Car Sales and Automobile Dealerships in the Bahamas
Duty Charges on Imported Vehicles: Customs duties on imported vehicles varies how the vehicle is to be used — typically it is 35% or higher. Duty on motor vehicles valued at $10,000 or less is 45%; $10,000-$20,000 is 50%; $20,000-$25,000 is 65%; over $25,000 is 75%!!!
 Bahamas Car Dealer Spotlight: Freeport Jet WashFreeport Jet Wash has been a dealer for Nissan and Mitsubishi for twenty-four (24) years, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge for five years and re-established its Ford dealership in 2002. With the expansion and the new Ford dealership building, Freeport Jet Wash was also able to expand its fleet and can now offer it’s customers more choice and variety in both styles and color. As an added bonus Jet Wash can also have most vehicles not presently on the lot shipped to the island within a few days. Freeport Jet Wash often teams up with local banks and insurance companies for various car promotions. As a certified dealer, all Jet Wash vehicles come with buyer warranties and maintenance check books: Ford: 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge: 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first) Nissan: 1 years or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) Mitsubishi: 1 years or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Visit their website at www.FreeportJetWash.com |
Driving Tip: Right is Wrong; Drive on the LEFT side of the road
When renting a motor vehicle remember always to drive on the left. Though it takes some getting to used to (particularly when you are driving down deserted roads in the family islands) accidents are rare.
Also remember that a percentage of Bahamian drivers drive very badly. It seems the latest fad is to stop in the middle of the road to talk to your friend who is walking down the street, or to stop in your lane to talk to the person in the opposing lane, rather then driving onto the side of the road. Also watch out for reckless drivers, who are unable to use signals when they cut me–I mean you–off. Also let us not forget the a guy who quickly turns into the lane you driving on who then slows down once he gets in front of you. Sigh.
Lastly, when you are about to drive across a pedestrian crossing a Bahamian will run to the curb to cross the street, and a few will slow down as they cross the street. I have no clue why people do this–well I do but that is a “gansta”-BET story. Lastly, look out for tourists who do not look both ways when crossing the street! Tourists have died because they think the cars are driving on the right, and so only look one way–the wrong way–when they cross. So take your time, and be careful.
Look to your RIGHT (if not both ways) when crossing
Since we drive on the left in the Bahamas, be extra careful that you look right when you are crossing a road. Many a tourist has unfortunately attempted to cross roads without looking in the direction a car is coming from–their right. Even better–look both ways.