Buying a Used Car in Jamaica - A Practical Checklist

2 Nov 2026 · Splash Jamaica · Career growth and success at work

A used car is one of the biggest purchases most people make through classified adverts. It is also a favourite target for fraudsters: the police have warned about fake "customs brokers" selling vehicles that do not exist, and about scams targeting vehicle sellers. Work through this checklist before any money changes hands.

1. Check the advert and the seller

• Is the price realistic for the make, model and year? Compare similar adverts.
• Can you speak to the seller directly and see the car in person? Be wary of sellers who claim to be overseas or that the car is "still at the wharf".
• Never pay a deposit to hold a car you have not seen. In a case reported in 2026, a buyer paid for a Toyota Voxy advertised online that was never delivered (Abeng News).

2. Check the paperwork

In Jamaica a road-going motor vehicle needs three key documents. Ask to see the originals:

• Certificate of Title - shows the registered owner. The name should match the seller's government ID. If it does not, find out why (for example, a sale by an estate needs supporting papers).
• Certificate of Registration - should be current, with the plate number, chassis (VIN) and engine numbers matching the car.
• Certificate of Fitness - issued by the Island Traffic Authority after inspection; check it is valid.
• Insurance - the seller's policy does not transfer to you; arrange your own cover before driving away.

Check the chassis and engine numbers physically on the vehicle against the documents. Signs of tampering, mismatched numbers or a "lost" title are serious warning signs.

3. Verify with the authorities

• Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) handles registration and the transfer of ownership. Ask TAJ how to confirm the registered owner and whether there are any outstanding issues before you buy.
• If the car is financed, ask whether a lender has an interest recorded on the title. A car with an outstanding loan may not be the seller's to sell outright.
• For newly imported vehicles, deal with licensed motor dealers or verified customs brokers. The Jamaica Customs Agency has guidance on clearing vehicles, and the police have urged people to beware of fraudulent brokers.

4. Inspect the car

• View in daylight and, ideally, when the engine is cold.
• Look for rust, uneven panel gaps, fresh paint (possible accident repair) and tyre wear.
• Check under the bonnet for leaks, and look for flood damage, which is especially relevant after Hurricane Melissa: damp carpets, mud in odd places, rust on seat runners and musty smells.
• Test-drive on different road surfaces. Listen for knocking, check the brakes and make sure all gears engage smoothly.
• Pay a trusted, independent mechanic to inspect the car. It is money well spent.

5. Agree the deal properly

• Agree the price and what is included (spare key, service records, spare tyre).
• Use a traceable payment method and pay into an account in the registered owner's name.
• Write a sale agreement showing the date, price, vehicle details and both parties' names, IDs and signatures.

6. Transfer ownership promptly

Both buyer and seller should complete the transfer of ownership through TAJ as soon as possible after the sale. Until the transfer is done, the seller may remain linked to the vehicle and the buyer is not the registered owner. Check TAJ's website or a tax office for current forms, fees and requirements.

Final word

If a seller will not show documents, rushes you, or wants payment to someone else's account, walk away. There will always be another car.

Sources

• Jamaica Gleaner, police warning on fraudulent brokers, 3 Jan 2026: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20260103/police-warn-broker-scams-counterfeit-notes-kingston-port
• JIS, "Persons Urged to Beware of Fraudulent Customs Brokers": https://jis.gov.jm/persons-urged-to-beware-of-fraudulent-customs-brokers/
• Jamaica Observer, JCF warning on scam targeting vehicle sellers, 1 Dec 2025: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2025/12/01/jcf-warns-public-scam-targeting-vehicle-sellers-ride-share-drivers/
• Abeng News, Toyota Voxy case: https://abeng.org/teen-charged-after-wanted-wednesdays-listing-in-online-toyota-voxy-scam-8002fd5
• Tax Administration Jamaica: https://www.jamaicatax.gov.jm
• Island Traffic Authority: https://www.ita.gov.jm

Editor's note: confirm current TAJ transfer process and fees before publishing.