In this guide
To compare dealerships in Filadelfia, ask each yard for the same vehicle with the cash and financed price in writing, check the vehicle's papers before paying any deposit, and close the sale with a deed before a notary. In the Chaco one more thing matters that buyers in Asunción often overlook: the vehicle has to cope with intense heat and long distances, and you want servicing nearby.
Buy in Filadelfia or travel to Asunción?
Filadelfia is about 470 km from Asunción on the Transchaco highway (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)), around six hours' drive (Daytrip (opens in a new tab)). That changes the maths:
- Buy in Filadelfia if you'll service the vehicle and make any claims here: having the seller close by is worth more than a small price difference.
- Look at Asunción too if you want a specific model or trim. In August 2026 the Cadam Motor Show at Paseo La Galería brought together more than 40 brands, with promotions from banks, finance companies and cooperatives (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)); it's a useful price benchmark even if you buy in the Chaco.
- To find yards nearby, search "concesionaria" or "venta de autos" on your phone map, filter by open now, and message before you go to confirm the vehicle is still available.
What vehicle suits the Chaco?
Paraguay sold 38,611 new vehicles in 2025: SUVs made up 57.8% and pick-ups 23.8% (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). Think about how you'll really use it: the area's forts and lagoons lie tens of kilometres from central Filadelfia, and many can only be reached by your own vehicle.
- Heat: Chaco summers go above 40 °C and coincide with the rainy season (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). On a used vehicle, test the air conditioning and watch the engine temperature on a real drive, not just around the yard.
- Parts: ask whether the yard or the brand's workshop stocks parts locally or has to bring them from Asunción, and how long that takes.
- Your own mechanic: before signing, have a mechanic you trust inspect the vehicle, especially if it comes from another city.
How to compare one yard with another
- Same vehicle, same request: make, model, year, mileage and trim must match, or the comparison is meaningless.
- Clear price: the law requires prices to be shown with taxes included and in legal tender (Ley 1334 (opens in a new tab), art. 10). If you're quoted in dollars, ask for the total in guaraníes too.
- Used or with defects: if the vehicle is used, rebuilt or has a defect, the seller must state it precisely and clearly (art. 12). Ask for it in writing.
- Warranty: any warranty must be in writing (art. 11), with its term, coverage and where to claim it.
- Invoice: every sale of goods and services must come with an invoice (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
Which papers should the vehicle have?
According to the Vehicle Registry (opens in a new tab):
- New, or imported and never registered: deed, nationalisation certificate and verification certificate.
- Used: transfer deed, owner's ID, certificate of ownership status and liens, verification certificate and municipal licence (patente).
A transfer is only valid by public deed; a private contract isn't enough (Judiciary (opens in a new tab)), and the seller has 20 days to formalise it (Judiciary (opens in a new tab)). The notary requests the ownership certificate, which is issued within 10 days and is valid for 30 (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)). Hire a notary you trust, not just the one the yard suggests.
Budget for the annual licence fee too: under Law 7459 it's 0.3% of the taxable value set by the DNIT tax office, reduced by 5% a year up to 10 years, plus a municipal admin fee (La Nación, 2025 (opens in a new tab)).
How to avoid a stolen pick-up
In July 2026 the National Police warned about high-end pick-ups stolen in Brazil being sold in Paraguay, mostly through social media; Toyota Fortuner and Hilux are the models most mentioned (ABC Color, 2026 (opens in a new tab)). The official advice is to take the vehicle to the police vehicle control department in Lambaré (Paz del Chaco corner of Urundey; (021) 302 820 and 302 229) for a full check.
From Filadelfia that's hundreds of kilometres, so build it into the purchase: if it's a high-end pick-up or the contact started on social media, pay no deposit before that check.
Is yard financing worth it?
It can be, but demand the details in writing. Ley 1334 (opens in a new tab) (art. 29) requires every credit sale to state the cash price, interest and rate, surcharges, the number and frequency of instalments, and the total payable. Article 30 lets you pay off early with a reduction in interest. If any of this isn't met, you can complain to SEDECO (opens in a new tab), the consumer protection office, through its online form.
FAQ
How do I find dealerships in Filadelfia?
Search "concesionaria" or "venta de autos" on your phone map, filter by open now, and message before going to confirm the vehicle is still available.
Which papers should I ask for when buying used in Filadelfia?
A transfer deed before a notary, the certificate of ownership status and liens, the verification certificate, the owner's ID and the municipal licence.
Is it worth buying in Asunción and driving to the Chaco?
Only if the model isn't available in Filadelfia. It's about 470 km on the Transchaco, and servicing and claims are easier if you buy nearby.
Where can I check a pick-up isn't stolen?
At the National Police vehicle control department in Lambaré. Police recommend it especially for high-end pick-ups and sales that start on social media.
