In this guide
To compare car dealerships in Obligado, ask two or three sellers to quote the same vehicle in writing, with both the cash price and the financed price, have your own mechanic inspect it, and close the sale by public deed before a notary. The nearest vehicle registry office and inspection plant are in Encarnación, about 40 km down Route PY06, so sort out the paperwork before you leave a deposit.
What kind of vehicle makes sense in Obligado?
Obligado is a farming town: soy, cattle and the Colonias Unidas cooperative (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Roads between towns are paved, but many rural roads are still dirt. That is why pickups and utility vehicles sell here. The national picture is similar: of the 38,611 new vehicles imported in 2025, SUVs made up 57.8% and pickups 23.8% (Infonegocios (opens in a new tab)).
- If you will drive into fields after rain, test the vehicle on a dirt road, not only on the paved streets in town.
- Ask where servicing is done and whether parts are stocked locally or ordered from Encarnación. A distant official workshop is a real cost.
New or used?
- New: if a warranty is offered, Paraguay's consumer law (Ley 1334/98) requires it in writing, stating who gives it, what it covers and under what conditions (art. 11 (opens in a new tab)).
- 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)). Ask for that in the written quote.
- Model year: the law caps used imports at ten years old, but a Supreme Court ruling allowed older ones to keep coming in (Última Hora, 2017 (opens in a new tab)). Check the year on the papers, not on how the car looks.
How to compare two or three dealers
Take the same checklist to each one and write down the answers:
- Cash price and financed price, separately.
- The law says prices must be shown in local currency with taxes included (art. 10 (opens in a new tab)). If you get a quote in dollars, ask for the total in guaraníes too.
- Written warranty, delivery time if the model is not in stock, and where servicing happens.
- A test drive, and permission to take it to your mechanic before signing. A serious dealer will not refuse.
What to check if you finance
On any credit sale, the seller must state the cash price, the interest and its rate, any surcharges, the number and frequency of instalments, and the total to pay (Ley 1334/98, art. 29 (opens in a new tab)). You can also pay off early and owe less interest (art. 30 (opens in a new tab)). Ask for the full payment schedule and compare totals, not monthly payments.
Which papers to ask for, and where they are processed
According to the vehicle registry (opens in a new tab):
- First registration (new vehicle): deed, nationalisation certificate and inspection-plant certificate.
- Transfer of a used vehicle: deed, certificate of ownership status and liens, inspection certificate and municipal licence.
The ownership certificate shows the registered 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)). Do not settle for a private sales contract: vehicle transfers can only be made by public deed (Judiciary, 2023 (opens in a new tab)).
For Itapúa, the judiciary lists Encarnación as having both an inspection plant and a registry office; in 2015 those offices opened Monday to Friday, 7:00 to 13:00 (Judiciary (opens in a new tab)). Check the hours before you drive down.
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, sometimes repainted and usually advertised on social media; the most seized models were the Toyota Fortuner and Hilux (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
- Match the chassis number on the vehicle with the one on the papers.
- For a high-end used pickup, police recommend an inspection at the Departamento de Control de Automotores (Paz del Chaco and Urundey, Lambaré; phone (021) 302 820 or 302 229). Call first and ask how to arrange it from Itapúa.
- Do not pay a deposit before you have seen the vehicle, the papers and the ownership certificate.
If you live in Brazil, note that according to Correio do Estado (2024) (opens in a new tab), Brazilian tax residents cannot drive a Paraguayan-plated car there, and Brazil only allows imports of new cars, with duties paid.
What if something goes wrong?
Get an invoice for the deposit and for the balance: every sale must have one (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). If the dealer does not deliver what was promised, you can file a complaint with Sedeco, the consumer agency, through its online form; in the first half of 2026 the motor trade accounted for 6% of complaints (Hoy (opens in a new tab)).
FAQ
Where do you register a car bought in Obligado?
The transfer is signed before a notary as a public deed. The nearest registry office and inspection plant are in Encarnación, about 40 km down Route PY06.
Which papers should a used car come with?
Deed, certificate of ownership status and liens, inspection certificate and municipal licence. The ownership certificate is valid for 30 days.
How can I tell if a used pickup is stolen?
Match the chassis number with the papers, get the ownership certificate and, for a high-end model or one sold on social media, have it checked at the police Departamento de Control de Automotores.
Can a dealer quote me in dollars?
Ley 1334/98 says prices must be shown in local currency with taxes included. If you get a dollar quote, ask for the guaraní total in writing as well.
