Episode 34: How Do I Buy a Car in Belize? (Part 2) — Used Car Guide

Yesterday we covered vehicle overview and new vehicles. Today we're covering everything you need to know about buying a used car—from where to look to what it actually costs, and more importantly, what to watch out for.

Note: All prices in this episode are in US dollars.

Listener Question: What Should I Look for When Buying a Used Car in Belize?

Critical Warning: In Belize, there are no lemon laws or disclosures. David explains: "I can buy a wrecked vehicle, take out all the airbags, replace parts with subpar parts, leave the frame bent, and meet the required repairs for Belize—horn works, lights work, windshield wipers work, replace damaged parts and new paint—and get a good clean title. That title says nothing about a salvage title."

8 Principles for Buying Used Vehicles in Belize:

1. No Lemon Laws — Buyer Beware
Most used cars here are salvage titles from wrecked cars in the U.S.—vehicles wrecked and sold at auction, brought here and fixed. Ask yourself:

• Were wrecked parts removed and replaced with subpar parts?
• Did airbags deploy? Were they replaced?
• Was the frame bent?

Always check the Carfax. Every seller says "it was just minor damage in the rear." Trust but verify. Carfax costs under $50 and tells you service history, accidents, and updates.

2. Mechanical Inspection — Absolutely Essential
Find a trusted mechanic to check it before you buy. Don't skip this. Spend $50-100 on inspection to save thousands in hidden problems.

3. Rust — Salt Air Accelerates Everything
Check thoroughly, especially near the coast. David's example: "My 2018 Nissan Kicks looks brand new on the outside, but under the car she looks like a 1941 Nissan. I even had the undercoat done when I bought it. Salt air is destructive."

4. Maintenance History
Ask for records. Belizeans who maintain their vehicles usually have documentation. Dealer-maintained vehicles will have records.

5. Flood Damage — Be Cautious
Hurricane and flood damage can be hidden. Be cautious of suspiciously good deals. Check the Carfax. Stay away from flood-damaged vehicles. An ounce of prevention saves tons of pain.

6. Title and Registration
Verify the seller actually owns the vehicle. Check for liens. Do the paperwork properly.

7. Parts Availability
Before buying an unusual vehicle, confirm you can actually get parts in Belize. You don't see a lot of Volvos or Subarus—can you get parts for them? Look at what's common here and buy that. You may have more downtime waiting for parts on unusual vehicles.

8. Scams — Know Who You're Buying From
Recently people have been sending money to "used car dealers" and never getting a car. Get references. Ask around on social media. Check the Better Business Bureau in Belize. Transfer the title and get paid in one day. If you must send money first, do a video call with the dealer and verify wire instructions match what they emailed.

Registration and Insurance Process:

Transfer of Ownership at Transport Department:

• Bring bill of sale, old registration, and identification
• Pay the transfer fee
• Buyer and seller must be present (or affidavit from lawyer)
• Vehicle inspection required (yearly inspection—lights, horn, wipers, etc.)
• License plates stay with the vehicle

Note: Sometimes they run out of stickers—keep the receipt in your car. David suggests keeping the original safe and a copy in the car for police checkpoints.

Insurance:

• Third-party liability is mandatory
• Full coverage recommended
• Cost: $500-$1,500/year depending on vehicle value

David's Insurance Examples:

• Golf carts and motorcycle: ~$125/year
• 1998 RAV4: ~$250/year
• 2013 D-Max: ~$800/year
• New Frontier (full coverage with hurricane and glass): ~$2,500/year

Driver's License:
You can drive on your foreign license temporarily, but long-term residents should get a Belizean license. Apply at Transport Department with foreign license, passport, proof of address, and fee. Requires patience and possibly multiple visits.

Ongoing Costs of Vehicle Ownership:

• Fuel: ~$6/gallon (higher than U.S.)
• Insurance: $125-$2,500/year
• Annual registration: Nominal fee based on weight (~$100/year for truck)
• Maintenance: More expensive than U.S.—parts must be imported. Labor is cheaper but parts markups are significant.
• Example: Dealership oil change for new truck: ~$175
• Repairs: Budget for unexpected. Older vehicles in tropical climates need regular attention.

Parts source: Westrack is Belize's equivalent to NAPA or Advance Auto Parts—decent prices for OEM parts.

Tips for the Buying Process:

• Don't rush — Take time to find the right vehicle
• Bring cash — Most private sales are cash or bank transfer
• Negotiate — Prices are negotiable, especially for cash
• Get a mechanic's opinion — $50-100 inspection saves thousands
• Do paperwork properly — Don't accept shortcuts on title transfer
• Buy from expats leaving — Vehicles often well-maintained, not in country long, straightforward transactions

Cool Belize Perk — Vehicle Storage:

David's dealer holds his truck in a 24/7 guarded gated area in Belize City. They crank it up periodically. If a storm is coming, they take it to higher ground on a trailer. When David picks it up for Placencia, it's washed. All for under $100/month.

Bottom Line:

Buying a car in Belize is different from the U.S. Prices are higher, selection is limited, and the process takes patience—but it's absolutely doable.

Small "third world" 4x4 trucks are your best bet for longevity and parts availability. Buy gently used, get an inspection, and do the paperwork right.

Connect:

📧 [email protected] — for tips on buying, referral to David's sales guy, or questions about what vehicle to bring to Belize
🏠 RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize]]>