We bought a car today! 😊 A 2012 Nissan Murano with 35,000 miles. We had no idea this is where we would end up but we are excited.

The car situation loomed large as we planned our trip, both what to do with our cars at home and how things were going to go down when we got here. We decided to sell one and keep one at home (special shout out to the Hawkins-Millers and everyone else that offered to help us out and took time to brainstorm ideas with us!)

In terms of buying in Costa Rica we heard so many things…. how expensive used cars are, how you really need to be careful about what you are getting and who you buy from, how we should use a broker, how rough the roads and beach climate are on cars, how you need to be up to date with your paperwork (riteve and marchamo), how you need a lawyer if you do a private sale, etc., etc.

It seemed a little daunting, but the pressure was on because renting a car is also expensive and we wanted our money to go towards the vehicle we would have for the year and eventually sell.

We also knew from general experience that having some sort of connection in these situations is usually helpful.

So, the wild connection that ended up happening for us was that my eighth grade friend’s wife’s neighbor was selling a car. I hadn’t talked to this friend in 30 years, but through the magic of social media I learned he was living in Costa Rica ten minutes from where we planned to live. He and his wife have been so helpful in terms of giving us tips on life in Guanacaste.

The car itself was purchased in Connecticut in the US when the woman we bought it from moved there to help care for her granddaughter when her daughter was in medical school. It even spent time driving around Somerville, MA in 2012 which is when we were still living there! It was then imported to Costa Rica when she moved back. It was her second car and she and her husband didn’t drive it much and it has only been in an inland province for most of the time.

In short, we found great sellers and got a good car (knock on wood) for a decent price. Phew!

Dave was amazing through the actual sale. He negotiated the whole sale in Spanish as the owners didn’t speak English, called a mechanic half an hour before the first meeting who said he could show up within ten minutes if need be. This is what ended up happening, and he drove around with Dave and the sellers and gave it a thumbs up. The next day the lawyer we were using happened to be free and we sealed the deal poolside at the seller’s beach club. After a trip to the insurance office the next day we are now ready to roll!!!

We are thankful and relieved that this all went so quickly and smoothly.

Celebrating!