Buying a car in Nicaragua

1.  Many expats have reported to us that the National Police are not allowing non-residents to register their car.  In this case, people are leaving the cars registered to the prior owner or registering the cars in the name of a nominee.

2.  Used cars retail for about 20% above Kelly Blue Book valuations.  If you can obtain a car for under 10% over KBB, then you probably obtained a good to fair price.

3.  Purchasing a car is relatively easy.  An attorney issues a deed and provides the prior deed of the car to you.  At that point you technically own the car.

4.  Owning it and registering it in your name are two different issues.  You'll need to have the car inspected and tested for emissions to transfer it.  The procedure varies by province.  Thereafter, you'll take the car to the National Police for inspection and registration.  (Most people hire a legal technician to do this procedure for them, which costs between $50 and $100 plus the actual registration and plate fees.  These legal techs get the job done without you wasting a day or two running around).

5.  Basic insurance is simple and costs $55/year for liability.  You can obtain insurance from the many insurance agents you'll see in most towns.  The liability insurance is on the car, not the person.

6.  When buying a "new" car, the dealership ordinarily provides the car with license plate and obtains the documents.  When buying a used car, the dealer usually has a legal technician who will do the running for you as described in paragraph 4.

7.  Car inspection is every 2 years for used cars.

8.  Every year you have to pay your local town (Alcaldia) a permit fee, which is usually a few dollars.  They provide a sticker when you pay.