In this guide
To compare car dealerships in Pedro Juan Caballero, ask two or three yards for the same vehicle with the cash and financed price in writing, have the car checked before paying, and close the sale by public deed before a notary. On the border with Ponta Porã there are two extra checks: make sure the car was not stolen in Brazil and, if you live in Brazil, know that you will not be able to drive it there on Paraguayan plates.
New or used?
- New: any warranty must be in writing, stating coverage and duration (Law 1334, art. 11 (opens in a new tab)). Ask where servicing is done; if the official workshop is far away, add that to the cost.
- Used: if the vehicle is used, rebuilt or has a defect, the seller must say so precisely and clearly (art. 12 (opens in a new tab)). Have it written on the quote.
- Model year: the law limits used imports to ten years old, but a Supreme Court ruling let older ones keep coming in (Última Hora, 2017 (opens in a new tab)). Check the year on the papers, not the car's looks.
What papers should the car have?
According to the Judiciary's Vehicle Registry (opens in a new tab):
- First registration (new or imported, never registered): deed, nationalisation certificate and inspection-plant certificate.
- Transfer of a used car: deed, ownership-and-liens certificate, inspection certificate and municipal licence.
The notary requests the ownership certificate: it shows the owner and any liens or seizures, is issued within ten days and is valid for thirty (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)). Do not accept a private contract as closing: transfers are made by public deed (Vehicle Registry, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
In 2015 the Judiciary listed Pedro Juan Caballero among the cities with an inspection plant and registry office, with regional offices open Monday to Friday 7:00–13:00 (Judiciary (opens in a new tab)). Confirm the address and hours before going.
How to avoid buying a stolen car
In July 2026 Paraguay's police warned that vehicles stolen in Brazil are being sold in Paraguay with forged papers, often repainted or modified and offered on social media; Toyota Fortuner and Hilux were the most seized (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). In a city that touches Brazil, this matters more:
- Match the chassis number on the car with the papers and the certificate.
- For a high-end pickup or an offer that came via social media, police recommend a check at the Departamento de Control de Automotores, Paz del Chaco and Urundey, Lambaré, phone (021) 302 820 or 302 229 (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). It is far from Pedro Juan, so call first and ask how to arrange it.
- Pay no deposit before seeing the car, the papers and the certificate.
Live in Brazil? Read this first
Many buyers cross from Ponta Porã, but a car bought in Paraguay cannot simply be taken to Brazil:
- As a rule, Brazil does not authorise imports of used consumer goods (Portaria Decex 8/1991, art. 27 (opens in a new tab)). According to Correio do Estado (2024) (opens in a new tab), only new cars can be imported, with taxes and type approval; used ones only if over 30 years old and for collection.
- The same paper explains that a foreign-plated car may only circulate in Brazil as a tourist vehicle, with the owner resident in Paraguay; someone who files income tax in Brazil cannot hold a Paraguayan-plated car, even if they work in Paraguay.
If you live on the Brazilian side, talk to a customs broker before paying a deposit.
Should you finance at the yard?
It can make sense, but demand the breakdown. In any credit sale the seller must state the cash price, interest and rate, the number and frequency of instalments and the total payable (Law 1334, art. 29 (opens in a new tab)), and you may pay off early with a proportional interest reduction (art. 30 (opens in a new tab)). Compare totals, not instalments.
Price, currency and invoice
- Currency: guaraníes, reais and dollars all circulate at the border (Smargiassi (opens in a new tab)), but the law requires prices in national currency with taxes included (art. 10 (opens in a new tab)). If quoted in dollars, ask for the total in guaraníes too.
- Invoice: Sedeco, the consumer agency, reminds that every sale requires an invoice (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Test drive: drive in town and on the highway, and test the air conditioning both idle and moving.
- Your own mechanic: ask to have it inspected before signing. A serious yard won't refuse.
FAQ
How do I find car dealerships near me in Pedro Juan Caballero?
Search 'concesionaria' and 'playa de autos' on your phone map, save three with the same type of vehicle and ask each for the same unit with cash and financed prices in writing.
How can I tell if a used car is stolen?
Match the chassis number with the papers, have the notary request the Vehicle Registry certificate and, for high-end or social-media offers, get it checked by the police Departamento de Control de Automotores.
Can a Brazilian buy a car in Pedro Juan and take it to Brazil?
Buying is possible, but Brazil only allows imports of new cars, with taxes, and Brazil residents cannot drive Paraguayan-plated cars there, according to Correio do Estado (2024).
Is a private sale contract enough?
No. Vehicle transfers are made by public deed before a notary; a private contract cannot be registered.
