In this guide
To compare car dealerships in Encarnación, ask two or three of them for the same vehicle with a cash price and a financed price in writing, check the paperwork before paying a deposit and close the sale by public deed before a notary. For a used car, add one step: have a notary pull the Vehicle Registry certificate and make sure the chassis number matches the documents.
New or used?
- New: you buy from the brand's official dealer. Any warranty must be in writing, with coverage and term (Law 1334/98, art. 11 (opens in a new tab)). In 2025 Paraguay imported 38,611 new vehicles; SUVs made up 57.8% and pick-ups 23.8%, according to the importers' chamber Cadam (InfoNegocios (opens in a new tab)), so that is where you will find most versions to compare.
- Used: if a car is used, rebuilt or has a defect, the seller must state it precisely and clearly (Law 1334/98, art. 12 (opens in a new tab)). Get it written on the invoice or a signed note.
- Age: Law 4333/2011 bans imports of used vehicles over ten years old, but a Supreme Court ruling allowed them to keep coming in (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 from Encarnación
Encarnación is about 370 km from Asunción on Route PY01, and the Santa María bridge links it to Route PY06 towards Alto Paraná (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). In practice:
- In town: open your phone's map, search "concesionaria" and "playa de autos" and save three options for the same type of vehicle.
- Asunción or Ciudad del Este: more stock, but every warranty service or complaint can mean a long trip. Before buying far away, ask where the nearest official workshop to Encarnación is.
What documents should the car have?
- Vehicle Registry certificate: requested by the notary, it shows the owner and any liens or seizures. It is issued within ten days and is valid for thirty (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)).
- Clean chassis: the Registry blocks registration if the chassis is listed as stolen in the National Police or Mercosur databases (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)). Compare the number on the car with the papers.
- Registration card (cédula del automotor): the new one in your name is issued against the old one; if the seller lost it, they must file a police report (Acordada 503/2007 (opens in a new tab)).
- Public deed: the Registry has stated that vehicle transfers can only be made by public deed and that private contracts do not transfer ownership (Poder Judicial (opens in a new tab)).
- Invoice: every sale of goods requires an invoice (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Without one you have no one to claim against.
How to avoid buying a stolen car
In July 2026 the Police warned that high-end pick-ups and SUVs stolen in Brazil are being sold in Paraguay, repainted and with forged documents, mainly via social media; Toyota Fortuner and Hilux are the most detected (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Their advice is to take the vehicle to the National Police's Departamento de Control de Automotores (Paz del Chaco corner Urundey, Santa Lucía, Lambaré; phones (021) 302 820 and 302 229) for a full check. From Encarnación that is a long trip, so call ahead, and do not pay a deposit before that check if the deal started on social media.
Should you finance through the dealer?
It can make sense, but get the full breakdown. For credit sales, Law 1334 (opens in a new tab) (art. 29) requires the seller to state:
- the cash price;
- interest amount and rate, plus the late-payment rate;
- any administrative fees or commissions;
- the number and frequency of instalments;
- the total to be paid.
Article 30 lets you pay off early with a proportional cut in interest. Compare totals, not monthly payments.
Test drive in Encarnación
- Air conditioning: average summer highs are around 32 °C and the record is 42 °C (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Test it parked and moving.
- Town and highway: drive a stretch along the Costanera or downtown and another on PY01 to check brakes, suspension and noises.
- Rain: Encarnación gets about 1,760 mm a year (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)); check carpets and boot for signs of damp.
- Your own mechanic: ask to have it inspected before you close. A serious dealer will not refuse.
Next step: pick one specific version, ask three dealers for the cash price and financing plan in writing, and with the chassis number of your favourite ask a notary for the Registry certificate before any deposit.
FAQ
What documents should I ask for when buying a used car in Encarnación?
The registration card, an invoice and the Vehicle Registry certificate your notary requests, showing owner and liens. Check that the chassis number matches.
Can I buy a car with a private contract?
Not to transfer ownership: the Vehicle Registry has stated that transfers can only be made by public deed.
How do I know if a car is stolen?
The Police recommend a check at the Departamento de Control de Automotores in Lambaré, especially for a high-end pick-up or SUV offered on social media.
What must a dealer disclose if I finance?
Under Law 1334: cash price, interest and rate, fees, number and frequency of instalments and the total to be paid.
