Given the ecological track record of Costa Rica in the international stage, and her goal of becoming a carbon-neutral nation by 2021, you would think that the average Tico would be interested in hybrid cars, or plug-in electrical vehicles, or even a more efficient mass transport system that uses clean energy.

The reality points to something different.

When you ask drivers in Costa Rica to realistically describe their ideal car, they will probably tell you that they dream of a black 2006 Mitsubishi Montero with 4-wheel drive and that runs on diesel. Such is the conclusion that can be gleaned from a recent article written by Sergio Morales Chavarria of El Financiero, a leading business publication in Costa Rica. That article was based on a study commissioned by the Financial Intelligence unit of El Financiero, and it was based on a survey conducted by polling research firm Unimer.

The study by Unimer and El Financiero revealed other interesting concepts that point towards a society in Costa Rica that is becoming increasingly dependent on automobiles. A mostly utilitarian car culture has been brewing in our country over the last few years, but it is starting to become pervasive in all sectors of society.

Half of all households in Costa Rica own at least one vehicle, even though many of them do not have a convenient or safe place to park it. Almost 40 percent of all cars circulating in our country left the assembly lines more than 17 years ago.

In terms of socioeconomic status, an automobile is emblematic in Costa Rica. All of the upper class families polled by Unimer stated that they had at least one car. Among middle class families, 61 percent posses a car, while 28 percent of the working-class and low-income families currently have one. Most Ticos who do not have a car are saving up to buy one, and many of the families polled confessed that their cars represent the biggest expense in their households.

According to El Financiero, a 2006 Mitsubishi Montero Sport -the dream car of many Ticos- would set them back about $22,000, although many others would prefer if their dream car was manufactured by Toyota.

A Contradiction on Wheels

An opinion piece that was published along with the report from El Financiero indicates an interesting dichotomy between car culture in Costa Rica and the current state of affairs in relation to transportation. On one hand, Ticos prefer four-wheel drive vehicles because they think such cars perform better in our poorly-maintained roads. On the other hand, they recognize their beloved SUVs are gas guzzlers that leave a considerable carbon footprint.

The number one reason Ticos pay thousands of dollars on overpriced used cars is that they think Costa Rica lacks an adequate mass transportation infrastructure. This is where the paradox emerges, since those same Ticos seek to solve their problems brought on by deficient mass transportation with cars. This results in more cars on the highways, higher congestion, increased pollution, etc.

With so many cars on the road and car culture on the rise, Ticos will have to pay even more on carbon credits in order for Costa Rica to become a carbon-neutral nation. This also means that the cost of living will become even more expensive. Achieving carbon neutrality is certainly realistic, even with a high number of vehicles, but it is bound to cost a lot more than planned.