[CAROL BERMAN]

I just got my shipping estimate, which I am going to post since the information may be helpful to others. This information came from shippingcostarica.net. The cost to ship from Miami to Costa Rica RO/RO (roll on, roll off, which means not in a crate – this is the way new cars are shipped – it is the least expensive method) $1,975 – includes ocean shipping and all processing in Costa Rica to make it road legal. It’s an additional $1,325 if I pack my car with stuff for processing and additional ocean shipping. This does not include custom fees on the packed items. It is the same rate if I pack a few things in my car or fill it up (I assume I need to leave at least some room for the driver). Registration and taxes for my car would be around $4000.

Without additional items packed in my car, the cost would run around $6000. Does this seem like a good price relative to buying a used SUV down there?

How can I find out what the import fees would be for used items? I have professional video equipment, computers, monitors, computer storage, and small kitchen appliances (very high end blender, food processor, etc.) that I would think about packing, plus additional items for my dogs.

I am still waiting to hear if a Nissan dealer down there can do the maintenance on my car. Apparently, the transmission is different on the Nissan Pathfinder and the Infiniti QX4.

[CAROL BERMAN]

Thank you, Jason. Looks like I have some homework! A benefit to driving to Miami is that the flights are the shortest for my dogs, even though it is the longest drive from San Francisco. Just need to check the track record of the airlines flying to CR from there for transporting dogs.

[CAROL BERMAN]

My Infinity QX4 has 120k US miles. It is AWD but also 4WD and low gear 4WD. It is on a truck chassis. It’s basically the same as the Nisson Pathfinder. I can check with my service manager to see how it would fare on rugged roads. Otherwise, is my understanding of the costs reasonable?

[CAROL BERMAN]

Thank you, Jason. I’m coming down the first two weeks of November and I’ve signed up for George’s tour of the Central Valley and the Southern Pacific for the first 6 days of the trip. I’ll follow up on the insurance information you’ve posted and I am sure this will not be the last you will be hearing from me!

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