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Purchasing a new vehicle in Mexico as a foreigner Purchasing a new vehicle in Mexico as a foreigner
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  #1  
Old 23 Apr 2022
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Purchasing a new vehicle in Mexico as a foreigner
I know you need a Visa and Utility bill to purchase and register a vehicle in Mexico as a foreigner. I'm interested in purchasing then leaving the country in a under 5 days. Wondering if anyone would be willing to help purchase the vehicle and could register it until I get into the USA, would compensate for time and effort. Perhaps a motorcycle tour company?

Any help would be appreciated.
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  #2  
Old 23 Apr 2022
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Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
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Out of curiosity, what are you planning to do with the registration once you enter the US? Importing the bike in order to re-register it is not usually an easy (or affordable) process. Normally you’d leave it registered in Mexico, insure it in the US, and carry on with your trip, but it sounds like you’re planning something different.

It’s also normally the case that bikes are cheaper, with a wider selection, in the US. This is probably not true if you’re planning to purchase something at the low end in terms of quality, but that would make it even more awkward to register it in the States.
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  #3  
Old 24 Apr 2022
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Mexico
Posts: 61
I am not sure about your intent but I will throw this out there. Some motorcycles sold in Mexico come from India or South America and are mfg soley for the Latin America market. My Yamaha MT03 bought new in Mexico but mfg in India for example. My DR650 bought new in Mexico was mfg in Japan for the US market, imported to Mexico from Japan and it is identical to the DR650 sold in USA. I suspect that since the model is USA identical then it would be possible to import to the US. The hassle and paperwork will be a PITA and in my opinion not worth it. That model is 143,000 MXN pesos and then there would be a bunch of import and registration costs in the USA.

If your intent is to import a Chinese moto or something like an Italika that is mfg in Mexico, I seriously doubt if that is possible. There is a rider on the TWTEX web forum who has imported several cool motorcycles from Mexico and Europe. I do not know the process he has used. You may try to contact him for advice.

Here is his contact info:
https://www.twtex.com/forums/members/gore-tx.4581/

Buena Suerte
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  #4  
Old 16 Jun 2022
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Purchasing a vehicle can be super easy and convinient as well. In places like Ajijic, taxis stop after 8, hence if you have an emergency, having your own vehicle is a huge bonus.
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  #5  
Old 28 Aug 2022
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Location: Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico
Posts: 8
Vehicles/Visas
Quote:
Originally Posted by Biker_Andy View Post
I know you need a Visa and Utility bill to purchase and register a vehicle in Mexico as a foreigner. I'm interested in purchasing then leaving the country in a under 5 days. Wondering if anyone would be willing to help purchase the vehicle and could register it until I get into the USA, would compensate for time and effort. Perhaps a motorcycle tour company?

Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Andy, I'm a permanent resident of Mexico with my legal visa etc. It was about 6-8 years ago or so that you used to be able to buy a vehicle in Mexico under a regular tourist visa or temporary resident's visa. Not so anymore. The change was made a while back and you have to now be a Permanent resident of Mexico to purchase a vehicle down here.

Under a tourist visa you can import your vehicle for the same duration as your visa in country. And you must take your vehicle out with you when you leave.

Under a Temporary Resident visa you can do the same. But can not buy a vehicle here. And you must take your vehicle out with you when you leave.

Under a Permanent resident visa you can buy a vehicle here but cannot legally drive a foreign plated vehicle here.

That is how it is.
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