Quito - 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?
Small cars are great for the city because the streets and parking spaces are narrow and simply not meant to handle SUVs and trucks. SUVs with high clearance, however, are great for driving outside the city, for example, driving up to Cotopaxi or on bumpy roads in the Otavalo region. Maybe something like a Subaru Forester, Honda CRV, or Toyota RAV4 would strike the balance. - Jul 2019
Bring a car with a high clearance. Outside of the city, road are often dirt and rocks. Also, good shocks. - Jul 2018
People get by with sedans, but most have mid sized SUVs. Gas is fixed price and not expensive. Lots of Honda Pilots and Toyota 4 Runners. Definitely bring a car and plan to sell it when you leave. Cars are heavily taxed here and you'll have Ecuadorians lining up to buy your car for whatever you paid 2 years earlier. - Mar 2017
High clearance and 4WD/AWD. Your car will be challenged by the steep hills. Make sure your car comes with new brakes and tires. - Sep 2016
We liked having a 4x4 for the extra ground clearance. You'll find Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Chevrolet, and a smattering of Chinese makes. Cars are very, very expensive because of local import taxes (think twice the price of the U.S.). - Aug 2015
Something with power and high clearance will serve you best... I brought a 2014 Jeep Patriot and it has worked out great. - Aug 2014
Because of the potholes, random speed-bumps (with varying heights), and availability of cool day-trips (most of which involve at least part of the trip on a dirt road), I'd recommend a small SUV...something with decent ground clearance. And gas is cheap, so live it up! - Jul 2012
Be aware your car will get beaten up by all the potholes in this city. And the drivers scare me. - Jan 2011
We've appreciated having a small, high-clearance 4WD as there are pot holes on city streets and highways outside the city. This vehicle also has allowed us to explore further afield off the main highways. It may be worth it to ask the regional security officer which vehicles are less likely to be stolen, as there are theft rings that look for specific types/brands. - May 2010
Four-wheel drive, SUV - very popular and Honda, Toyota are here. As mentioned earlier, imported items are pricey! - Oct 2009
Any type is fine for the city, although don't bring an uncommon model that can't be fixed locally (Chrysler sedans, Mini Coopers, etc.) If you plan to do a lot of day trips, a four-wheel drive vehicle is useful for those unpaved roads in the countryside. Car break-ins are common, you can mylar your windows locally. - Jan 2009
