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Selling US plated car in Belize?

Last activity 17 July 2024 by Tobi227868

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tuitam

Hello!

We are planning our USA/Mexico trip and one of possible options is to buy a car in USA, go south and sell it. As it's impossible to sell a car by foreigner in Mexico we started to think about Belize.

Do you know what is a chance that we will find a buyer for 10-15 years old 4x4 car? In USA we want to spend on it about 4000$.

Do you know about any limits (like less than10 years old in Guatemala) in importing and selling a car? I know about taxes (http://www.customs.gov.bz/rate_motor_vehicles.html) but that's something we can't avoid.

Do you know how much time will we need to finish all formalities for selling a car?

Or maybe some of you is a car trader or would like to buy a car in June? :)

Thank you for all help!
Best regards
Bartek

Launia Tate Sullivan

Check the  Belize customs website about taxes for bringing vehicle.
And also you car might be too old.
I live in Mexico and Nobody would want to purchase your car.
Why would they?  It is cheaper to purchase a second hand Mexican car.
Good luck

tuitam

It all depends on the price. I don't want to do it for profit so I could offer it cheap.
It's preety strange to say that nobody would want my car if noone knows what car will it be (even I) ;)
As far as I know, people look for used car in good condition there and it's not easy to find one because of import tax which may be about 70% of car's value.
The problem is if foreigner is allowed to sell a car there.

Madeleine Ankenman

Hi there! I am looking at doing the exact same trip and am considering selling in Belize, with a car around that price range. Did you ever find an answer to this ? Thank you!

Ray4s1

Yes it is possible for you to sell your car in Belize. There are several factors to consider however, the main one being that on arrival customs would normally give you a maximum of 30 days to keep the car in Belize without paying importation duty. Also if a local purchase the car, they would still be required to pay importation duty regardless of the price you or them paid for the car. Customs uses the Blue Book value and then make deductions thereafter based on the condition of the car. Another factor is that there is a significant number of used car on the local market so getting a quick sale is easier said than done. This factor is naturalize however by the fact that you are not aiming to make a profit as opposed to the other sellers and this fact will certainly tip the scale in your favor. It would also be helpful if you are able to find an Expat who is on the QRP and in the market for a used car. In such circumstances the buyer qualifies for duty exemption on the purchase of the car. I avail myself for any questions that may arise.

Kindest regards,

Ray4s1

Tobi227868

I brought a 2013 Toyota Sienna into Belize in June of 22....i had been in an accident driving through Mexico and had 2 broken feet so i had a broker at the border get me a 30 day Temorary Import Permit as i was on pain meds and preferred to deal with duty charges when i was healed. As it turned out, it took 4 weeks of bed rest...i wanted to sell the van instead of paying duty on it. I went to customs to get an extention so i could sell it, and they took the van away from me. Made me dump my possessions in a dirt parking lot, and drove my van away. I never got it back. They said duty was $22000bz and they sold it. I had to sign the title over to my crooked realtor and he got it and kept it. Bad experience, but i was ignorant to the rules. I thought i could get a second extention, sell the vehicle, and buy another one. But no second extention granted and i lost my van.

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