'brought in '96 Mitz. Montero 4WD - paid 3400 and Customs wants $4000 more!!' Cars

Eve Files (200.32.221.188) -

The subject pretty much explains it. Bze Customs wants more for the duty than I paid for the car. Stuck and don't know what to do....

Comment #1 rory chase (63.245.70.242) -

hello, belice.

i am looking for a cheap truck to buy or rent for the next month and a half. 4wd would be preferred, and mechanical sustainability is a must. i can't have it breaking down on me. toyota, nissan, international??? i will be moving trhough belice, guatemala, nicaruagua, and the yucatan.

if you had a viable dirtbike i would also be interested in that!

rory

anyone have any ideas?

Comment #2 Drew from Belize (Contact Member) -

Has customs still got the vehicle??

Comment #3 Jake from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (Contact Member) -

A lot of countries have auto import taxes around 100% and then they value the car differently than you paid and your stuck!

Best bet is NOT to ship a car, but purchase locally.

Comment #4 dustin (63.176.159.1) -

if your like your car enough to take it with you across seas then you have to deal with paying to make it happen..

Comment #5 Belize Expat from Belize City, Belize (Contact Member) -

That is why you want to research import duties very carefully before brining anything into a country... whether it is a car, computer or just some junk food you order online.

Import taxes can easily be 50%, 60%, 100% or more depending on the product!

Comment #6 Dave (63.176.159.75) -

that sucks, paying taxes higher than the car itself. i agree with dustin, it's better to buy the car locally than to ship it.

Comment #7 dustin (63.176.159.132) -

yeah that was jake, not me. but i also agree.

Comment #8 Marc (63.176.159.181) -

I am not understanding what is going on here. I am guessing that some guy took his car across seas, and had to pay more for import taxes than he even payed for the car, is that right?

Comment #9 cwemoy (63.176.159.165) -

When the deal sounds so sweet, think twice or so the famous adage goes. I think the car is worth it......go for the kill!

Comment #10 fat j (200.32.222.30) -

6 cylinder have a 90% duty rate, the monteros' KBB book price is $3, 875 usd, so you are looking at duty of $3487usd. Argue the case or use a broker to geta better deal. you must bear in mind that this vehicle will sell for between $7500-$8750 usd locally.

• import dutys

Comment #11 cwemoy (63.176.159.62) -

Yes, do not ship a car..buy one locally. What does it profit a man to gain a whole car yet lose it on claims of not paying duty? Apparently, someone was not responsible for sealing the loopholes that have now come to haunt you. The question should not be what to do but how well to handle it.

If you do not mind, consult a legal expert.

Best of luck

E-Mail:         

Name:            (required)

Title:           (required)

Message (do not enter emails or links or urls in the message!):