Before you buy a used car in Costa Rica, check four things: the paperwork (owner, liens, marchamo and technical inspection), the VIN, the mechanical condition with a trusted mechanic, and a test drive. Don't pay anything before you see the car, and pay on the day of the transfer before a notary. This checklist works for any car, from a dealer or a private seller.

What paperwork should you check?

  • Owner and liens: with the plate number, check at the Registro Nacional that the seller is the registered owner and the car has no liens or seizures.
  • Marchamo: this year's road tax must be paid.
  • Technical inspection (RTV): it must be current; ask for the last receipt.
  • Fines: unpaid traffic fines can delay the transfer.
  • Service records: oil changes, timing belt, brakes. If there are none, plan to do them yourself.

How do you check the VIN and the engine number?

  • Compare the VIN on the windshield, on the door frame and on the title: they must match.
  • Check the VIN for free to confirm make, model, year and engine. If the car was imported from the United States, the VIN also shows whether it had crashes, floods or a total loss.
  • Have a mechanic compare the engine number with the one on the title.

What should you check outside and inside?

  • Body: color differences between panels, uneven gaps between doors and fenders, or paint on the rubber seals are signs of a repaired crash.
  • Rust: on the floor, the bottom of the doors and the fenders, especially on cars from coastal areas.
  • Tires: even wear and enough tread. Wear on one side can mean alignment or suspension problems.
  • Interior: a damp smell, wet carpets or mud under the seats (possible flood); wear on the steering wheel and pedals that doesn't match the mileage.
  • Dashboard lights: they light up with the key on and must all go off once the engine starts. If the check engine light never comes on, it may be disconnected.

What should you check in the engine and on the test drive?

  • Cold start: ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive. Hard starts or blue or white smoke are warning signs.
  • Oil and coolant: light brown, foamy oil or oil in the coolant can mean a damaged head gasket.
  • Transmission: gears should shift smoothly, without jerks, and the clutch shouldn't slip.
  • Brakes and steering: the car should brake straight, without vibration, and not pull to one side.
  • Suspension: knocks or noises over potholes and speed bumps.
  • Air conditioning: it should cool well; repairs can be expensive.

Ideally, take it to a trusted mechanic or a diagnostic shop before you pay. It costs far less than a major repair.

How do you pay safely?

  • Don't send a deposit by SINPE or "reserve" a car you haven't seen and whose papers you haven't checked.
  • Pay on the day of the transfer, before a notary, by bank transfer with a receipt.
  • If you are a foreigner, read how to buy a used car in Costa Rica as a foreigner.

Frequently asked questions

How can you tell if a car was flooded?

Look for a damp smell, rusty bolts under the seats, mud in hidden places and electrical faults. If it was imported, check the VIN: many flooded cars in the United States are flagged in their history.

Where can I find used cars in Costa Rica?

On CarrosUsados.cr, in English, with prices in colones and dollars and the seller's WhatsApp.

Reviewed on November 3, 2026.