In this guide
To compare car dealerships in Caaguazú, first decide between a brand-new car with a factory warranty and a used car from a lot, then check the paperwork before you pay anything. The step that protects you most: get the chassis number and the vehicle card (cédula del automotor), and have a notary pull the Vehicle Registry certificate before you sign.
New from a dealer or used from a lot?
- Brand new: you buy from the brand's official dealer, and any warranty must be in writing, in an official language and clearly printed, stating coverage and duration (Law 1,334/98, art. 11 (opens in a new tab)). Paraguay imported 38,611 new vehicles in 2025; SUVs were 57.8% and pick-ups 23.8%, according to the importers' chamber Cadam (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)).
- Used: Paraguay imports a lot of used cars; in 2019 Cadam estimated about 60,000 used versus 35,000 new a year (ABC Color, 2019 (opens in a new tab)). If a product is used, defective or rebuilt, the seller must say so precisely and clearly (Law 1,334/98, art. 12 (opens in a new tab)).
- Age of a used import: Law 4,333/2011 bans importing used vehicles older than ten years, but a Supreme Court ruling (1115/12) allowed such imports to continue (ABC Color, 2017 (opens in a new tab)). Do not judge age by looks: check the year of manufacture on the documents.
Where to compare if you live in Caaguazú
- In town: search "concesionaria" and "playa de autos" on your phone map along Route PY02 and in the centre, and shortlist three options for the same type of vehicle.
- Coronel Oviedo: about 50 km away on PY02 (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). If the version you want is there, add the trip and think about where you will get it serviced.
- Ciudad del Este and Asunción: 144 km and 180 km away (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). More choice, but every service visit or complaint costs you a day.
- Real use: Caaguazú is a commercial hub on routes 2, 8 and 13 (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)). If you will drive the highway often or use dirt roads, compare pick-ups and SUVs with a service centre nearby; for town driving, a small car costs less to run.
Papers to see before you pay
- Vehicle Registry certificate. A notary requests it; it shows the owner, the vehicle's status and any restrictions or liens such as pledges or seizures. It is issued within ten days at most and is valid for thirty; while it is valid, no new seizure can be registered on that vehicle (Acordada 503/2007, arts. 39-41 (opens in a new tab)).
- Clean chassis. The registry blocks any registration if the chassis number is listed as stolen in the National Police database or in Mercosur registries (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)). Match the chassis number on the car with the papers.
- Vehicle card. On a transfer, the new card in your name is handed over in exchange for the old one; if the seller lost it, they must file a police report (Acordada 503/2007, art. 22 (opens in a new tab)). Ask to see it before paying a deposit.
- Invoice and written warranty. If the lot offers a warranty, get coverage and duration on paper.
Financing: what the offer must state
In a credit sale, the seller must state the cash price, the interest amount and rate, the number and frequency of payments, and the total amount to be paid (Law 1,334/98, art. 29 (opens in a new tab)). Ask every dealer for this in writing and compare the total, not just the monthly payment. A lot that will not give it to you is easy to cross off.
Test drive and inspection in Caaguazú
- Drive it on the highway and in town. Do a stretch on PY02 and a few neighbourhood streets to check suspension, brakes and noises.
- Air conditioning: summer highs reach about 42 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Test it parked and moving.
- Your own mechanic: ask to take the car for an inspection before you close. A serious lot will agree.
- Do not send a deposit by transfer without seeing the car and holding the registry certificate.
FAQ
What should I check before buying a used car in Caaguazú?
Have a notary pull the Vehicle Registry certificate, which shows owner, pledges and seizures, and match the chassis number with the papers. Ask to see the vehicle card and get a mechanic to inspect the car.
How long does the Vehicle Registry certificate take and last?
It is issued within ten days at most and is valid for thirty days nationwide. While valid, no new seizure can be registered on that vehicle.
Does a used-car lot's warranty have to be in writing?
Yes. Law 1,334/98 requires any warranty offered to be written, clear and state its coverage and duration. Sellers must also disclose that a product is used or defective.
Is it worth buying in Coronel Oviedo or Ciudad del Este?
There may be more choice, but add the trip and think about where you will service the car. Coronel Oviedo is about 50 km away and Ciudad del Este 144 km.
