buying diplomatic car

**ssaloon** · August 26th, 2009 07:09 PM

He mentioned in an earlier post that the car is a 2001 Corolla.

**number001** · August 26th, 2009 07:37 PM

The green plate you will get will likely start with the N series (unless supplies of LTO is exhausted) then its P.

**dr. d** · August 26th, 2009 09:12 PM

you have to pay (let's just call it) "import tax" because the embassy or ambassador bought it locally minus certain taxes from the local dealer. that is, embassy probably got a discount, mebbe 38K. anyone who is not entitled to import tax-free privileges, and buys vehicles like this, is required to pay the "import tax". please check the figure; i'm not sure if it is right. but if you are one such entitled, then no such special fee is required.
it's like registering any car, plus the "import tax". waiting time is also probably the same, if you are willing to get whatever plate number is on deck at the time. if you want a special combination on your plate, it will be longer of course.
notice that LTO is using the "N" again?
it may be an embassy car, but the driver may be a typical pinoy jockey. so beware. 20,000 km you say? what about the thousands of hours just idling with the aircon on, waiting for his majesty? heh heh.
bottom line, it's still a used car. caveat emptor.