When I last addressed this issue, I
was certain that I had found a solution for our vehicles a 2000 KIA that we use
to run errands in and our 1995 Dodge Van that we use to transport my husband
and his wheelchair to Doctor Appointments and excursions alike.
In the maze of email and articles I received,
I found what I thought was my salvation with TioCorp Insurance. They immediately
informed me there was no hope for importing the KIA as it is Korean (NAFTA).
However, they got my hopes up for the Van, our real necessity given my
husband’s health. The brokerage firm they dealt with would express me the
documents that I would need in order to get the Van Mexican plates (Imported
without having to leave the country). They wrote that I would soon be contacted
with the information on the fees. Instead, I received the following:
“Thank you, for your request
for a quote. Unfortunately, we are
experiencing unreasonable delays and problems with our current Import Agency
and are seeking an alternative. This may take up to a few weeks, hopefully
sooner. We will keep your request
pending and advice you when we have lined up the options.”
Weeks went by and I emailed again,
worried as our first encounter with Immigration will be this June. My husband
will be going from the old FM2 to the new resident status making our Van
illegal. They replied:
“I have to say, we are becoming
frustrated with our attempts to locate an alternative. At this point, we are
weeks away from finding a solution, perhaps months. The only source we have
found that does not require going to the border can only do vehicles in Jalisco
State. I would say you may have to go to the border.”
We have spent a fortune this year
replacing virtually everything in that Van except the tires and even had the
body completely repaired and painted. Realistically, it is impossible for me to
make the drive to Brownsville Texas and back. I would have to make the drive
alone, the amount of money I would spend on gas and lodging, tolls, etc. cannot
be justified for a 1995 Van.
Our home will not be paid for
another three years, so it is financially impossible for us to purchase a new
Van. My Florida plates are expired, so driving them to the border on a permit
from Mexico is also not an option. I have not been able to reach anyone at the
Aduana numbers. I will keep trying and keep you updated. For the first time
readers, I leave you with questions instead of answers. To be continued……
UPDATE!
I found a way to import the vehicles without leaving the island or country! It
is too late to give you the details in this edition; I will have the
instructions next issue. If you need to import your car NOW, contact me and I
will get you the information right away.
Written By:
Aura Holguin-Resch
Aura Holguin-Resch
