How to Buy a Car in Mexico as an Expat: New vs Used, Financing & Tips

To buy a car in Mexico as an expat, you must be a Temporary or Permanent Resident with a CURP number - tourists cannot register vehicles. Always verify the factura (original bill of sale) and check REPUVE database before buying. Prices are 20-40% higher than US. Financing requires RFC and Mexican credit history. Here's what expats in Puerto Morelos and the Riviera Maya need to know.

The Biggest Challenges

Let me be upfront about the obstacles you'll face. Unlike in the US or Canada, Mexico has very limited public access to vehicle history. This makes it difficult to verify:

• Accurate odometer readings (sellers commonly roll back mileage)
• Accident history
• Whether the vehicle was ever reported stolen
• Maintenance records
• Previous commercial use (like taxi or Uber service)
• Outstanding emission or registration issues

This lack of transparency means you need to be extra careful when shopping for a used vehicle.

Who Can Actually Buy and Register a Car?

Residency Requirements

Here's the thing that surprises many newcomers: to register a vehicle in most Mexican states, you must be a Temporary or Permanent Resident. Tourists cannot register vehicles here. You'll also need a CURP number (Mexico's national identification number), which is only available to residents.

Driver's License Requirements

If you're going to own a Mexican-registered vehicle, you'll need to get a Mexican driver's license. Current federal regulations may require Spanish-language testing and a driving exam. Fair warning - license office wait times can extend weeks in advance, so plan accordingly.

Critical Documentation You Need

The Factura (Original Bill of Sale)

This is probably the most important document when buying a used car in Mexico. The original purchase invoice (factura) must accompany the vehicle throughout its entire lifetime and be signed by each subsequent owner. Without it, registration may be impossible.

Important: For nationalized vehicles (foreign vehicles that have been legally imported), the original customs document (pedimento) must be retained similarly.

REPUVE Verification

Before buying any vehicle, check REPUVE - Mexico's national vehicle database. This will help confirm the vehicle has legitimate registration. While it's not foolproof, it provides basic verification that the car isn't reported stolen.

Buying from Another State

If you find a vehicle registered in a different Mexican state, be prepared for extra steps:

• Return the plates and registration documents to the originating state
• Obtain a "Baja de Vehiculo" form before you can register locally
• Pay all outstanding annual fees from the previous state
• Have the vehicle physically inspected
• Obtain a stolen vehicle report before registration

It's more paperwork, but it's all necessary to properly transfer ownership.

Buying New vs. Used

New Car Dealers

If you're buying from a new car dealer, you'll typically need an RFC number (Mexican tax ID). This is only obtainable by Temporary or Permanent Residents, so tourists are pretty much out of luck here too.

Used Car Tips

My strong recommendation: purchase only from licensed, quality car dealers to mitigate fraud risks. Yes, you might find cheaper deals from private sellers, but the risk of scams, rolled-back odometers, or undisclosed problems is significantly higher.

What to Watch Out For

• No factura: Walk away if the seller can't produce the original bill of sale
• Suspiciously low mileage: Odometer fraud is common
• Out-of-state plates: Be prepared for the extra registration hassle
• Pressure to close quickly: Legitimate sellers will give you time to verify everything
• Cash-only deals: Reputable dealers accept various payment methods

My Recommendations

After helping many expats navigate this process, here's my advice:

• Get your residency status sorted first - you'll need it anyway
• Obtain your CURP and RFC numbers before car shopping
• Get your Mexican driver's license (book early - the wait times are real)
• Stick to reputable dealers, even if it costs a bit more
• Always verify the vehicle on REPUVE
• Never buy without seeing the original factura
• Consider having a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Final Thoughts

Buying a car in Mexico isn't impossible, but it does require more due diligence than you might be used to. Take your time, do your research, and don't let anyone rush you into a decision. A little extra caution upfront can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Have questions about buying a car in Mexico? Share them in the comments!

Related Mexico Expat Guides

• Puerto Morelos Guide
• Puerto Morelos Auto Services
• Cancun Auto Services
• PDC Auto Services

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