Buying a car in Barbados

Last activity 08 November 2015 by Ebbie1000

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KenjeeViP02 October 2015 07:53:18

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Hi,

To be able to move in Barbados, a lot of expatriates think of buying a car, whether new or second-hand.

What are the formalities to buy a vehicle in Barbados: car registration, insurance, etc.?

What are the relevant authorities or organizations to contact?

How long does it take and what are the associated costs?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience,

Kenjee

Ebbie1000Active member08 November 2015 18:51:37

Buying cars in Barbados is staggeringly expensive compared to North America.

The taxes and duties on new and imported second hand cars total around 250% - not on the cost but on the CIF (cost + insurance + freight).

Typically when cars are bought here the bank loans are 5-7 years (10-year loans are available) simply to make it affordable.

Insurance is reasonable - fuel is reasonable (compounded by the fact that everything is nearby)

Look at B$15,000 (US$7,500) for a very basic 10 year old compact car.

Check the engine and chassis number match the documents and that they are listed on the bill of sale; go with the seller to the licencing authority to get the paperwork sorted out (expect to queue for hours!)

One last thing - annual car tax - if you buy a used car and it has been off the raod for a couple of years or the tax was not paid, you the new owner have to pay the back tax.