abcdef814
11/27/2015 21:23 EST
Seemed to recall some earlier discussion on this topic but my searches are coming up empty - so here goes: We are starting a 6 month rental in Pedasi in February. i asked this forum about how to start looking for a car to buy and all info was helpful - but it seems we'll need to spend more than anticipated. I'm curious about the benefits (or not) of shipping our car. We could drive it to Miami and ship from there. Thinking we already own it, it works well, we know and like it ... Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has considered this, done this or rejected this and why. Thanx again !
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augieman
11/28/2015 07:02 EST
Panama says it sells 5000 new cars per month.
Where are they putting them???
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randyhou
11/28/2015 07:07 EST
Does anyone have an idea of the cost of shipping a small car from Houston Tex. Is it better to buy there?
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randyhou
11/28/2015 07:07 EST
Does anyone have an idea of the cost of shipping a small car from Houston Tex. Is it better to buy there?
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Leedaniel
11/28/2015 08:45 EST
I got a quote of $1500 to ship mine from Tampa. Sounds reasonable and worth it..
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randyhou
11/28/2015 09:05 EST
What is the process and cost after it gets to Panama? How long does it take to get it after it gets there?
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randyhou
11/28/2015 09:05 EST
What is the process and cost after it gets to Panama? How long does it take to get it after it gets there?
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panamaexpat
11/28/2015 09:24 EST
If interested in my Custom Agent, send me a PM. Mine was out of there in no time, worked with me getting insurance agent and same day went thru inspection, title, license plate, etc. It was really worth it to me.
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randyhou
11/28/2015 10:23 EST
I think it would be worth it to know you have a car you can trust. Is the gas octane the same in Panama?
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randyhou
11/28/2015 10:23 EST
I think it would be worth it to know you have a car you can trust. Is the gas octane the same in Panama?
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randyhou
11/28/2015 10:23 EST
I think it would be worth it to know you have a car you can trust. Is the gas octane the same in Panama?
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abcdef814
11/28/2015 11:59 EST
Just got a quote of $1200 to ship car to Manzanillo. What kind of challenges will there be driving from there to Pedasi ?
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RICOBREEZE802MARK
11/28/2015 12:44 EST
shipping vs buying here.. ok first off, many types of cars that are in the states, are not here in this country, so it will be harder to find some parts you might need. you might have to ship in a part, so that means you wait, no car. 2nd. blue book value, yes you can show that to prove what your car is worth, but they really don't care about that, they can and will write down what ever price THEY THINK, it's worth.
3rd. If your car is over four years old, they use to apply a fee on top of what it's worth because it is older. Plus they want you to buy a car here. I learned that from a guy that shipped in his truck, a 97, and they charged him a extra 700.00 up top of what they said it was worth.
I wasn't sure by your post if this was only for 6 months while you were here? but things here that sit, ROT, meaning batteries, hoses, belts, seals ect. so if you leave anything here without using it for some time it will happen to it.
I would sale the car in the states, add the 1,500.00 saving for the shipping, another maybe 1,000.00 in things they won't tell you, and whatever your time is worth over fighting over it, back and forth. take all that and just buy something already here.
my mom shipped in her van, I tried to talk her out of it, but she had to have it, I shipped it, it sat on a back lot for months while I fought their value of it, once I got that done, and went to get that car, they had day to day charges on it for holding it. so after I paid those and was walked back to her van, someone had gone through the whole thing, stealing the battery, what little gas was still in it, and other small parts off the motor. then they pulled every draw out in the inside and just threw them in the van, the biggest hit was to see if she had something hidden in the roof, by laying on their back and pushing their shoes to the roof to feel for anything, which left greasy foot prints all over it.. no one KNEW ANYTHING.
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Gmancopecito
11/28/2015 13:40 EST
A customs broker will help you with all that. Make sure you get a certified copy of the vehicle "ENGINE" serial number. You will need that to clear your vehicle through Customs and DIJ
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Gmancopecito
11/28/2015 13:43 EST
Customs clearance, insurance, registration, tags and duties unless you claim your exemption.
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Oldcameraman
11/28/2015 15:40 EST
ATTN: randyhou : FYI: Please note that you only have to click on "Post Reply" ONE time. What you have written will still show on your screen as if it hasn't been sent, but in reality it has already been posted. This appears to be a glitch in the forum software. If you check on this thread, you will find that your same posts appears 2-3 times each.
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cinparadise
11/29/2015 08:12 EST
I shipped in my Toyota SUV from the states, it was a breeze. Common parts, oil filter, air filter, etc., are available here in Boquete.
As for the engine serial number, US vehicle titles typically do not include an engine serial number, usually only the VIN. So there's the added step of going to the DIJ (the National Police detectives unit here in Panama) and have them record it with carbon paper, submit a form to Panama City, and then you'll receive a document from them to submit with the titling process. For the records, the "engine serial number" here in Panama consists of two components, the engine model number and the engine serial number.
I shipped mine in a 40' container along with my household goods.
The cheapest option is roll on, roll off (RO/RO) service out of Miami. $900 plus a service fee of around $100. The vehicle must be empty of all contents, the gas tank near empty (or they'll drain it), and they'll disconnect the battery so be prepared to re-program everything. You have to hand over the original title so obtain a copy from your DMV before shipping. And bring a wrench to reconnect the battery at customs when you pick it up since they typically won't have one!
As for time frames, my vehicle was released from customs the day after it arrived. They give you 30 days to complete the titling and registration process. If you go beyond 30 days, you've got to obtain a 30 day extension. The titling process took about three weeks and then another week to obtain the license plate for a total of one month. As long as you have all of your paper work with you can drive without a license plate. My paper work consisted of about 33 pages which made it easy at road blocks, I'd just show the officer the stack of papers and they'd just roll their eyes and waive you on through.
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expatdude
12/9/2015 16:29 EST
I shipped my truck from NYC and it was a breeze, came out in less than 3 days. Took a good month to get the license plate though, but nobody pulled me over or asked any questions, and if they did, as long as I kept the original taxes slip that I paid when it came in I would be fine (along with the paperwork that I was in the process of getting my paperwork). People who haven't done the process with reputable people will have a nightmare on their hands.
I also bought a used car here, I'm a car nut gearhead (know EVERYTHING about cars) and it took me 10-15 cars to finally find a decent one from a decent seller.
The whole parts things is crap, you can get the parts here or in the US, the majority of cars here are the Euro spec version (not us), and some the jap spec version (non US) but the parts are typically interchangeable and easy to get.
The problem here is getting parts, the dealers will absolutely rip you off like no other, I checked here for parts for a German car I recently purchased (Tip: German cars are discounted like crazy when used as nobody knows how to work on them), the cost at the dealer was $1800 in parts, $1400 in labor, I bought the parts for $280 (OEM from Germany) from a US wholesaler and I Installed everything myself in less than an hour and it all worked out.
Both processes are easy if you have a good customs broker, and if you buy from a respectable seller. I posted my customs broker a while back, do a search, he was great. Good luck!
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abcdef814
12/9/2015 22:10 EST
Thank you all for your information. Going to go for it - next to contact the broker.
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expatdude
1/13/2016 08:27 EST
If I devoted my time to this I could make so much money here. It's unreal how bad people are with their cars and when it hits the 3-4 year old mark they want to get rid of it instead of maintaining them as they can get credit for a new one easily. From the mechanic, to the shop, to the parts guy, to the dealer, it's terrible.
I just don't have the only thing needed to do it and that's time.
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Murlock
9/23/2016 07:25 EST
A lot of people think that sipping a car is connected with huge cots, but i doesnt have to be that way at all. In example if you will list your vehicle on http://clicktrans.com/ you can get a quotes with a really low price. Also it's worth that buying a new car instead of shipping old one is always connected with risk that the car will be faulty in some way and you will spend twice as much
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Normando
9/23/2016 11:32 EST
You always have the option of DRIVING TO PANAMA, I have done it several times and no problem, just the border expenses of about $400+..................more information with ex pat trip www.adventuretrek.com
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XSMEMORIES
9/23/2016 15:44 EST
Hello, the biggest problem is you get 6 months, but you'e car only gets 3 months, then what do you do?
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dunnee
9/23/2016 17:40 EST
It is much better to buy new in Panama. Try to keep an OK relationship with the Corp. you buy from. All car & tractor dealerships are/have a monopoly. Also they hold the "right to refuse service" so you hurt yourself when you tell them where to ..........
I have bought 3 new rigs in 12 years.
Regards.
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dumluk
9/24/2016 09:37 EST
@normando........why so much at the border? Unless youre already a resident with a cedula, you shud just get a temp permit which you can easily extend. Or at least it used to be that way......I used to pay about $500 to ship a vehicle from Fl to Costa Rica/Limon and then an agonizing day to get it out of customs........But the permit was cheap, plus insurance.....and then drive it down here, and pull a Pana permit........But of course if youre a resident, then no option but to pay the import duties.........
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Normando
9/24/2016 11:48 EST
you have 7 borders to go in and out of, fees for vehicles, passport fees, tolls, car permits, and tips
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volcan357
9/27/2016 00:47 EST
I have driven several different vehicles from the States to Panama and paid the taxes etc. It has been quite a few years ago. however I think it was and is a very bad idea. Buying a car here is a much better idea.
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rrvantine
9/27/2016 01:15 EST
Thank you! Does anybody know how long would I have after the Panamanian consulate accepts my documents for a permanent visa until I get a lawyer in Panama to do the final step. I lived in Costa Rica and loved it. Have no problem flying to Panama and staying (provided a can find a rental) Don't want to vacation there first. Have no one in the states!
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jonoyakker
9/27/2016 07:57 EST
My neighbors shipped a car in and they had to make 13 trips to the city (yes 13!) because someone messed up on a serial number on the car. Said they would NEVER, EVER do it again. The game is rigged so that you buy a car here-import taxes, storage, etc...
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Jchase1028
12/2/2016 19:18 EST
I have never experienced a bigger nightmare or headache than trying to bring a car here from outside Panama. I doubt you will find a Gringo that will refute this. You will pay 7% import tax on the value of the car (they set this value) it has to be in customs dock 2 weeks (and you pay rent for this) you pay from $750-2500 depending on the age of the car and then a 25% tax as well including the registration. You better love that car.
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cinparadise
12/3/2016 01:00 EST
@ Jchase1028
Wow, obviously you didn't have a good shipper and customs broker. As I documented above, it was a piece of cake.
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SAY
12/3/2016 08:15 EST
I shipped a car into Panama about 2 months ago. It was a piece of cake. The car was through customs in two days. The system is not rigged. Your engine number should be on your original sale document: the one that usually posted on the window at the car lot in the US. I don;t know what other countries do.
Do get a good customs agent; The agent can give you a pretty accurate assessment of the duties you will have to pay. My agent was 100% on target, and the value was closely tied to the Blue Book.
Shipping the car and paying duties was a fraction of what I would have to pay here for a used Honda SUV.
If you want to talk to my customs agent, please pm for the contact info
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retireinpanama
12/4/2016 15:51 EST
I don't want to ship a car but would love to bring my Honda Trike. If I ever
do come to retire.
Riding it down there would be fun.
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Prituu
1/31/2017 08:10 EST
How is the situation when I have to ship a bigger car? I have 3,5t max. we. fiat ducato. Are the prices much higher? Does the price depends on size of a car? I tried to browse http://google.com/ but havent noticed anything at all
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SAY
2/2/2017 12:12 EST
If it is RORO or in a container with other vehicles, larger vehicles are charged higher rates, but not a lot more. If you have your own container, size does not matter. You can find these rates by contacting various car shippers. Use a search like "ship car to Panama", and then start requesting quotes. Of course, the value of the car will affect the duties you will pay when the car arrives in Panama. A good customs agent can give you a close estimate.
By the way, I know a woman who ships her car from the US to South America every year. She gets her own container and has the shipping paid for by friends in South America who pay her to bring them items in her container.
Also, shipping rates vary according to the port from which you ship. The difference ranges from small to quite significant.
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