Car Buying Process:

Cars, like Property should be held in the name of a corporation or SRL.  This should NOT be the same corporation that holds real estate or other assets - one car per corporation.  This is to limit any liability to only the value of the car and protect your other assets.  If you need a Costa Rica corporation fast, contact us.

The actual purchase is handled by an attorney like a real estate purchase.
Go to an attorney and they prepare the paperwork, watch the exchange of money, collect the taxes and file it with the Registro.  They are supposed to charge 1.25% of the value but you can often get a discount.  Use a reputable attorney or your taxes will not get paid and the title will not be transferred.

Make sure you get the paperwork!
Some attorneys have been known to collect the taxes and not file the paperwork. That means you are out the tax money and worse don’t own the car!