[dickjones]

Okay thanks for the info. Had to ask about the ‘service’ – you never know.

Anyway, I guess the ‘first car acquisition story’ is a benchmark icebreaker between gringos. I guess I would be doing myself a disservice by getting help with it!

We love Guanacaste, we hope to visit friends that are renovating a finca near Nosara.

All the best and muchas gracias.

[dickjones]

[quote=”costaricafinca”]Land Rover and Land Cruiser parts seem easily accessible all over the country and they can be sent ‘from town’ via the bus, if not found locally. and it is one that my husband, a mechanic recommends. He is used to finicky British vehicles. 😉 after owning both MGB’S and Jaquars.

One of the best parts stores in Costa Rica, [url=http://www.laguacamaya.co.cr/index.php]La Guacamaya[/url] and they are now in several locations.

We have bought and used hard, 2 Nissan pick-ups.[/quote]

Thank you very much costaricafinca:D
That is very helpful of you. British cars are ‘characterful’ I will give you that much. I owned a MGF once. It’s the only car I know of that gets faster the longer you own it. It got lighter and lighter as more and more parts fell off!

I didn’t realise it would just be costaricafinca answering questions and I am mindful that I am taking up your time. May I ask you one last question?
Would you know of any car dealerships that you would recommend? I would be looking for a Nissan, Toyota or Landy.
I have read how difficult it can be to find a genuine dealer in SJ so don’t mind traveling if you know of dealer outside of SJ.

Does you husband offer a vehicle check or procurement service?!:D

[dickjones]

[quote=”costaricafinca”]An [url=http://www.qcostarica.com/2014/06/06/new-rtv-manual-requires-the-new-license-plates-and-kmh-speedometer/]article this morning[/url] regarding new rules to be in place for next year RITEVE inspections.

“Right hand driven vehicles will no longer pass the inspection. RHD vehicles are prohibited under the Ley de Transito of 2012, however, it was not a fail point for the vehicular inspection”.

“The new manual requires that speedometers include the kilometers per hour (kmh) measurement. Some imported vehicles, like from the United States for example, have speedometers only in miles per hour (mph). The change, however, only applies to vehicles entering the country starting next year”…although vehicles before 1977 in the UK were not required to have Kmh. speedometers. Right?[/quote]

Thanks for drawing this to my attention. You are correct about the UK law regarding KPH.

In all honesty I think I will be having enough to contend with without having factoring in the additional headaches of importing a RHD, UK registered car.

I think I will have to find a CR Landy and think of it as a family member that needs to be looked after! The best thing about a Defender or Series is at least they are simple. Do you happen to know if Land Rover parts are easy to source outside SJ?

Do you mind me asking what you drive out there?

Thanks

[dickjones]

[quote=”costaricafinca”]Dick, to purchase either of your choices expect to pay a very high price, especially a new one from a dealer. You will find many older ones here, but they still may not be ‘cheap’
To rent or lease them, would also cost [i]well[/i] over $1000 per month … but I don’t know a company that deals in these specific vehicles.
Suggest you read the ‘rules and regs’ if you haven’t already done so, in regards to [url=http://www.costaricalaw.com/Immigration-and-Residency/residency-general-information-and-summary.html]living here legally.[/url]

From an expat of both the UK and Canada :wink:[/quote]

Many thanks costaricafinca,

I was aware that any solution the vehicle conundrum was going to be pricy 🙁
I wish importation/taxation wasn’t such a nightmare as I could pick up a loverly Landy for £5000 here. Never mind – you have to take the rough with the smooth!

I would definitely be buying used while we were in early days of being in CR. Would you have any suggestions about smaller 4x4s? I remember seeing a lot of Terios and Rav4’s out there last time.

With regards to the Rules and Regs. We were working on the assumption that the perp. tourist route would do for the first 6 months. When we were in a better position to make more long term decisions, we were going to contact ARCR for assistance with obtaining permanent residency. Or maybe you know of better immigration assistance services?

A Limey a Canuk and now a Tico huh? I guess we are headed in the right direction then…!

Thanks for your help.

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