In this guide
To buy a car in Luque, compare dealerships and used-car yards with the same list of questions: the final price in writing, whether the vehicle is new or used, who the registered owner is and what the warranty covers. And pay no more than a small deposit until a notary has requested the ownership report and, for a used car, until a mechanic you trust has inspected it.
New, used from a yard, or private sale?
- New at an official dealer: you pay more, but you get a factory warranty and scheduled servicing. Ask where the nearest authorised workshop is: in Luque or Asunción, each service will take half a day.
- Used from a yard (playa de autos): more choice and more room to negotiate. Consumer protection law 1334 requires sellers to state precisely and clearly whether a product is used, rebuilt or has a defect (Ley 1334 (opens in a new tab)). Ask for that to be written on the invoice or contract.
- Used from a private seller: can be cheaper, but there is no one to complain to afterwards. This is where you need to be most careful with paperwork.
What should you ask before visiting a yard?
Send each yard the same questions on WhatsApp and compare the answers:
- Final price: with or without the transfer, and whether notary fees are included.
- Ownership: whose name the car is in and whether the yard is selling it on consignment.
- Warranty: if offered, the law requires it in writing, with its term, coverage and any costs you must pay (Ley 1334 (opens in a new tab)).
- Inspection: whether you can take it to your mechanic before paying a deposit. If they say no, take note.
Luque is large, with 28 neighbourhoods, and is crossed by the Silvio Pettirossi and Ñu Guazú highways and avenues such as Las Residentas and General Elizardo Aquino (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Group your visits by area so you do not spend Saturday in traffic.
Which papers do you need to check?
- Public deed: a vehicle can only be transferred by public deed (escritura pública); private contracts do not transfer ownership (Judiciary, 2023 (opens in a new tab)). Once filed, the Vehicle Registry issues the documents in about 4 working days.
- Ownership and liens report (condiciones de dominio): requested by the notary, it shows the owner, restrictions, liens and seizures. According to the Registry's manual, it is issued within 10 days and is valid for 30 (Judiciary (opens in a new tab)).
- Seller's deadline: the seller has up to 20 days to sign the deed, and during that time the buyer can already have the vehicle physically inspected (Judiciary (opens in a new tab)).
- Engine and chassis numbers: compare them on the car, the vehicle registration card (cédula) and the title before signing.
How do you avoid buying a stolen car?
In July 2026 the police warned about high-end pick-ups stolen in Brazil and sold in Paraguay, mainly Fortuner and Hilux, and asked buyers to take them to the Vehicle Department for a thorough check before buying (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). It is at Paz del Chaco and Urundey, Santa Lucía neighbourhood, Lambaré, phone (021) 302 820 or 302 229.
It is a trip from Luque, but worth it for an expensive used pick-up. If the price is well below the rest of the market, check everything twice.
Finance through the yard or your bank?
Law 1334 requires every credit sale to state, or be void, the cash price, the interest and its rate, the number and frequency of instalments and the total payable (Ley 1334 (opens in a new tab)). Ask the yard and your bank or cooperative for those details in writing, and compare the total, not the monthly payment.
If you want a new car, trade fairs bring brands and financing together: the Cadam Motor Show 2026 was held in August at Paseo La Galería in Asunción, with more than 40 brands and offers from banks, finance companies and cooperatives (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
What costs come after the purchase?
- Annual vehicle tax (patente): under Law 7459 it is 0.3% of the taxable value set by the DNIT tax office, reduced by 5% a year until the vehicle is 10 years old, plus the municipal administrative fee (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)). Paid-up municipal vehicle tax is one of the transfer requirements (Judiciary (opens in a new tab)): ask for proof before you pay.
- Notary and registration: get the notary's quote in writing before signing.
- If something goes wrong: keep the invoice and the contract. You can file a complaint with SEDECO (opens in a new tab), the consumer protection agency.
FAQ
How is a car transferred in Paraguay?
Only by public deed before a notary, which is then filed with the Vehicle Registry. Private contracts do not transfer ownership.
How can I tell if a used car has a lien or seizure?
Ask the notary for the Vehicle Registry's ownership report (condiciones de dominio): it shows the owner, restrictions, liens and seizures and is valid for 30 days.
Where can I check that a pick-up is not stolen?
At the police Vehicle Department, Paz del Chaco and Urundey, Santa Lucía, Lambaré. Police recommended it in 2026 for Fortuner and Hilux pick-ups.
Does a yard have to disclose that a car is used or faulty?
Yes. Law 1334 requires sellers to state precisely and clearly if a product is used, rebuilt or defective.
