In this guide
To compare car dealerships in Itauguá, ask every lot for the same three things: a written price for the exact vehicle, the chassis number and a test drive, and pay no deposit until a notary has checked the car with the Registro de Automotores (vehicle registry). Itauguá is about 30 km from Asunción and Route PY02 runs right through the municipality (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), so you can compare lots in town and in the neighbouring districts on the same day.
Where to look for dealerships around Itauguá
- Along PY02: the highway splits the municipality in two and is its main commercial strip (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Search your phone map for "concesionaria" and "playa de autos" (used-car lot) and save three options for the same kind of vehicle.
- Capiatá and towards Asunción: Capiatá borders Itauguá (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), and the highway carries on to the capital, where most brands have their official showrooms. If the model you want is only there, factor in the trip and where you will take it for warranty services.
- Like for like: compare the same trim, year and mileage. Two similar prices can end up far apart once you see what each one includes.
New or used?
- New: any warranty must be in writing, clearly worded, with its coverage and duration (Law 1334/98, art. 11 (opens in a new tab)). Ask which workshop does warranty services and whether it is near PY02 or means a trip into Asunción.
- Used: if the vehicle is used, has a defect or has been rebuilt, the seller must say so precisely and clearly (Law 1334/98, art. 12 (opens in a new tab)). Ask for that to be written on the invoice or sales slip.
- Be careful with social-media deals: in July 2026 Paraguay's National Police warned that pick-ups and SUVs stolen in Brazil are being sold through social media, modified and with forged papers; the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux are among the most often detected. The police vehicle-control department (Departamento de Control de Automotores) is at Paz del Chaco and Urundey in Lambaré, phone (021) 302 820 (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
Paperwork to see before you pay
- 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 at most and is valid for thirty (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)).
- Clean chassis: the registry blocks the transfer if the chassis is listed as stolen in the National Police database or those of Mercosur countries (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)). Match the number on the car with the papers.
- Public deed: a vehicle can only be transferred by public deed; a private contract does not make you the owner (Registro de Automotores (opens in a new tab)). The seller has up to 20 days to formalise it (Poder Judicial (opens in a new tab)).
- Invoice: always ask for a factura, even at a small lot.
If you finance at the lot
On a credit sale the seller must tell you the cash price, the interest amount and rate, the number and frequency of instalments and the total you will pay (Law 1334/98, art. 29 (opens in a new tab)). Get those figures in writing from each lot and compare totals, not monthly payments. Take the same offer to your bank or cooperative before signing.
Budget for the annual vehicle tax (patente) as well: Law 7459 sets it at 0.3% of the taxable value fixed by the tax authority (DNIT), reduced by 5% a year up to ten years of age, plus each municipality's administrative fee (La Nación (opens in a new tab)).
Test drive and inspection
- Highway and side street: drive a stretch of PY02 and a neighbourhood street to listen for noises and check the brakes and suspension.
- Your own mechanic: ask to have it inspected before you close. A serious dealer will not refuse.
- Air conditioning: Itauguá's climate is warm and humid (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)); test it both idling and driving.
- December: for the Caacupé pilgrimage, the traffic diversion for vehicles heading from Asunción to Caacupé has in past years started in Itauguá, at km 31, onto Avenida Japón (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). If you plan to visit lots on 7 or 8 December, set off early.
Worth waiting for a car show?
The Cadam Motor Show brings the distributors together once a year. The 2026 edition ran at Paseo La Galería in Asunción until 9 August, with more than 40 brands and promotions from banks, finance companies and cooperatives (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). If you want a new car and are not in a hurry, it lets you compare many brands in one afternoon before closing with the dealership most convenient for you.
FAQ
What should I check before buying a used car in Itauguá?
Get the chassis number, match it with the papers and have a notary request the Registro de Automotores certificate, which shows the owner, liens and seizures. Have your mechanic inspect the car before paying a deposit.
Is a private contract enough to buy a car in Paraguay?
No. A vehicle can only be transferred by public deed before a notary; a private contract does not make you the owner.
How can I check whether a vehicle sold on social media is stolen?
The National Police recommend having it checked at the Departamento de Control de Automotores, Paz del Chaco and Urundey, Lambaré, phone (021) 302 820.
What must the dealer disclose if I buy on credit?
The cash price, the interest and rate, the number and frequency of instalments and the total payable, under Law 1334/98. Ask for it in writing.
