopping for a diesel automatic, I found the Terracan to be much less expensive than the equivalent Toyota or Nissan models.

[Andrew]

Try Mauricio – the ‘best car mechanic in Costa Rica’ who has his shop up in Heredia somewhere. Mauricio Artavia 849-7244, 386-8669, 236-9348 He does NOT speak English very well but I believe his wife does.

To be frank, I have no idea where it is because he always comes here to Escazu, picks up my car (Toyota), takes it away does the RTV or whatever service or repairs and brings it back in the afternoon.

The car is always immaculately clean when he brings it back too…

Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.com

[rf2cr]

David & Scott,

Somehow I missed your posts until today – the 31st. I really appreciate the imput and will put it to good use – Mauricio sounds perfect and since we speak excellent Panspanglish (that’s Paraguyan spanish mixed with Southern Californian mexican-american english/spanish), I am sure we can get along.

Thanks again, you both always come through for us.

Ruth

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