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Importing vehicle

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hrlee7804
  10/6/2019 10:47 EST

I moved to Mexico 10 mo ago doing Perm. Residency status. I want to go into Arizona and buy a motorcycle. I can't find a suitable one already with Mexico plates. My question is will I have to import it or can I just bring it in like I did the truck I drove coming in 10 mo ago? It will have current Az plates and registration along with a bill of sale. If I ride it in they probably won't even stop me as this is the free zone. If I take my trailer up and haul it thru I am guessing it will draw more attention. I have tried many times to talk to an importer with no luck them answering the phone or returning calls. I don't even know where to find them at the border. Looking for information. Thanks

RVGRINGO
  10/6/2019 12:01 EST

IN Mexico with a Residente Permanente Visa, you are prohibited from owning/driving a foreign (USA) plated vehicle, unless it belongs to an immediate family member with a tourist permit or residente temporal visa.
The 'free zone', or 'no hassle zone' simply means that you may get away with it, but in the event of an accident, all the vultures will come home to roost.
If you want a moto, buy it in Mexico where you reside. You wanted to become a resident, but you seem to want to make up your own rules. It won't work out well in the long run.

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hockeyrick
  10/6/2019 13:35 EST

I brought in 2 big bikes for ADV touring and the guy in TJ that did this for me has all the legal info on [email protected], really helped me out and explained the process and the current situation. He has a FB page also-https://www.facebook.com/AispuroLavenantAA/. They do everything legal and knows anything you may have a question on-tell him Rick in Huatulco recommended you. He could give you tax estimates or whatever.

hrlee7804
  10/6/2019 15:22 EST

RVG I am not trying to make up rules I am trying to figure out the system....with poor luck as you might figure out. I am willing to have it nationalized coming thru the border but can't figure that out from here. That is why the questions. No one seems to know anything for sure here. Ask two seasoned expats how to do something and they each say the other is not doing it right. The problem as I see it is the ones in charge keep moving the answers. The only bikes I would want down here are also Mexican plated so I would have to go thru the same process after I owned it getting it nationalized. Seems easier to but where I can find one and pay when crossing the border to get Mex plates on it. I can't find a number that will return calls or emails.

RVGRINGO
  10/6/2019 18:51 EST

If you buy a Mexican registered moto, you simply go to the Recaudadora with the seller and transfer the ownership paperwork, if it is complete and free of tickets and liens. The recaudadora can determine that. If you buy new, from a dealer, they will handle the title factura and registration for you.
To import one from the USA, you will need a customs broker, and it will get expensive. You are better off, as an RP living in Mexico, with a Mexican vehicle. No border crossing hassles, fees or permits needed, either.

longtimelurker
  10/6/2019 21:44 EST

None of those brokers on the border want to waste time on the phone answering questions for expats. Unless you have a VIN# of a specific vehicle, you are wasting their time.

Buy your bike, go to the border and hire a broker. There are a bunch of them in the Nogales. Expect to pay a grand in impuestos. Any make from any country can be imported

Or look for a MX plated bike here

http://www.cyclehouse.com.mx/
great selection and prices. All bike have pedimentos

Hockeyrick gave you a contact. Or search for Oscar, a broker in Nogales. He has helped many expats import vehicles.

Haven't you learned yet that hassle free zone does not apply to RP's. You should have gone RT, not RP, and you could have kept your vehicles for another 4 years.

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bigrio
  10/6/2019 23:51 EST

LIC. Oscar Fco. Angulo - Nogales AZ/Sonora

[email protected]
0115216311573821

He is readily accessible on FB where upon I regularly message him.

I have utilized Oscar's services for years. He can explain ALL the NAFTA import rules, active amparos, etc. He is very honest & straightforward, English fluent.

longtimelurker
  10/7/2019 06:40 EST

Hrlee, Bigo gave you Oscars info. Pay him for your import needs.

hrlee7804
  10/7/2019 11:07 EST

RVG I can't buy new from a dealer as the model I want is not sold in Mexico. Suzuki Burgman 400 or 650cc scooter. I have found nothing used in Mexico with Mexico plates...all are US plated and in The Baja. Easiest for me is to to to Arizona and many are there. I can either trailer it back or drive it across and probably have no hassle here in the free zone. I want it to have Mexican plates so I need a broker but have not found one yet at my crossing. They do not respond to any correspondence. One of my questions is how long does the nationalizing process take at the border? Is it done a few hours or is a 2 month process and the bikes stays where during the process? .....LTL the info from hockyrick did not produce contact information that would return a call or email. Also, I damned well know now the best thing for you for me to have done was put off the inevitable for 4 years by going temporal. It did not seem right then and not now also. I chose not to go thru the process twice. But anytime you want to remind me of your choice for me go ahead. I know you have the experience I lack. I am getting my feet wet the best way I know and it is HELL for me not to understand the processes here. I get some comfort in knowing the process is not just one lane. Processes here are similar to pushing a chain for me. (and I know for others they may just handle it better)

longtimelurker
  10/9/2019 08:08 EST

Hrlee, When you posted asking about a getting a DL, you got a bunch of useless advice (need a color copy of your curp). My advice was to go to the office and ask them. You found out how easy it was to get your license.

You pm'd me about importing a vehicle and wanting to use my broker. I told you how it works but I guess you didn't like the truth. So you ask the man who hasn't lived in Mexico for over 5 years, that has never imported anything for advice. Just buy Mexican he says.

Hundreds if not thousands of vehicles are imported everyday, many different years from many different countries (I guess it must be economically worth it, it has been for me). It isn't only 8-9 year old NAFTA cars like the village idiots constantly posts. All legally with no mordida.

These brokers don't answer phone calls. They are too busy processing imports to waste time with gringos, explaining the process.. You live close to the border, get off your ass and drive there. Go walk into their office. They will give you 3 minutes and tell you what I told you. Give them the VIN# and they will tell you if it can be imported and the price.

That is the simple solution but you go ahead, do it the hard way, and waste time and money.

You are a laugh a minute. I find that more entertaining. I bet you have wasted well over 10k in less than a year.

longtimelurker
  10/9/2019 16:36 EST

And your train wreck continues.

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bigrio
  10/9/2019 22:30 EST

LTL, where do you get your info? Used (I presume as new is not a contentious issue) vehicles without regard for origin, manufacturer, or year model are eligible for import? Thousands of vehicles imported - legally nationalized - dailly?

longtimelurker
  10/10/2019 08:51 EST

Personal experiences.

I had many Mexican employees that would buy a car in the States once a year and import them back starting in the late 80's. After sitting at the border for a couple of day during processing, I would help them drive home after the import was completed. That is how I met the broker I use and learned parts of the system.

Bigrio, I have personally imported a van and a truck that were not " within the rules" using my broker who knows the regulations. It might cost more but in the end I did get a premium price when I sold the van and I still have the truck. I had fully legal pedimentos and facturas that were verified online with Repuve and the aduana pedimento checker.

Do you think the Nafta rules applies to countries and vehicles coming from non-nafta counties? A Belizian titled car built in Brazil does not fall under Nafta TREATY (is not law) regulations for import. But it could be imported.

Earlier this year I was looking for a diesel truck, including dual wheels, and found that I could import a 2004 or newer for approx $6000. I just didn't find the right truck.

I think one of the problems is that their are posters who are just parroting stuff they read online but have no actual experience. Posting the same crappy information hundreds of times does not make them experts or make their posts true. But when you read it hundreds of times you believe it is true.

hrlee7804
  10/10/2019 09:00 EST

LTL...proving one more time he is an arrogant A$$. You always come across as a "know it all" I bet you are fun with the families at holidays.

hrlee7804
  10/10/2019 10:47 EST

LTL you seem awfully concerned about my financial well being. Going thru life is not cheap. Please be assured I will be fine. I don't see where I dumped $10K. If you are talking about the convoy trip with my vehicles to the U.S. I called in a favor and paid fuel only....about $700. Get you fact straight, Mr. KIA. Maybe change your sign in from Longtimelurker to Mrknowitall.

longtimelurker
  10/10/2019 18:00 EST

Hrlee, Unlike you, I only post on subjects I have experience with. I don't know it all. I don't post about anything medical since I have been lucky and healthy or areas I have not been.

Has your trust come though yet? Or are you still getting excuses? 10 months is a long time for the paperwork to be completed. I am hoping your home is on ejido land. That would make my day, week and year.

I do want to see you crash and burn for all the name calling you direct at me. You sure are not letting me down.

TAGOTA, You need to speak with a broker at the crossing you want to use. Give them the VIN# and they will tell you if it can be imported and the cost. Don't hesitate if they say it can be imported, just do it.

Is it worth it? That is for you to decide.

bigrio
  10/10/2019 21:36 EST

LTL, informative response ..... let me clarify as the many vehicles over the years I have imported from AZ into Nogales Sonora have ALL been US or Canadian vehicles subject to the NAFTA regs. I have NO experience concerning imports originating from Brazil, Belize, etc.

Retiree2
  10/11/2019 09:28 EST

Just exactly how many years ago did you two import vehicles into Mexico? 3 or more years ago? You never said when.

longtimelurker
  10/11/2019 21:21 EST

Both were over 3 years ago.

In January, I was up at the border looking to import a diesel truck. I didn't find the right one to purchase but did get quotes on a couple of them. At that time it was 2004 or newer being eligible.

I did go with one of my Mexican friends, who works seasonally in the States, import and help drive that car last year.

In a couple of weeks a group ( at least a dozen of them) of my former Mexican employees will be importing cars to load up with stuff purchased for the family, take the stuff home and then sell car for a profit.

hrlee7804
  10/11/2019 23:17 EST

KIA, Sorry for the let down but my trust came thru just fine. As far as I know there is no ejido land in this area. At least I have never heard of it here. My trust took more time because the trust bank had to change too. Anyway it is all put to bed now so sorry that disappoints your day, week , month and year. I will be happy to keep you informed so you can gloat. I don't see where I have 'crashed and burned' or had a 'train wreck' but keep tuned you will find something to puff your chest about!

bigrio
  10/11/2019 23:26 EST

My most recent import was in August. I have two 2012 model yr cars in the bullpen in metro Phoenix awaiting Nov. 1st when model year eligibility changes from 2010/2011 > 2011/2012 per ADUANA.

There is tremendous variance in judgment online regarding vehicle import requirements. In the past active but time sensitive amparos, UCD association/local government affiliations, and politically sponsored vehicle regularization have served to further muddle & confuse clarity & transparency.

In Sept. 2014 ADUANA abruptly rewrote the house rules concerning US imports; the landscape was reframed dramatically and I choose to follow its guidelines. Since that time I have had no problem with such vehicle possession in Mexico but I have multiple times been stopped, detained, & vehicle thoroughly searched at Federale & State Police roadblocks to ensure compliance. Lack of due diligence can prove very costly! Several occasions my original authentic pedimento & factura were temporarily confiscated for computer verification. But as LTL has pointed out vehicles are imported from countries other than NOB.

If you plan to import a vehicle, do your homework before any investment or initiating any action; scams abound!

losciale1
  10/12/2019 15:42 EST

A lot of people on this site are full of themselves and s___

losciale1
  10/12/2019 15:42 EST

A lot of people on this site are full of themselves and s___

hrlee7804
  10/12/2019 16:43 EST

Mr LTL(aka KIA) likes to show his superiority over those requesting help at times. Perhaps you have offended him, as I have many times calling him out on his rudeness to others. He knows enough to not get caught puffing by those of us unable to call him on it ususlly.

longtimelurker
  10/15/2019 10:58 EST

'ya know Mr. longtimelurker, you are talking a big game about importing and have you a dozen friends doing it in a couple weeks.

But, when I asked specifically for a contact since my journey starts from an island you basically tell me to wing it.

I dunno just maybe I was expecting something more than a just a story."

Bigrio, you seem to understand the process. Isn't it simple? The broker does everything while you sit and wait?

There are 2 brokers recommended in this thread. One by hockeyrick and one by bigrio. Oscar has a great rep with expats.

As I explained to Hrlee, when he pm'd me, my broker doesn't want me to send any American referrals.

This is one of the busy times of the year for auto imports. Temp work visas are expiring. Many Mexican men and women buy cars,import them, fill them with USA merchandise and take them back home. Half sell their cars for a profit even after paying the import fee's.

Tagota, now that I see where you are moving to (the PDC area is great choice) here's a new direction to look.

You are going to put your car on a ship to get out of Puerto Rico. Speak with Hyde Shipping or Linea Peninsular. They regularly go to Progreso and Puerto Morelos. They will ship cars. They won't let your car onboard unless they are sure it will be accepted in Mexico. They have brokers on staff.

Good luck

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