Buy RV in USA & drive it down? Or after I arrive in Mexico?

[bwdavi]

Trying to figure out what the better option might be. Planning for mostly stealth camping around the pueblo magicos and also boondocking in the peninsula. Figured that maybe having mexican plates would help it to fit in better and avoid potential issues with the police? (my travel partner will be a Mexican resident so no problem if the vehicle is registered in her name) Was thinking a class B or very small C. Is there any place I should check for listings of mexican options other than facebook marketplace and mercado libre?

Other input: debating between a really old (like 80s or 90s) 'old' looking exterior vehicle vs a newer sprinter van. I'm planning to spend a good amount of time in the 'rural' areas of yucatan and those roads seem a bit rough once off the main highways. Anyone have any experience without Ideally I'd love to just be able to drive out on the beaches in places like celestun/progresso/elcuyo/mahahual/xcalak but i'm not sure how feasible that would be without a 4x4...

Any advice or insight would be appreciated 🙂

[Cristian123]

Riley White wrote:
Where do you guys look for RVs? Is FB a decent place for searching one?

I can also recommend checking Motor Home Specialist (MHSRV). I read the reviews about it here https://motor-home-specialist.pissedconsumer.com/review.html. It is supposed to be the biggest motorhome dealer in the world. At least, it no doubt can help with buying an RV in Mexico.

[playaboy]

moisheh wrote:
Riley, I would never use FB to find a unit in the US or Canada but the op was looking in Mexico.

Facebook Marketplace is the go to place for everything. More listings than Craigslist. Why wouldn't you use it?

[Talleyho69]

Facebook marketplace is the place used vehicles are typically found in Mexico, at least in Southern Mexico. I think Playaboy found his last truck there, and that is where our car is from.

[moisheh]

Riley, I would never use FB to find a unit in the US or Canada but the op was looking in Mexico.

[playaboy]

Here is a nice class B
https://www.facebook.com/groups/779515126242104/permalink/1248504249343187

[Riley_White]

Where do you guys look for RVs? Is FB a decent place for searching one?

[moisheh]

I found a great Class B on mercado Libre.

It is a 1971 Balboa. Built on a Dodge do a google to see what they look like. I tried to get hom to send me fotos ,but so far nothing. It comes with Mexican papers.

[bwdavi]

Thanks so much for all the feedback! very helpful and I can't wait to start the adventure! 🙂

[playaboy]

Here are some facebook groups with RV's for sale. Most are Mexican plated.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/132052267129352

https://www.facebook.com/groups/714223215370347

https://www.facebook.com/groups/201970021127352

https://www.facebook.com/groups/243920450620826

Happy hunting

[navegator]

Your best bet will be to purchase the RV in Canada or the USA and drive it down and obtain the importation permit at the border.

Why do I say that for the simple reason that trying to legalise the transfer of a foreign registered vehicle will be time and money consuming, poaperwork has to be translated and notarized, and not everyone can translate the paperwork, it has to be an aproved translator, or done by the US or Canadian Embassy or Consulat.

After that you need to obtain a new temporary importation permit and not every little town has the proper place to do that so havoid headaches and purchase the vehicle abroad and get TIP at the border it will be faster and cheaper.

navegator

[Talleyho69]

You ask some very good questions.
The police shouldn't be an issue no matter what plates you have as long as you don't get stupid.
Something to remember is that no matter where the vehicle is plated, all of the paperwork must be absolutely correct, along with your papers. If anything happens and you need to use insurance, the first thing they check is that all of the paperwork is perfect. You must be a resident to register a Mexican vehicle, and be sure to read about the legality of who can drive it.
Insurance is important, not expensive. We had to use it once, we were hit, not us hitting someone, and again, first thing was to make sure that everything was perfect paperwork wise. No insurance? If there is an injury, it's straight to jail.
Stealth camping around the magic cities? There are always Pemex and many will let you park there.
We seriously toured the country for many years, 15 years in a 22 foot 1975 Class C then upgraded for the last 7 (before we moved here permanently) in a 28 foot 2005 Class A. Honestly, no difference as to issues.
Facebook Marketplace is the place, at least in Guerrero, to shop for a vehicle.
Other members should have a lot of great information to share.

[moisheh]

Might be hard to find a good used MH. But if you would consider a Sprinter type vehicle there may be some Van converters.

https://www.alfacombi.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMxMAjZIXHI