Tourist Vehicle question

[henderson]

I'm looking at paying my fourth visit to Argentina, but as the cost of vehicle rental (particularly campervan, which is an option we've done before) is so expensive, I wondered if it might be more economical to buy a car or 4x4.

But ....is it even permitted for a foreign non-resident to buy a vehicle? Plus if we could, would it be a nightmare to then sell after the visit?

I accept we'd have to be watertight on insurance & some kind of roadside assistance, and have driven there lots plus lived in Spain for years so am accustomed to driving manners.
It's just can we buy a vehicle rather than having to rent!

 

[LuckyLuke]

My personal experience was the following:

1) I was not able to register a new car without a CDI. I don't know about a used car, it would depend on registration requirements. Immigration told me directly it was not legal for me to buy a new car as a tourist.

2) Our car insurance agent happily sold us a car policy and said that our foreign status would not be a problem. We didn't find out until over year later what that meant exactly. The policy is attached to the car, not the driver. Meaning, if a licensed driver with a domestic drivers license is driving the insured vehicle, the insurance company will cover any driver-involved accident. However, if I as a foreigner with a foreign drivers license get involved in a driver involved accident I will not be covered because I don't have a local drivers license. The car is still insured for theft, fire, uninsured motorists, etc. provided I'm not inside it.

 

[Ries]

Argentina has very low domestic car rental use- that is, argentines dont rent cars much. So there arent that many cars per capita for rent, and the rental prices are generally on the high side. And RVs are not a big thing here. So renting them is also a luxury / novelty kind of thing.
That said, look on Mercado Libre, and see if the sales prices for used RVs are in your ballpark.
Not sure about the legality of buying a car as a tourist, I have a dni and no interest in owning a car here, so I havent looked.

Camper Van/ Motorhome Ford Transit Mediana Techo Elevado - US$ 46.500

Camper Van motorhome Ford transit año 2021 versión full: volante forrado en cuero multifunción con control de velocidad crucero audio Bluetooth, asistencia en pendientes, ABS con repartidor electrónico de frenado, control de tracción etc. Aire acondicionado,levanta cristales eléctricos, espejos...

vehiculo.mercadolibre.com.ar

 

[henderson]

Thanks @LuckyLuke & @Ries . Looks a bit as I feared - I'll keep looking at rental prices but suspect that plus accommodation might prove too much for my budget!

 

[Stephano]

I'm looking at paying my fourth visit to Argentina, but as the cost of vehicle rental (particularly campervan, which is an option we've done before) is so expensive, I wondered if it might be more economical to buy a car or 4x4.

But ....is it even permitted for a foreign non-resident to buy a vehicle? Plus if we could, would it be a nightmare to then sell after the visit?

I accept we'd have to be watertight on insurance & some kind of roadside assistance, and have driven there lots plus lived in Spain for years so am accustomed to driving manners.
It's just can we buy a vehicle rather than having to rent!

You might also consider buying a car in Chile and then resell it. It looks like it is easier than in Argentina, and several people in the PanAmerican Travelers Association have done it (https://www.facebook.com/groups/panamtravelers/)

 

[saucerfam]

Living in San Martin de Los Andes.....and inquired about buying in Chile, but was told that it couldn't be crossed. We purchased in Argentina using a CUIT,,,, we never had a DNI while living there temporarily (just tourist status).

 

[Konner_Long]

Perhaps buying something in Bolivia? I know of at least two people (one on youtube) who have bought vehicles in Bolivia to drive throughout LATAM.

 

[Rich One]

A car bought in Chile by a Chileno (Americano¨?) can drive into Argentina and stay only for Six months Mercosur Agreement . After repeated trips in and out Immigration may request you buy Argentinian plates $$$

Can purchase a car in Argentina with CUIT . The VW dealership did all the transfer paperwork.