In this guide
In San Bernardino, comparing car dealerships usually means moving around the area: ask two or three yards in the area for the same vehicle with a cash and a financed price in writing, have the car inspected, and close the sale by public deed. Vehicle Registry paperwork for the area is handled in Caacupé, on the PY02.
Where is the paperwork done near San Bernardino?
San Bernardino lies about 50 km from Asunción on the shore of Lake Ypacaraí (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). To register or transfer a car, the nearest Vehicle Registry office is in Caacupé, according to the Judiciary (opens in a new tab):
- Caacupé registry office: Palacio de Justicia, Diosa Astrea between Dr. Oscar Paciello and Prof. Herminia Machado, Barrio Loma Guazú. Tel. (0511) 243.591. Monday to Friday, 7:00 to 13:00.
- Caacupé inspection plant: Ruta II Mcal. Estigarribia km 52½. Monday to Friday 7:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00; Saturday 8:00–12:00.
The registry closes at 13:00 and is shut at weekends, so if you look at cars on a Saturday, leave the signing and paperwork for a weekday.
How do you compare one yard with another?
- Same car, same request: identical make, model, year, mileage and trim.
- Price in guaraníes with taxes: Paraguay's consumer law (Law 1334) requires prices in legal tender including taxes (art. 10 (opens in a new tab)). If you get a dollar price, ask for the full total in guaraníes.
- Used or with defects: the seller must state clearly if the car is used or has defects (art. 12 (opens in a new tab)). Get it in writing.
- Written warranty: if the yard offers a warranty, it must be in writing with term and coverage (art. 11 (opens in a new tab)).
- Invoice: Sedeco, the consumer agency, reminds sellers that every sale of goods and services needs an invoice (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
What papers should the car have?
According to the Vehicle Registry requirements (opens in a new tab):
- First registration (new or imported, never registered): deed, nationalisation certificate and inspection-plant certificate.
- Transfer of a used car: transfer deed, certificate of ownership and encumbrances (unless stated in the deed), inspection certificate and municipal licence.
In 2023 the Registry reminded buyers that under the Civil Code a vehicle can only be transferred by public deed and that private contracts are not valid (Judiciary (opens in a new tab)). Do not settle for a signed sales slip at the yard.
How do you avoid buying a stolen car?
In July 2026 the Police warned that vehicles stolen in Brazil are being sold in Paraguay with modifications and forged papers, often through social media; Toyota Fortuner and Hilux are the most seized (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). The advice is to have the vehicle checked at the National Police's Departamento de Control de Automotores before buying (according to ABC Color, at Paz del Chaco and Urundey, Barrio Santa Lucía, Lambaré). Pay no deposit before that check, especially if the offer came through social media.
Is dealer financing worth it?
It can be, but ask for the full breakdown. Law 1334 requires every credit sale to state the cash price, interest and rate, any surcharges, number and frequency of instalments, the total to pay and what happens if either side defaults (art. 29 (opens in a new tab)). You can also pay off early with a proportional cut in interest (art. 30 (opens in a new tab)). With that sheet from each yard, comparing is easy.
When to go car hunting
- Avoid long weekends: the PY02 backs up between the San Bernardino turn-off and the Ypacaraí toll (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)), with long queues at the Ypacaraí toll and on the Luque–San Bernardino Ecovía (Hoy, 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
- High season: from December to mid-February San Bernardino fills with holidaymakers (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). For a calm test drive, pick a weekday outside those dates.
- Test drive: try the car uphill and downhill; the hilly Cordillera roads show how the engine and brakes respond.
FAQ
Where do I transfer a car if I live in San Bernardino?
At the Caacupé registry office in the Palacio de Justicia (Barrio Loma Guazú), Monday to Friday 7:00–13:00. The inspection is done at the plant on Ruta II km 52½.
Is a private contract enough to buy a car?
No. In 2023 the Vehicle Registry reminded buyers that a transfer can only be made by public deed; private contracts are not valid instruments.
How do I check a car is not stolen?
The Police recommend a full check at their Departamento de Control de Automotores before buying, especially for high-end pickups or deals that started on social media.
What must a dealer financing plan state?
Cash price, interest and rate, surcharges, instalments, total to pay and what happens on default (Law 1334, art. 29). You can repay early with reduced interest.
