Guayaquil - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Bring a car, but you do NOT need to bring in a new car, in fact, one that is a few years old would be ideal. Most have small SUV's, the others sedans or a few larger SUV's. The marketplace is quite favorable for us to SELL our vehicles before we leave post. BUYING a vehicle here is quite expensive. Make sure you bring in a car that is serviceable (not all makes and models are in Ecuador) Toyotas and Hyundais are the most common. Fords and Chevys are common. Others too, of course, ask your contacts if your car is a good choice. Insurance is available too. Do not bring a flashy car or one with big rims (lots of speed bumps everywhere) - Aug 2022
A big, four-wheel drive, older car. People drive erratically here, it is not uncommon to hear of traffic accidents from officers. If you don't want your car to get scratched or dented, then think about bringing a car you wouldn't mind that about. - Jun 2022
SUV or other higher-clearance vehicle. Don't bring a low/small car, there are a lot of speed bumps here and the occasional hole in the road. You won't be able to do most road trips out of town in a small car either. - Oct 2020
Higher clearance SUV would be best, especially if you plan to travel. Do not bring an American brand, as there will be NO parts available if you need repairs or replacements. - Feb 2019
An SUV or 4x4 would be recommended, especially if you're going to travel outside of Guayaquil and explore the country. If you're just going to stay within Guayaquil and go to the beaches, you really don't need an SUV. - Jun 2013
High clearance. Bring a safe car, as driving is aggressive here. - May 2013
Hyundai. Re-sale value is high because of import taxes. Or Toyota, but recommend against Subaru because they aren't sold here and few people want to buy them, if you're planning to sell your car before you leave. - Jan 2012
Everyone at Consulate drives an SUV except me. I have a Toyota Corolla and never had any issues. Parking spaces are tight so my small sedan is convenient. Gas is very cheap, $1.48 a gallon, yes, a gallon of Extra while Super is $2.29. Diesel is even cheaper than Extra. There is no Regular grade. The prices don't change either. It's been that way since I've been here. Some people buy tires from the States and have them shipped here ot packed with HHE. There are many dealerships like Chevy, Nissan, Toyota, Jeep. - Jan 2012
Better to bring a high-clearance vehicle, i.e. SUV, but I don't think it needs to be a 4x4. - Aug 2011
