Buying a Car in Paraguay
Complete guide for expats buying vehicles in Paraguay. New vs used, prices, the buying process, registration, and everything you need to know.
The Big Question: New or Used?
Buy Used (Recommended)
- Much better value - avoid 20-35% new car markup
- Many quality Japanese imports (low km, well-maintained)
- Easy to resell when you leave
- Toyota parts are everywhere
Buy New (Consider If...)
- You want full warranty coverage
- Planning to stay 5+ years
- Need specific features not in used market
- Expect 20-35% premium over US prices
Price Guide 2026
| Vehicle Type | Used (2018-2022) | New |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Sedan (Corolla, Civic) | $10,000 - $18,000 | $28,000 - $35,000 |
| Compact SUV (RAV4, CR-V) | $18,000 - $28,000 | $40,000 - $55,000 |
| Pickup (Hilux, Ranger) | $25,000 - $40,000 | $45,000 - $65,000 |
| Motorcycle (150-300cc) | $1,500 - $4,000 | $3,000 - $8,000 |
* Toyota dominates the market. Hilux pickups and Land Cruisers are status symbols. Parts availability is best for Toyota, followed by Hyundai and Kia.
The Buying Process
Find Your Vehicle
Online: Clasipar.com, OLX Paraguay, Facebook Marketplace (Compra Venta de Autos Paraguay groups).
Dealers: Automaq, Toyotoshi, De la Sobera (new), various used car lots on Eusebio Ayala avenue.
Verify the Vehicle
Check the Cédula Verde (green card / title) matches the seller's ID. Verify no embargos (liens) at the Registro del Automotor. For used cars, get a mechanic inspection (~$30-50).
Negotiate & Agree
Prices are negotiable, especially for cash (efectivo). Asking "¿Cuál es su mejor precio?" (What's your best price?) is expected. Agree on who pays closing costs (usually split or buyer pays).
Go to the Escribanía
Both buyer and seller go to a notary (escribanía) for the official transfer. The notary verifies documents, drafts the transfer deed, and registers it. Bring: Passport/Cédula, cash for fees, the vehicle's Cédula Verde.
→ See our Notary Guide for recommended escribanías
Get New Title & Register
The escribanía submits documents to the Registro del Automotor. New Cédula Verde issued in your name (takes 1-2 weeks). Register with your municipality for annual vehicle tax (patente).
Get Insurance
Basic liability is not mandatory but highly recommended. Comprehensive (todo riesgo) covers theft and damage. Providers: Panal Seguros, La Consolidada, Mapfre, Sancor.
Closing Costs & Taxes
When You Buy (One-Time)
Annual Costs
Red Flags & Warnings
Never Do This
- • Buy with just a "private contract" - insist on escribanía transfer
- • Pay full price before seeing the Cédula Verde
- • Skip the embargo/lien check
- • Agree to undervalue the sale price to "save taxes"
- • Buy a car with "título en trámite" (title in process)
Best Practices
- • Verify seller's ID matches the title
- • Get a mechanic inspection for used cars
- • Check the DOT date on tires (not older than 4 years)
- • Negotiate - cash gets discounts
- • Use your own escribanía, not the seller's
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy a car in Paraguay?
Yes, foreigners can buy cars in Paraguay. You don't technically need residency for the purchase, but you need a Cédula (national ID) to register the vehicle in your name. Many expats buy with their passport and register once they have their Cédula, or use a trusted local's name temporarily.
How much does a used car cost in Paraguay?
Used car prices: Basic sedan (Toyota Corolla 2015-2018) $8,000-12,000. SUV (Toyota RAV4 2015-2018) $15,000-22,000. Pickup (Toyota Hilux 2018-2020) $25,000-35,000. Prices are similar to US but selection is more limited.
Should I buy new or used in Paraguay?
Used is generally recommended for expats. New cars have 20-35% markup over US prices due to import taxes. The used market has good quality vehicles, often imported from Japan with low kilometers. Toyotas dominate and parts are readily available.
What taxes do I pay when buying a car in Paraguay?
For used cars: Transfer tax ~0.5% of fiscal value, notary fees $150-500, registration ~$50-100. Total closing costs: $300-700. New cars include IVA (10% VAT) in the sticker price. Annual vehicle tax (patente) is ~$50-200 depending on value.
Can I import my car to Paraguay?
Yes, but it's expensive. Import duties are 20-30% of vehicle value plus shipping ($2,000-4,000 from US). Vehicles must be under 10 years old. Process takes 2-4 months. Generally not worth it unless the car has significant sentimental or specialty value.
Do I need a Paraguayan driver's license?
Tourists can drive with a foreign license for 90 days. After that, or once you have residency, you need a Paraguayan license. The process requires a medical exam, written test, and practical test. Many expats use immigration lawyers to expedite this.
Related Guides
Everything you need for vehicle ownership in Paraguay.