On Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:56:32 GMT, "Larry L"
wrote:

Thanks for the advice ... only problems I've found 'recorded' thus far
revolve around border crossings between Argentina and Chile and not having
"the right" vehicle paperwork ... apparently more than just a 'pink slip'
... such paperwork comes with a rental ( but be sure to tell them you're
planning a x-ing ) I hear.

I would rent. You could easily get stuck with a car no one is willing
to buy back. Besides, renting usually gets you a good car. While
driving in Europe some years ago, we could drive in Switzerland,
Germany, and France, renting a Saab 9000S at Zurich airport. However,
we could NOT travel in any other country. We wanted to go to Italy,
but couldn't - insurance wasn't valid there.

I *know* for sure you can rent just about anything in Coyhaique which
is near the lakes district and in what is considered Patagonia.

http://www.coyhaique.cl/inieng.php

Things are much cheaper in Chile, so I doubt buying and then reselling
a car would be worth the trouble, and you may have to have a Chile
driver's license for that. Your American driver's license is all you
need to rent.

There are car rental places at the above link. Call/write and see if
you can travel into Argentina *AND* return without any problems.

Dave
(I'm heading down in about a month and should come back with more
details.)