Can a foreigner purchase a motor vehicle in Costa Rica?

Buying a motor vehicle in Costa Rica by a foreigner is permitted, but as with the purchase of real estate, does present some unusual title search and transfer of title problems, not common to other jurisdictions such as the United States and Canada, including in part, the execution of a formal Bill of Sale before a Notary Public. Again, because of the intricacies of the title search and transferring process, it is imperative that a purchaser retain the services of a lawyer specializing in motor vehicle transfers, to advise on and carry-out the transfer process. A transfer tax of 2.5% and a registration fee of .05% of the purchase price must be paid, along with a number of documentary fees, at the time of the registration, in the National Public Registry.