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Hello everyone. New member.

I recently purchased a house in Cabo. Eventually I would like to get a vehicle. Is it possible for a Canadian to buy a car in Mexico with a Mexican license? I see your post about accidents. What is the best route for auto insurance?

Larry

As long as you do have a Mexican drivers license, you can buy a Mexican plated vehicle. The rule of thumb....or law....here is Mexican plates require Mexican DL....Non-Mexican plated vehicle = non-Mexican DL.

It can get awkward if you bring down a vehicle & buy one locally....just make sure you hand over the appropriate DL for the vehicle you happen to be in at the time if you're stopped!

If you currently have a non-Mexican plated vehicle, you can ONLY buy a "Tourist" insurance policy. If you brought a vehicle down here now that's insured in Canada, I hope you know that insurance is not valid down here.

In La Paz (thus I assume in Cabo) you need at least an FM3 to get a Baja California Sur driver's license, which as Legs mentioned is required to drive a car with BCS plates. I bought a used car from a classified ad and got my DL at the same time (and place) as the transfer of ownership and registration. But of course you can get it separately.

My insurance is with Inbursa at the recommendation of a Mexican friend. My car is old, so I have liability only with legal assistance, but comprehensive coverage is available. Haven't had to file a claim yet.

Thanks for the info. I am really new to Cabo . I have a house that I will be signing for in September (vacation home). I am starting from scratch. Have a lot to learn!

I have no car in Cabo. I have vacationed there 3 times in the last 3 years; each time I rented a Jeep from Thifty. I have a indoor garage; so I would like to get a used SUV to leave in Cabo. Having the house, I will be spending more time in there, especially during our winter.

How easy is it to get a BCS drivers license? What are the costs for license, plate and insurance? Also, any suggestions on finding a used SUV?

I appreciate the input.

Larry

Can't speak for Los Cabos, but in La Paz the license was easy to get, at least in 2007 when I got mine. Cost was 418.64 pesos and it's valid for three years. You have to show existing driver's license(s), passport, FM2/FM3, proof of residence (utility bill), and proof of blood type. Here there are labs near the traffic dept. where you can get the blood typing done if you don't already have it. I didn't have to take a written or driving exam, but YMMV. (Edit: I think I had to supply photos as well, although they take their own to include on the DL.)

Original registration and plates was 725.15 pesos. Annual renewal is 300-350 (you get a discount if you renew early).

My insurance was 1595 pesos originally, a little less for renewal. Again, this is liability, including third party and legal assistance, but no coverage for the vehicle itself.

I found my Suzuki Samurai (mini-SUV 4WD) in the classifieds of ElSudcaliforniano. You can also look for cars with a $ sign, phone number, and sometimes price marked on the window. In La Paz this is about half of the vehicles on the road. In Cabo there may be other ways to find used cars, so you should ask around there.

Lots of used car lots in Cabo and also just seeing the for sale sign in back windows of cars. Every other car seems to be for sale. Got my DL in one day. Not a problem. just have your paperwork and your blood type. Cost was minimal. When I moved to Rosarito, I had to get another DL as Southern Baja DL is not good in Northern Baja. Here I had to take a drivers Test. 20 questions and had to have a physical done. Cost 150 pesos for Physical (located at DL office). In Cabo , no physical or DL test.
I got my insurance for about 150.00 USD a year.
Remember, in order to own a mexican plated car, you must have your FM3 and a DL. Its much easier to have a mexican plated car than an american plated car. In Cabo you still have to have your american plated car registered every year from states. Hassle to drive all that way to get smog check and register car. You WILL get stopped if it is expired and fine can be anywhere from 40.00 to 100.00 USD each time.
Now I am in market for a new car and learning about that process. Buying used seems to be much easier then buying New.
Good Luck. Enjoy your pace in Cabo. Cabo is beautiful.

So I need a FM2 FM3. How do I get that? Blood type, passport, Canadian drivers license no problem.

You guys are great, Thanks for the good info.

Larry

Originally Posted by LIG

So I need a FM2 FM3. How do I get that?

Larry

In your first post you state you purchased a home in Baja Sur.
How did you do that without an FM2 or FM3 ?

I was not aware this could be done.

You apply for an FM2 or FM3 at the INM (immigration) office in Cabo. Which one you want will depend on your intentions regarding Mexico and how much time you'll be spending here. FM2 is for immigrants who intend to apply for permanent residency or citizenship after five years. It costs more and has more stringent requirements. You can't be out of Mexico more than 18 months over five years, or you lose the right to apply for inmigrado (permanent residence) status.

FM3 is for non-immigrants on extended stays and does not accumulate time toward inmigrado status or citizenship. Most people whose primary home is elsewhere and who are part-timers in Mexico get FM3s, either because they don't intend to become permanent residents or citizens, or because they spend too much time out of the country.

Both FM2 and FM3 have to be renewed annually. Be sure to apply at a time when you'll always be here, because there's fine if you're late renewing.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by expat

In your first post you state you purchased a home in Baja Sur.
How did you do that without an FM2 or FM3 ?
I was not aware this could be done.

I also bought my home before having an FM2 or FM3. To my knowledge, it's not required as a condition of purchase.

Originally Posted by kate

I also bought my home before having an FM2 or FM3. To my knowledge, it's not required as a condition of purchase.

That is strange as the law says that a landlord must ask for your paperwork to prove you are here legaly before he can rent to a gringo.
I know it is seldom done but ......... .
Buying property without paperwork?????????

Oh well back to buying cars.

Originally Posted by expat

That is strange as the law says that a landlord must ask for your paperwork to prove you are here legaly before he can rent to a gringo.

Being here on an FMT is being here legally. I may have had to show that (don't remember). Otherwise, what would they do with all those pricey short-term vacation rentals?

Originally Posted by kate

Being here on an FMT is being here legally. I may have had to show that (don't remember). Otherwise, what would they do with all those pricey short-term vacation rentals?

That is why I said "paperwork" and not FM2 or 3.
I had to show my legal paperwork (FMT) when I rented a home here.

Back to buying cars.

I guess FM3 is the way to go since I have no intention of becoming a Mexican citizen and I probably will spend about 6 weeks per year in Cabo.

Nobody asked me about a FM3 when I made the offer to purchase. All the paperwork is being done...Fideicomiso, etc. I am returning to Cabo in September for the final signing and pay the closing costs. I hope there will be no surprises!!

The other option is to bring a Canadian car to Mexico. Long drive! In Canada the car does not need to be inspected to renew the license registration; therefore, it could stay in Mexico without any problem from the Canadian point of view. What problems would I have bringing the car across the border then leaving it permanently in Cabo?

Larry

I do not want to keep highjacking this thread but I did a quick search on buy property and proved myself wrong. Copy and past from google .----- FMt is legal to buy as well as rent.
http://www.mexperience.com/property/prop_buying.htm#7

Your Notary Public (or lawyer) will ask for official documents that can include (but are not limited to): Photo ID (passport), Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates (if appropriate), and your visa (could be a Tourist Permit) to prove that your stay in Mexico is legal;

Originally Posted by expat

I do not want to keep highjacking this thread but I did a quick search on buy property and proved myself wrong. Copy and past from google .----- FMt is legal to buy as well as rent.
http://www.mexperience.com/property/prop_buying.htm#7

Your Notary Public (or lawyer) will ask for official documents that can include (but are not limited to): Photo ID (passport), Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates (if appropriate), and your visa (could be a Tourist Permit) to prove that your stay in Mexico is legal;

Excellent article. It reminded me that I have to take my marriage contract since my wife and I are both signing for the house.

Larry