A post in the Facebook group “CAR SALES IN ALL OF CUBA” has gone viral after announcing the sale of a 2025 Kia Picanto for $48,000, approximately 18 million Cuban pesos according to the informal exchange rate.
The announcement, shared by a user identified as Juan Pérez, was brief yet impactful: “48,000 USD Kia 2025.” What followed was a barrage of comments, many of which were filled with irony, disbelief, and local humor.
Reactions: between mockery and disbelief
Cubans quickly turned the post into a festival of comments that reflect the gap between domestic market prices and those of the rest of the world.
Some of the most popular ones were: “The car says please take it off the listing, it can't take any more wear”; “he forgot to mention it's a bargain,” or “not even Cintumbare would buy that.”
Other internet users wrote, "wait until they deport Choco so you can buy it from him" and "My God, people are already going crazy with these prices. Those blackouts are really hurting us, lower it!"
There was even room for an institutional satire: “As a member of the Mental Health Department at the psychiatric hospital in Havana, we apologize to the group on behalf of the person who posted this… they escaped at the moment they were being given electroshock therapy.”
And, of course, there were those who defended the seller's right with sarcasm: “Brother, that's your sacrifice, and you set whatever price you want… only a fool would pay 48,000 USD for that pencil sharpener.”
How much does a Kia Picanto really cost?
The vehicle in question, a Kia Picanto, also known as Kia Morning in some markets, is a fuel-efficient urban hatchback aimed at European, Asian, and Latin American markets.
Estimated prices in 2025:
Europe: between 12,500 and 18,000 euros new; from 6,000 to 12,000 euros used, depending on the version and condition.
Mexico: around $15,000–$18,000 USD new.
USA: not officially sold, but its equivalent (Kia Rio Hatchback) ranges between $17,500 and $20,000 USD new.
The Cuban market: a universe of its own
High prices in Cuba for goods such as cars and motorcycles are nothing new. Structural limitations, limited supply, extreme tariffs, and a lack of private imports have turned the automotive market into a realm of absurdities where prices defy all economic logic.
The case of the Kia Picanto for $48,000 is just another symptom of a dysfunctional economic reality, which Cubans combat with the only fuel that is always abundant: humor.
In December 2024, the Cuban government set prices that are unattainable for imported vehicles, with standard cars starting at $16,000. The regulation perpetuates inequalities, benefiting privileged sectors while excluding the majority from access to transportation.
The Cuban economic context, characterized by low salaries, high inflation, and lack of opportunities, makes these prices unattainable for the majority, which is why the purchase of a car, far from being a covered basic necessity, remains a luxury reserved for a minority.
Meanwhile, the general population will continue to rely on a deteriorated and overcrowded public transportation system, which does not provide effective solutions to mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Sales in Cuba and Their Economic Context
Why is a Kia Picanto sold for 48,000 dollars in Cuba?
The price of $48,000 for a Kia Picanto in Cuba reflects the distortion of the automotive market on the island, where import restrictions, high tariffs, and limited supply lead to exorbitant prices. This phenomenon is a symptom of the country's economic dysfunction, which is exacerbated by the lack of affordable transportation alternatives for most citizens.
What are the current prices of Kia vehicles in Cuba?
According to the catalog of Finauto International Ltd., the price of a Kia Picanto in Cuba ranges from 14,000 to 17,700 USD, depending on the model and its features. These prices, although lower than those in the informal market, remain unaffordable for the majority of the Cuban population due to low salaries and high inflation.
How does the new vehicle legislation in Cuba affect market prices?
The new regulations in Cuba aim to modernize the vehicle fleet with incentives for electric vehicles and reduced tariffs, but the prices of imported vehicles remain prohibitive for the average Cuban. The reforms have not succeeded in making cars accessible, perpetuating inequality in access to private transportation.
Why is it so difficult to buy a car in Cuba?
Acquiring a car in Cuba is complicated due to high prices, a scarcity of supply, and government restrictions. The economic context, characterized by low wages and high inflation, makes vehicles a luxury reserved for a minority, while the majority relies on an inefficient public transportation system.
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