High Costs and Privacy Risks of Buying New Cars in Costa Rica

Purchasing a new vehicle in Costa Rica involves significant financial and privacy challenges for expats and residents. Import taxes can increase base prices by 52% to 79%, making cars like the Toyota Land Cruiser nearly double their U.S. cost. Beyond sticker shock, modern connected vehicles act as data collectors, tracking location, driving habits, and even cabin audio-visuals. This data is often sold to third parties, raising concerns because Costa Rica lacks comprehensive connected-vehicle privacy legislation. Data flows to servers governed by foreign laws, leaving users with limited recourse against breaches or misuse. Recent ransomware attacks in 2026 further highlight security vulnerabilities in cloud-dependent automotive systems. Experts advise buyers to consider maintaining older, non-connected vehicles to avoid these costs and risks. For new residents, importing a car tax-free under Law 9996 remains an option until July 14, 2026. Those buying new should scrutinize privacy policies, disable marketing data sharing, and understand what information is collected. The article emphasizes that while new cars offer capability, they introduce an invisible passenger logging every movement, demanding careful consideration of both financial and digital implications.