A car salesman in the United States has gone viral on social media after starring in a video where, with humor and a hint of criticism, he warns a customer about the difficulties of sending a car to Cuba.
In the recording, published by the user Robert Juan Rabago García, a supposed buyer explains that he has 25,000 dollars in cash to purchase a vehicle and send it to the island. From there, the seller unleashes a series of ironic remarks about the challenges that both the car and its future owner would face.
We need to find a car that won't break down, because in Cuba there are no spare parts, that doesn't consume much gas, because in Cuba there is no gas. It also can't be electric, because there's also no electricity. Neither water, nor food, nor freedom of expression,” he says, before presenting the model that, according to him, meets all those conditions: a Toyota Corolla.
With a sarcastic tone, he insists that "the Cuban revolution will fall before a Toyota Corolla breaks down," and outlines the additional costs the buyer would have to take on, such as "training" to prepare the car for potholes and poor-quality gasoline, or a "psychologist" to help him understand "why he is moving from capitalism into a dictatorship, when typically it’s the other way around."
The joke is not accidental. The choice of the Toyota as the "ideal candidate" to survive on the streets of Cuba aligns with the views of other Cubans abroad who have shared their experiences.
In June, a user identified as @deivi.portales0 explained on TikTok why he decided to send a Corolla to the island instead of a Honda.
"Honda is prettier, but the transmission is more expensive. The engine is also cheaper. The parts are easier to find. Toyota is the best for Cuba," he stated.
Although Rabago García's video has a clear promotional purpose, its success lies in the fact that it combines humor with references to Cuban reality, at a time when interest in importing vehicles has increased following the recent relaxations by the government.
However, prices, along with the scarcity of fuel and parts, remain obstacles, and Rabago García's video takes advantage of this reality to issue a warning with humor: “Please, before sending that car to Cuba, think it through, don't do that to the car.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Cars to Cuba
Why is it complicated to send a car to Cuba?
Sending a car to Cuba is complicated due to the shortage of spare parts, gasoline, and electricity. Additionally, the extra costs to adapt the vehicle to the island's conditions, such as the poor state of the roads and the low quality of fuel, can be significant. The economic situation and the restrictions of the Cuban government also complicate the process.
What is the best car to send to Cuba?
According to experiences shared by Cubans abroad, the Toyota Corolla is considered the best car to send to Cuba. This is due to the ease of finding spare parts and its lower cost compared to other brands like Honda. Additionally, Toyotas are renowned for their durability, which is crucial in the Cuban context.
What obstacles do Cubans face when importing vehicles?
The main obstacles are high prices, fuel shortages, and a lack of spare parts. Although there have been some relaxations in imports, these issues persist and complicate the feasibility of keeping a car in operational condition in Cuba.
How do Cuba's economic conditions impact the importation of cars?
The economic conditions in Cuba, marked by scarcity and inflation, make the importation and maintenance of cars difficult. The high costs of importation, the lack of adequate infrastructure, such as charging stations for electric cars, and the shortage of essential resources severely limit the ability of Cubans to own and maintain imported vehicles.
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