Job Discussion Forums

chingonme · Joined: 04 Mar 2010 Posts: 5

Can someone give me the pros/cons of bringing your own vehicle to Mexico?

I have a Chevy Tahoe 4x4 and from what I've seen of the roads in Mexico the 4x4 may come in handy; however, driving a large SUV in a city may be a pain in the ass (of course, that doesn't even account for the traffic).

I've never lived in a bordering country where I had the option to take my vehicle. I'm not fluent in Spanish and I'm a little leery of buying a car there, but I don't really know.

Thanks in advance.

Dragonlady · Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 12:51 am Post subject:

deleted

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

Which part of Mexico are thinking of going to?

chingonme · Joined: 04 Mar 2010 Posts: 5

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

In Oaxaca I'd definitely take it (But then I think a car is essential in Mexico City!!!). If you are in the city of Oaxaca, with so many beautiful places within driving distance, the car is definitely an advantage. I am not from that area, but I imagine rural public transport would be a pain in the proverbials.

chingonme · Joined: 04 Mar 2010 Posts: 5

That's pretty much what I was thinking too. I've never been to Oaxaca, but I have taught ESL to immigrants from there and from what I understand it's a very rural state. I've also heard it's gorgeous there, so a big plus for me would be the 4x4 and the availability of some freedom to travel around the area independently (the AC will probably be appreciated too).

Any idea what I need to drive my vehicle legally in Mexico? I know I need Mexican insurance, but I'm sure I need more than that.

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

I don't know the regulations for foreign vehicles as I bought my car here in Mexico. Over to someone else...

thelmadatter · Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 6:15 pm Post subject: car

I agree that you should bring your car if youre going to be outside the big cities and you really like have a car. You can have your foriegn plated car with you as long as you are on a FM3. Of course you will need Mexican insurance. Get temporary Mex insurance for when you come and then find an agency in-country.

I was told not to bring my car but I wish I had. I dont have one now because I m in Mexico City but for those years I was in Toluca, it would have come in handy.

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

I brought my car with me to Merida, but then when I moved to Mexico City it became nothing more than a burden. The transit system in DF is excellent as is the bus system in the rest of Mexico, so privately owned vehicles are superfulous. I ended up selling it as I only drove it for 6 hours over a year and a half of its ownership in DF. What a relief it was!!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 6:23 pm Post subject:

If you're going anywhere other than Mexico City, bring your car.

If you're going to Mexico DF, leave it at home or sell it.

I drive in Mexico City but it's neither fun nor easy. Hard to find a place to park and restrictions on days you can drive. Traffic cops always looking for a bribe...err... donation! Tow-trucks cruise around DF looking to nab illegally parked cars (you leave it for 5 mins and come back out, it's GONE!).

NYC is a cinch compared to el DF. If you can drive here, you can drive anywhere!

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

PhilK, I wasn't giving advice for those planning to live in Mexico City. And parking isn't the reason I wouldn't bring a vehicle. That didn't really cross my mind. It was more of a safety concern. The highways and bi-ways of Mexico have been experiencing an increase in car-jackings, robberies, etc. so to me, now is not the best time for someone new to Mexico to be touring around alone in a vehicle. Most teachers are too busy to drive around much anyway when they are getting started. Finding places while driving, is difficult in a new location. I would get an apartment near where I worked and then use alternate means of transportation at first. Then if I needed a car, I would buy a used, locally plated one. Blend in, rather than stand out.

amaranto · Joined: 02 Jun 2009 Posts: 133 Location: M�xico, D.F.

Having a car here is probably a matter of preference. While I can't speak for the provinces, I would never own a car in Mexico City. I live and work in well-connected areas of the city that are easily accessible by public transportation (I mainly use the metro and metrobus.). Owning a car is more expensive and would be more of a hassle for me, too, and it's not like we need any more pollution and traffic here.

Some people really prefer cars, though, and there are people who need them for work. If you can't stand the idea of letting your car go, then you might want to bring it down. I see SUVs here all the time. I don't know how people manage to drive them around, but they do!

Keep in mind that if you have a car in Mexico City, you will have to pay tenencia once per year and verificaci�n twice per year. Maybe some people who have cars could explain this more in detail? Also, at my apartment building, rent is 500 pesos higher per month if you choose to rent a parking space. I have no idea about the requirements in Oaxaca, if that's where you want to go.

Could you sell your car, put away the money, then buy one if you needed to here?

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Foreign plated cars are not subject to tenencia. That's for newer models of locally plated cars.