Guatemala City - 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?
Recommend four wheel drive and high clearance if you plan to travel. - Mar 2023
Wealthy people here all drive SUVs. An SUV or sedan is fine. Most people get their windows tinted much darker than what would be allowed in any US state. I have heard that people have been known to get robbed while sitting in traffic. Carjacking seems less common. It's more robberies for cash and small valuables. Electric vehicles aren't widely used here but there are some charging stations at a few plazas and parking garages. I would imagine for in-city commutes you could have an EV but not for trips outside Guatemala City as the infrastructures for charging isn't available yet. - Oct 2022
Any is fine, really. If you're going to take more adventurous trips outside of the city, then an SUV is your best option. We've made trips to Lake Atitlan and Monterrico in a non-4WD car just fine. - Oct 2022
A small SUV would work perfect here. Something than can get you up the steep terrains and that you could easily park on the side of the road without it sticking out. A small car like we have might be a bit rough due to many potholes, cobblestone roads, and again the steep terrain. - Jul 2021
A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, particularly outside the city; we've watched friends bottom out on steep driveways and potholed-roads to the point where they've had to find alternate roads. During the rainy season, the roads can flood in a very serious way. Kids have gotten stuck for hours on school buses due to road closures. The biggest hassle is that there is often only one road in or out of a particular neighborhood, and if that road gets blocked, you can get stuck for hours. Everyone gets their windows tinted when they arrive for safety. We never bothered, and we've been fine. - Jan 2020
We've been happy with our large SUV. Outside of the city, the roads can get dicey, and having a larger car with higher ground clearance that's more capable of handling challenging road conditions has been good for us. Parking our large vehicle in small underground parking garages has been hard, but not impossible. Regardless of what kind of car you bring, you'll want to immediately get the windows tinted. Installation of the tint can be done at your home, on your schedule, but is a safety must. - Mar 2019
There are more and more high end (Porsche, BMW, Range Rover, occasional Maserati, etc) on the streets than even 2 years ago. Almost all are encouraged to tint windows however for safety. Driving outside the capital (and to Antigua), the roads deteriorate and can be difficult to navigate in some areas, due to excess traffic and lack of adequate infrastructure. - Feb 2019
Toyotas and Hondas are the most common. If you're staying in Guatemala City something small and fuel-efficient is best, as many parking spots are tiny and traffic can make efficiency a big deal. Four-wheel drive and high clearance might be necessary if you plan to go to certain places (Semuc Champey, many of the volcano hikes) though usually there are plenty of pick ups willing to give you a ride in the back in those places. More than four wheel drive, I've found that having a powerful engine makes a big difference. Most of the roads are two-lane highways with very few straight sections and full of slow-moving sugarcane trucks from the 1970s. Being able to pass easily and nimbly can save a lot of time and stress. - Jun 2015
Most people here have SUVs with very tinted windows. Get your windows tinted here--it's cheaper and darker. 4-wheel drive is handy is you plan on driving outside of the city. - Apr 2014
Japanese cars are particularly desirable in the Guatemalan used car market. However I was told that Mazda vehicles are particularly sought by car thieves so insurance for them has a higher cost. High-clearance and 4WD vehicles are not necessary but might come in handy for some trips to the countryside. - Jan 2014
Any car is suitable, but an SUV or small SUV is probably best due to questionable road conditions. We have a 4-door sedan that has been pretty appropriate, except for some really high speed bumps. All cars have very dark tinted windows for security. - May 2010
Pretty much anything. If you're going to do a lot of travel outside of the city you might consider a small SUV. Most of the roads seem good but every now and then a SUV is handy, although it would be hard to park one in the city. - Mar 2008
