Here is how the story of your car purchase will likely unfold. 1. The Hunt: Digital or Dealer?

: While you can own the car indefinitely, you can only drive on a foreign license for 90 days from your last entry into Panama. To reset this, many people do a "border run" to Costa Rica for a few days. Common Car Prices in Panama (Used)

: Used cars in Panama are often roughly treated and poorly maintained. Experts recommend focusing on brands with a massive local presence, like Toyota or Hyundai , where parts are plentiful. 2. The Verification: More Than a Test Drive

: Third-party liability insurance is mandatory and must be in place before the title can be officially transferred to your name.

: You’ll need the original Registro Único Vehicular (title), the current Revisado (inspection certificate), and copies of both the buyer's and seller's IDs.

: Many expats hire a car broker for $300–$500 to handle mechanical inspections, title checks, and the headache of paperwork. 3. The Paperwork: A Day at the "Municipio"