Buying a car in South America and are canets needed

[mascot]

We are going to try and buy a cheap car somewhere most probably Brazil or Argentina.
Tried the Brazilian Embacy they dont konow if we can leave the country with the car,
If any one has any info on this or road conditons etc please let us know

Cheers
Craig
Keep trucken big wheels

[desert soul]

all people of south america (especially in the mercosur-zone) tell you that as a foreigner you will be refused to cross borders with a car or bike originally registered in south america.
though i don't have immediate experience(it's only hearsay), i would advice you not to try. your whole trip plans could be destroyed.
better stay in argentina or brazil (quiet a lot to see - ecspecially in argentina) or ship a car or bike into the continent.

carnets are definetely not necessary inside the mercosur-zone.
this includes Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Uruguay.

good luck

[mascot]

Thanks mate.
Not the answer I wanted but the thought getting to the border and the trip is over is not good.I wil keep buging the embacies for an answer but I will take your advice and maybee concentrate on one country.
cheers buddy
craig

[Dave McSkimming]

Could try buying in the US and shipping around the Darien Gap. Sell in the South, fly out. I will attempt this starting in 6 weeks. Anyone tried this recently?

Cheers
Dave

[JamesCo]

Cars registered in Chile can cross into Argentina for a while, and vice-versa, no problem. I ran into an English girl that had done just that with her 4WD. I think that the Peruvian, Bolivian and Brazilian borders can be crossed too, but am *not* sure.

Roads are as good (Pan-American), bad (Ruta 40 in winter) or non-existent as you want. Consider a 4WD - it doesn't have to be expensive, e.g. a Lada will do, and will give you more options in the rough. But a bike will always be more fun, of course

James

By the way, English-bikers on Brazilian bought and registered bikes told me that there was no problem taking them around the Americas (they were in Argentina in the time.)

[This message has been edited by JamesCo (edited 02 November 2003).]