Buying a Used Car in Costa Rica
I was always a Volvo girl back in the States. Driving a boxy tank of fortified Swedish steel lent an air of safety for those long road trips. But after three years of negotiating Costa Rica’s roads by public transportation, I knew I’d soon be purchasing a more practical 4WD vehicle. I wanted to explore; to break free of bus schedule constraints; and most importantly, to have the freedom to stop whenever I liked. Whether it was an old man selling gorgeous mangoes by the road or an interesting art gallery tucked away on a side street — I wanted to pull over and interact. Some of my most cherished experiences have resulted from impromptu stops while traveling the countryside.
FAQs
What is driving like in Costa Rica?
Driving here is often described as an adventure sport in itself. Drivers are honk happy and assertive to say the least – you could compare their driving styles to those of New York or Boston. The country’s main highways are in decent condition, though all are susceptible to landslides and sudden flooding in the rainy season. After a bit of an adjustment period, most people don’t think twice about hopping in the car.
Last updated: Oct 22, 2023
Check out our Buying a Used Car in Costa Rica Blog Posts
- Tips for Driving the Caldera Highway
- Tips on Driving in Costa Rica
- Costa Rican Directions: Finding Your Way