--- title: "Car Guides & How-Tos in Costa Rica | PuraCars" description: "Step-by-step guides on RTV, marchamo, vehicle transfers, maintenance and verified mechanics in Costa Rica." lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.puracars.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Guides", "item": "https://www.puracars.com/guides" } ] } --- [![PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/provider-logos/company-profile/logo-1763870694496.svg)](/) [Find Services](/)[Providers](/car-mechanics)[Guides](/guides)[About](/about) [Let's Talk](/contact)Español Guides & How-Tos # Step-by-Step Car Guides Practical how-to guides on RTV, marchamo, vehicle transfers, maintenance and more — written for drivers in Costa Rica. ## Featured Guides [ ![How to improve your business visibility with PuraCars — Negocios article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1786736109572-bp6qo.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Negocios ### How to improve your business visibility with PuraCars Discover how PuraCars Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages can help you improve your presence, visibility, and opportunities to attract new customers. Aug 14, 2026 5 min read ](/post/how-to-improve-your-business-visibility-with-puracars)[ ![Does my business need a website or just social media? — Marketing Digital article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1780597482726-av7mo.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Marketing Digital ### Does my business need a website or just social media? Discover if a website is still necessary for your business or if social media is enough. Learn the advantages of combining both strategies to attract more customers. Jun 4, 2026 6 min read ](/post/does-my-business-need-a-website-or-just-social-media)[ ![Where Can I Create a Website for Your Business in Costa Rica? — Marketing Digital article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1780598726759-q5mud.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Marketing Digital ### Where Can I Create a Website for Your Business in Costa Rica? Discover where to design a professional website for your business in Costa Rica, how much it costs, and how to attract more customers from Google. Jun 4, 2026 5 min read ](/post/donde-puedo-hacer-una-pagina-web-costa-rica) Negocios(1) All(23) Marketing Digital(2) Car Maintenance(2) Tips & Guides(9) Costa Rica(9) ## All Guides 23 guides [ ![How to improve your business visibility with PuraCars — Negocios article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1786736109572-bp6qo.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Negocios ### How to improve your business visibility with PuraCars Discover how PuraCars Silver, Gold, and Platinum packages can help you improve your presence, visibility, and opportunities to attract new customers. Aug 14, 2026 5 min read ](/post/how-to-improve-your-business-visibility-with-puracars)[ ![How to Find a Trusted Mechanic in Costa Rica — Costa Rica article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1784214235495-165z6o.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Costa Rica ### How to Find a Trusted Mechanic in Costa Rica Learn how to choose a reliable mechanic in Costa Rica, avoid common repair scams, and keep your vehicle in good hands with practical tips every driver should know. Jul 16, 2026 5 min read ](/post/how-to-find-a-trusted-mechanic-in-costa-rica)[ ![Is preventive maintenance worth it? The answer could save you a lot of money — Car Maintenance article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1784049777573-xbse5q.webp?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Car Maintenance ### Is preventive maintenance worth it? The answer could save you a lot of money Many drivers wait until the car breaks down to take it to the shop. Discover why preventive maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs and roadside emergencies. Jul 14, 2026 4 min read ](/post/is-preventive-maintenance-worth-it)[ ![How to choose a reliable mechanic when you don't know the area? — Car Maintenance article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1784050593479-o0uksq.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Car Maintenance ### How to choose a reliable mechanic when you don't know the area? Getting stuck with a broken-down car in an unfamiliar place can be stressful. These tips will help you find a trustworthy mechanic and avoid bad experiences. Jul 14, 2026 4 min read ](/post/how-to-choose-a-reliable-mechanic-when-you-don-t-know-the-area)[ ![How to schedule a DEKRA Costa Rica appointment step by step (2026) — Tips & Guides article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1783524506066-7qe9z8.webp?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### How to schedule a DEKRA Costa Rica appointment step by step (2026) Learn how to quickly schedule a DEKRA Costa Rica appointment from the official website. Follow this step-by-step guide to book your vehicle technical inspection without complications. Jul 8, 2026 5 min read ](/post/how-to-schedule-a-dekra-costa-rica-appointment-step-by-step-2026)[ ![What to do if my vehicle fails the DEKRA inspection in Costa Rica? — Tips & Guides article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1783526532333-4cuf1c.avif?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### What to do if my vehicle fails the DEKRA inspection in Costa Rica? Did your vehicle fail the DEKRA inspection? Discover what the result means, how to fix the faults, when to do a reinspection, and how to reschedule your appointment. Jul 8, 2026 5 min read ](/post/what-to-do-if-my-vehicle-fails-the-dekra-inspection-in-costa-rica)[ ![Where Can I Create a Website for Your Business in Costa Rica? — Marketing Digital article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1780598726759-q5mud.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Marketing Digital ### Where Can I Create a Website for Your Business in Costa Rica? Discover where to design a professional website for your business in Costa Rica, how much it costs, and how to attract more customers from Google. Jun 4, 2026 5 min read ](/post/donde-puedo-hacer-una-pagina-web-costa-rica)[ ![Does my business need a website or just social media? — Marketing Digital article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1780597482726-av7mo.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Marketing Digital ### Does my business need a website or just social media? Discover if a website is still necessary for your business or if social media is enough. Learn the advantages of combining both strategies to attract more customers. Jun 4, 2026 6 min read ](/post/does-my-business-need-a-website-or-just-social-media)[ ![How to Start with Uber Without Owning a Vehicle in Costa Rica (2026) — Costa Rica article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1780432704951-7tug5cf.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Costa Rica ### How to Start with Uber Without Owning a Vehicle in Costa Rica (2026) Want to work for Uber but don't have a car? Discover the options available in Costa Rica to start generating income using rental vehicles. Jun 2, 2026 7 min read ](/post/como-empezar-a-trabajar-en-uber-sin-tener-vehiculo-propio)[ ![Renting a Car vs Using Shuttles in Costa Rica: Which Option Is Best in 2026? — Tips & Guides article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1780431557068-dfstjo.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### Renting a Car vs Using Shuttles in Costa Rica: Which Option Is Best in 2026? Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Compare rental cars and shuttle services to discover which option offers the best value, flexibility, and travel experience in 2026. Jun 2, 2026 8 min read ](/post/renting-a-car-vs-using-shuttles-costa-rica)[ ![Route 27: The sinkhole affecting thousands of trips to the Pacific — Costa Rica article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1780430296082-dhybqa.avif?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Costa Rica ### Route 27: The sinkhole affecting thousands of trips to the Pacific The sinkhole at mile 35 (km 56) of Route 27 is causing delays and travel changes toward the Pacific. Learn how it impacts drivers, tourists, and vehicle owners. Jun 2, 2026 5 min read ](/post/route-27-sinking-affects-pacific-coast-travel)[ ![2026 Traffic Fines in Costa Rica: These are the Year's Most Expensive Violations — Costa Rica article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1780430940472-z87hx.jpg?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Costa Rica ### 2026 Traffic Fines in Costa Rica: These are the Year's Most Expensive Violations Learn about the new traffic fine amounts that will apply in Costa Rica during 2026. Discover which violations are the most costly and how to avoid unnecessary penalties. Jun 2, 2026 5 min read ](/post/multas-transito-2026-costa-rica)[ ![What Expats Should Know About Driving in Costa Rica — Tips & Guides article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1779897793934-fbcb6o.jpeg?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### What Expats Should Know About Driving in Costa Rica Driving in Costa Rica can feel very different from North America. Here’s what expats should know about roads, weather, traffic, and local driving culture. May 27, 2026 5 min read ](/post/driving-in-costa-rica-expat-guide)[ ![How to Avoid Used Car Scams in Costa Rica — Tips & Guides article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1779896324178-sq9z5t.jpeg?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### How to Avoid Used Car Scams in Costa Rica Buying a used car in Costa Rica can be risky if you don’t know what to look for. Learn the biggest red flags and how expats protect themselves. May 27, 2026 7 min read ](/post/avoid-used-car-scams-costa-rica)[ ![How to Buy a Car in Costa Rica as an Expat (Complete 2026 Guide) — Tips & Guides article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1779895114493-ilztmj.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### How to Buy a Car in Costa Rica as an Expat (Complete 2026 Guide) Thinking about buying a car in Costa Rica? Here’s everything expats and foreigners need to know about paperwork, pricing, inspections, and avoiding expensive mistakes. May 27, 2026 5 min read ](/post/buy-car-costa-rica-expat-guide)[ ![Stranded on the Side of the Road in Costa Rica? Here’s What to Do — Tips & Guides article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1779910206528-vjmnq8.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### Stranded on the Side of the Road in Costa Rica? Here’s What to Do Flat tire? Dead battery? Overheating on the way to the beach? Here’s what expats and travelers should know if they get stranded on the road in Costa Rica. May 27, 2026 5 min read ](/post/stranded-on-the-road-costa-rica)[ ![Do You Really Need a 4x4 in Costa Rica? — Tips & Guides article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1779895740719-cji7y.jpeg?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### Do You Really Need a 4x4 in Costa Rica? Many expats wonder if buying a 4x4 in Costa Rica is worth it. Here’s the reality about road conditions, rainy season, and the best vehicle types. May 27, 2026 5 min read ](/post/do-you-need-4x4-in-costa-rica)[ ![Can Expats Finance a Car in Costa Rica? What You Need to Know — Tips & Guides article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1779898608778-60tnop.jpeg?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Tips & Guides ### Can Expats Finance a Car in Costa Rica? What You Need to Know Wondering if foreigners can finance a vehicle in Costa Rica? Here’s how car loans work for expats, residency requirements, down payments, and financing alternatives. May 27, 2026 5 min read ](/post/expat-car-financing-costa-rica)[ ![Used vehicles in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste: what to check before buying in 2026 — Costa Rica article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1779473450653-b5kains.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Costa Rica ### Used vehicles in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste: what to check before buying in 2026 Complete guide to buying used cars in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste. What to inspect, how to avoid scams, and tips to find the best vehicles in Costa Rica. May 22, 2026 5 min read ](/post/used-cars-in-santa-cruz-guanacaste-what-to-check-before-buying-in-2026)[ ![How to Avoid Scams When Renting Vehicles in Costa Rica in 2026 — Costa Rica article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1778776369223-u7bvjig.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Costa Rica ### How to Avoid Scams When Renting Vehicles in Costa Rica in 2026 Learn how to avoid scams when renting vehicles in Costa Rica. Discover safety tips, red flags, and how modern platforms like PuraRide improve trust and transparency. May 14, 2026 6 min read ](/post/how-to-avoid-scams-when-renting-vehicles-in-costa-rica-in-2026)[ ![How much does it cost to rent a car in Costa Rica in 2026? — Costa Rica article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1778776590988-1d5wkb.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Costa Rica ### How much does it cost to rent a car in Costa Rica in 2026? Discover the real cost of renting a car in Costa Rica in 2026, including average rates, insurance, fuel, seasons, and money-saving tips. May 14, 2026 7 min read ](/post/how-much-does-it-cost-to-rent-a-car-in-costa-rica-in-2026)[ ![5 Tools Every Modern Car Rental Business Needs in 2026 — Costa Rica article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1778777226579-9rwq5b.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Costa Rica ### 5 Tools Every Modern Car Rental Business Needs in 2026 Discover the digital tools transforming car rentals in Costa Rica, improving bookings and the customer experience. May 14, 2026 6 min read ](/post/5-herramientas-que-todo-rent-a-car-moderno-necesita-en-2026)[ ![How We Verify Mechanics and Services at PuraCars Costa Rica — Costa Rica article on PuraCars](https://dwwtsrockdznnryazlqe.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/blog-images/1778699991147-a2olxc.png?width=600&quality=75&format=webp&resize=cover) Costa Rica ### How We Verify Mechanics and Services at PuraCars Costa Rica At PuraCars, we travel across Costa Rica verifying real mechanics, tow trucks, tire shops, and automotive services to provide a reliable, fast platform enhanced by artificial intelligence. 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