Expert: Molly McHugh - 11/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: i want to take a honda accord 1997 to mexico permantly and i dont know if they would let me...or can i just get a permint or something? i would apreciate if you could tell me how much it would cost..

ANSWER: Hi Jose,

I get asked car questions quite a bit - I think I need to do a blog entry and then can just refer people to a link!  Here is info for Baja - a link to info for Mexico (where you have to post a bond and get a permit when entering the mainland, do NOT have to do that to drive the Baja California Peninsula, is exempt from those regulations) mainland is below.  Was not sure from your question what you are referring to.

You can take a 1997 Honda Accord to Baja and drive it and keep it there indefinitely but must maintain current U.S. registration and license to be legal. Your year model cannot be imported to Baja at present time, only 1998 models are allowed currently for import.  The Mexican gov excluded all vehicles for import other than year 1998 models as of March 2nd (2008).  

Someone pointed out on a list serv on Baja recently (LaPaz Gringos - can join on Yahoo.com) that Calderon may turn back this regulation and allow imports again of vehicles 10 years. Here is info on the NAFTA agreement that goes into effect Jan 2009:

"Only vehicles 10 years and older will be allowed in initially. Those age restrictions will gradually be reduced until 2019, when the used-car market will be completely open."

So maybe after the first of the year your car will be available for import to Mexico as older models are allowed back in - but there is no guarantee, of course, Calderon can do as he chooses...  2019 may see an open market or may not.

----------------   Information for import to mainland Mexico --------

Wrote about it already, check this link http://www.vivalabaja.com/questions__answers

scroll down to answer #2 and read the whole way through, has detailed info on importing to mainland.


Best of luck, Molly
Viva La Baja! Relocation & Real Estate Guide to the Baja California Peninsula



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: can i just get a permit to take it for six months then?
im planing to take it beyong the "free zone" or more to the south..
i also want to know how much it will cost me and how is it more conviniet to pay in cash or credit card?

Answer
Hi again Jose, you do not need a permit to travel in Baja - the entire Peninsula from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas is a Trade Free Zone.
You do not need to pay anything when you cross the border.

Just be sure to have a Mexican auto insurance policy, and your U.S. vehicle registration and current tabs.

Molly