The five pieces of paperwork
A used car is bought with two things: the car and the papers. These are the five pieces to have clear before you pay.
The certificate of titleWho the registered owner is, and why the name has to match the seller's.
The title transferHow the owner change is recorded and in what order the deal is closed.
The marbeteThe annual registration sticker: where you pay it and what happens when it lapses.
The vehicle inspectionThe safety and mechanical check the car must keep current to stay on the road.
InsuranceIn Puerto Rico you cannot drive without a liability policy.
The buyer's checklist
- Ask to see the original title. Not a photo, and not a promise to sort it out later.
- Compare the VIN on the car, on the title and in the listing: all three have to be the same one.
- Make sure the registered owner's name is the seller's name.
- Have the car checked by a mechanic you trust before you pay.
- Never send money ahead to someone you do not know, however good the deal sounds.
- Be wary of a price far below the market: it is the number one sign of a scam.
BoricuaAuto is the place, not the seller
We do not own the cars and we do not verify ownership, condition or mileage: the deal is directly between you and the seller, and we charge no commission on the sale.
What you can check in every listing: whether the VIN is verified, the history report the seller uploaded, whether the seller is verified, and the button to report a listing that looks fake.
Title, transfer, marbete and inspection are handled by the DTOP and the Department of Hacienda. Here we explain what each one is and what to check before buying; always confirm the current requirements and costs with the agency.
Before you trust a listing, read it slowly
Everything in a listing was written by the seller. The listing helps you compare; it does not replace seeing the car. If something does not add up, ask, and ask for the document.
Keep looking
See the cars listed right now, with filters by town, price, year and mileage.