Buying a Car in Argentina

I have been looking for a car for months. Mostly held up by the BD who promises assistance and then vanishes for a few weeks. If you want something done... So I've done it myself and like anything involving papeles in Argentina - it's not simple. You learn to view it as entertaining, that way you don't end up like Michael Douglas in Falling Down.

I wanted a Nissan - Frontier or XTrail - but it's hopeless. The roads in the North are vicious and the repairs and spare parts even more so on an import so it's got to be a Ford or a Toyota. I did find a Frontier, being sold by the guy who runs the antique car race. When I asked for a test drive he said sure and moved to the cabin. I got there first. 'Are YOU going to DRIVE?' he asked completely stunned before awkwardly moving to the passenger seat. Presumably women buy a car here without actually driving it themselves.

So I have decided on an Ecosport SUV and after making some hysterical rounds through the dealers - where no tests were available for weeks or where female saleswomen sauntered from their offices holding mate gourds and looked at me as though I was a joyrider asking to borrow a Ferrari for the weekend. The price seemed elastic and when I said I had checked the model on their internet site, they said the chico was on his way now to correct the mistakes on the website. Obviously they don't realise that trust levels for secondhand car saleswomen bearing mate gourds is currently at -2334%

I popped in a cab and went to the Ford dealership. With a photocopy of my passport (showing my residencia or tourist visa has not been abused) and a certificado de domicilio from the police and a suitcase full of cash, a new car can be mine in two days. OK that was five days ago but we're getting there. The test drive vehicle was in Jujuy so the salesman got a friend with the same car to let me have a go in his. Did I have a driving licence? He wanted to know. Do people without usually buy cars and if so how do they get them home? No need to describe the white knuckle ride and constant injuctions to 'look out' and 'slow down'.

The car has to be registered as 2009 unless I wait to take it off the lot until January. I asked my 'Friend' in Buenos Aires whether this made a difference at re-sale and he asked me whether the car was auto. Of course not. How many English people drive autos? Did I know how to drive a manual transmission then? Someone needs to re-make that movie with Mel Gibson where he can mindread women's thoughts. I would love to know how the men here see us gals from the free world. Racketing around and eating dinners by ourselves, refusing to clean the house obsessively, driving cars for Chrissake.

Comments

[car sales]

I really like the work that has gone into making the post. I will be sure to tell my blog buddies about your content keep up the good work. Thanks

[buy viagra]

What is cheaper, buying a car in USA and bringing it to Argentina or buying there? Please advise on taxes?
Do the taxes and duties vary from new models to second hand models? I am looking to buy an Toyota Hilux or similar model

[HID Kit]

Its unique one, which helps to say more about this business to read. Thanks

[Tracy Johnson]

I just love it when these guys resply to my posts - a good laugh is harder to find than a good s**g. For anyone not translating spanish - hes saying Heres a compliment for all you women who drive: Get washing the dishes baby

www.northwestnomad.com
www.tracyjohnsonphoto.com
www.lasttangoinbuenosaires.com
www.nwnomadtrips.com

To: suzy.vegas@hotmail.com
Subject: [Last Tango in Buenos Aires] Anquises submitted a comment to Buying a Car in Argentina
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:07:05 -0800

[Anquises]

Ahora va a empezar a oir ese piropo que le dicen los argentinos a las chicas que conducen, "Andá a lavar los platos, nena", jaja.

[Cherie]

Love it, sweet cakes! You go girl.
Congrats & Suerte!
cherie