In this guide
To compare car dealerships in Ñemby, decide first whether you want a new car or a used one from a car yard (playa de autos), and pay no deposit until you have seen the papers. What protects you most is getting the chassis number, having a notary (escribano) pull the Vehicle Registry certificate and, for high-end cars or anything offered on social media, taking the car to the National Police vehicle-check department, which is close by in Lambaré.
New or used?
- New: the warranty must be in writing, in an official language, clearly printed, with its coverage and length (Law 1334/98, art. 11 (opens in a new tab)). In 2025 Paraguay imported 38,611 new vehicles and more than half were SUVs, according to the importers' chamber Cadam (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)), so if you want one there are several brands to compare.
- Used: if a vehicle is used, has a defect or has been rebuilt, the seller must say so clearly (art. 12 (opens in a new tab)). Law 4333/2011 caps used imports at ten years old, but a Supreme Court ruling let older cars keep coming in (ABC Color, 2017 (opens in a new tab)). Check the year of manufacture on the documents, not the paintwork.
Where to compare if you live in Ñemby
Ñemby is crossed by Route PY01 (the former Acceso Sur), which links Asunción with Encarnación, and borders San Lorenzo, Capiatá, San Antonio and Villa Elisa (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). That puts several areas within reach:
- On PY01 and in your neighbourhood: search your phone map for "playa de autos" and "concesionaria" and save three options for the same type of vehicle.
- Neighbouring cities and Asunción: they add more options for the same model. Before you choose, ask where servicing is done; if every service means crossing the city at rush hour, count that as a cost.
- Real use: if you will often drive south on PY01, compare pick-ups and SUVs; for city driving only, a small car costs less to run.
Papers to see before you pay
- Vehicle Registry certificate. The notary requests it; it shows the owner, the vehicle's status and any liens or seizures. It is issued within ten days and is valid for thirty; while valid, no new seizures can be registered (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)).
- Clean chassis. The Registry blocks registration if the chassis is listed as stolen in National Police or Mercosur databases (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)). Match the number on the car with the papers.
- Public deed, not a private contract. A vehicle transfer is done by public deed before a notary; a private sale contract is not enough to register it (Vehicle Registry notice, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
- Invoice and written warranty, if the yard offers one.
How to avoid buying a stolen car
In July 2026 the police warned that vehicles stolen in Brazil are being sold in Paraguay with forged documents, often repainted or altered, mostly through social media; the models most often seized were the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Their advice is to have the vehicle checked before buying at the National Police Departamento de Control de Automotores, Paz del Chaco corner Urundey, barrio Santa Lucía, Lambaré, phone (021) 302 820 or 302 229. From Ñemby it is a morning's errand; call ahead to ask the opening hours.
If you finance: what the plan must state
In a credit sale, the seller must state the cash price, the interest amount and rate, the number and frequency of instalments and the total to pay (Law 1334/98, art. 29 (opens in a new tab)). Get those figures in writing from each dealer and compare the total, not the instalment.
Test it before you close
- Drive it on PY01 and on your neighbourhood streets to feel the suspension, brakes and noises.
- Test the air conditioning both parked and moving: Ñemby has recorded 47 °C in January (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Ask to take it to your own mechanic before signing. A serious yard will not refuse.
- Never transfer a deposit without seeing the car and the Registry certificate.
FAQ
Where can I check whether a used car is stolen before buying in Ñemby?
The police recommend taking it to the Departamento de Control de Automotores, Paz del Chaco corner Urundey, barrio Santa Lucía, Lambaré, phone (021) 302 820. Also have the notary pull the Vehicle Registry certificate.
What does the Vehicle Registry certificate show?
The owner, the vehicle's status and any liens or seizures. It is issued within ten days and valid for thirty.
Is a private sale contract enough to transfer a car?
No. According to the Vehicle Registry, transfers are done by public deed before a notary; a private contract is not enough to register it.
What must a dealer tell me if I buy on instalments?
The cash price, the interest and rate, the number and frequency of instalments and the total to pay, under article 29 of Law 1334/98.
