Yes, it is legally possible for a non-resident to buy a car in Mexico, but the process is complex and comes with significant restrictions, especially regarding where you can drive and legally register the vehicle. The most critical rule involves the Temporary Import Permit (TIP), which is mandatory for any foreign-plated vehicle to be driven in Mexico beyond the immediate border zone.
The primary hurdle is that you generally cannot permanently register a Mexican-plated car without legal residency (e.g., a Temporary or Permanent Resident Visa). Therefore, most non-residents purchase the car in their home country and then bring it into Mexico using the TIP. If you buy a car within Mexico without residency, your only viable option is to keep it on foreign plates with a valid TIP, which is valid for up to 180 days and can be renewed.
Attempting to register a car with Mexican plates as a tourist is extremely difficult and often requires a "presta nombre" (a Mexican citizen acting as the nominal owner), which is a legally risky arrangement that offers you little protection. For a straightforward and legal experience, your best bet is to buy the car in the U.S., ensure you have valid title and registration, and then obtain the TIP online or at the border before entering Mexico.
| Key Consideration | Details for Non-Residents | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Vehicle Registration | Mexican plates require a resident visa. Not possible for tourists. | Defines your legal options: foreign plates with TIP or a risky proxy arrangement. |
| Temporary Import Permit (TIP) | Mandatory for foreign-plated cars. Costs ~$50 USD for 180 days. Requires a valid passport, driver's license, and a major credit card for a deposit. | Legally allows you to drive your own foreign-plated car in Mexico beyond the free zone. |
| Border Zone (Free Zone) | Approximately 20-25 km from the border. A TIP is not required to drive a foreign-plated car here. | You can rent a car in this zone without a TIP, but buying is a separate process. |
| Financing & Insurance | Nearly impossible to get a Mexican auto loan without residency. Mexican liability insurance is legally required. | You must be prepared to pay in cash and factor insurance costs into your budget. |
| Selling the Car | You cannot legally sell a car with a TIP inside Mexico. It must be exported first. | Limits your exit strategy and affects the car's resale value and process. |
