Moving to Mexico; FM-T, FM3, Vehicle importation & insurance.

[RVGRINGO]

It is just about as safe as always unless you are looking for drugs and trouble, as anywhere. Just don't drive at night.
I think it would be much less expensive to shop by taking a bus or taxi to the supermarket and a taxi home. Rental cars are expensive, even private rentals will cost about 400 pesos per day plus fuel.
We maintained our Texas vehicle registration for some years but it soon became impossible with the new rules. I don't recall having to prove any inspection for renewal but may have just declared the car 'still out of the country'. We still have TX driver's licenses as well as Jalisco driver's licenses.

[carolina00789]

Thanks...you are kind to reply. I haven't been without a car since I lived in Spain forty years ago and don't know how I would manage! But the hassles seem overwhelming.

I did however, zip around Madrid in taxis for two years with no problem, and don't remember ever even thinking about needing a car. Of course, I was twenty-one years old and darling and, as I recall, there were a few suitors with automobiles. Oh for the old days. I'd go back to Madrid, but if you think Mexico is complicated, try Spain!

But back to the issue at hand, I appreciate the good information, especially about the South Dakota thing. Would one do that BEFORE moving to Mexico, or after arriving?

[RVGRINGO]

Most do the SD registration after moving to Mexico and just before your home plates are to expire. However, a US address is required, either a friend or a mailing service, such as we have here with Mail Boxes Etc. or Handy Mail at Lake Chapala.
You may, of course, elect to have a 'Mexican' car. Actually, we have a Smart Car that we bought in Guadalajara in 2006 and a Pathfinder that we brought down with us in 2001. The latter now gets exercised once a month and is seldom used.

[Acapulco Joe]

Just fyi, I live in Acapulco, which is one of the cities furthest south in Mexico and I get full HDTV for all the Canadian and US Networks through Star Choice. I bought my condo pre-installed with Star Choice (now called Shaw Direct).

As well, just for your info, there is even a hotel here in Acapulco that offers full HDTV Canadian and US Satellite Channels on large flat screen tvs.

I don't believe they even use a larger dish than the normal eliptical dish Star Choice gives you.

Originally Posted by f3drivr

One example might be Star Choice satellite TV which is the only satellite provider in Canada or the US that has a strong signal in Mexico and gives you all US networks and local news from Canada.