Marchamo, Dekra & title transfer included — no hidden costs

Everything you need to know before you buy — explained in plain English.

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National Plate vs. Imported: Why It Matters
Not all used cars in Costa Rica are the same — and the difference between a "national" vehicle and an "imported" one can mean thousands of dollars and months of paperwork.

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National vehicles were bought new here in Costa Rica, at an authorized dealership, and have always carried a Costa Rican plate. All import taxes were paid once, at the original sale — so there's nothing owed on that front when you buy it used.

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Imported vehicles were bought used somewhere else (commonly the US) and brought into Costa Rica afterward. Even though they're now "used," the buyer becomes responsible for import duties and a more complex registration process — and vehicle history can be harder to verify.

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That's why every car we sell at CarHuntersCR is a national vehicle, never imported as used. It's not a small detail — it's the difference between a straightforward purchase and a paperwork headache.

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1. Mechanical Inspection

​Every vehicle goes through a 60-point mechanical inspection — engine, electrical system, interior and exterior, tires and suspension, brakes — before you ever see the paperwork. A thorough inspection avoids costly surprises and makes sure the car is truly road-ready, not just road-legal.
 

Why? A thorough mechanical inspection helps avoid costly repairs and ensures the car is roadworthy.

2. The Price You See is The Price You Pay

Every car we sell already includes: Vehicle, fully inspected · Marchamo (road tax) paid and up to date · Dekra (RITEVE technical inspection) passed and up to date · Title transfer included.

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No hidden fees. No surprise costs at the notary. No "oh, you also need to pay for..." after you've already committed. The price on the listing is the price you pay — full stop

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3. Legal Inspection

​We verify the title, check for any traffic infractions, and confirm the registration is clean before you buy. Legal issues can delay your ownership transfer or cost you money you didn't plan for — we catch them before they become your problem.
 

Why? Legal issues can delay or complicate your ownership transfer and result in unexpected expenses.

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4. Trusted Lawyer for Title Transfer

​A licensed lawyer reviews every purchase, so your investment is secure and fully compliant with Costa Rican law — no fine print you don't understand.
 

Why? A professional ensures your investment is secure and complies with Costa Rican law.

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5. Escrow or Money Transfer Process

​Payment is handled through a secure process that protects both sides of the transaction — minimizing any risk of fraud and making sure your money and your car change hands safely.
 

Why: This minimizes the risk of fraud and ensures a smooth financial transaction.

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6. Why Choose CarhuntersCR?

​Since 2012, we've helped expats buy more than 500 cars in Costa Rica — in English, from wherever they are, without ever having to guess their way through Spanish paperwork.
 

Why: Partnering with CarhuntersCR saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you drive away in a car that meets your needs.
 

​Message us today to make your car-buying experience seamless and stress-free.