How Long Does It Take to Sell a Vehicle in Costa Rica?
Well, if left to the hands of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), 18 years or more.

Guillermo Constenla, the president of the INS, was visibly disturbed when he learned of the situation that there 368 vehicles - both automobiles and motorcycles - that have taken root in the lots of the INS, some going back to 18 years, with no one moving a finger to sell them.

The new INS president said he was indignant about the situation and will take steps to correct it immediately.

The vehicles have been piling up since 1988, many coming into the INS lots in good working condition or with minor damage. A number of the vehicles are in bad condition, having been involved in a major collision or roll over.

Ronald Piedra, head of the División de Seguros Generales del INS, said that for years his department has been looking to contract out the work for the "junk", but could not find a salvage company to take their offer.

"The institute is not a cemetery for cars nor a garage... don't tell me that in 18 years nothing could be done", said Constenla.

An inspection of the "patio" where the cars are being held, a number of vehicles are recent models and in good condition. Others show signs of damage while others have been damage to exposure, sitting there all those years.

Piedra added that many of the vehicles had been reported stolen and have VIN numbers altered which makes it difficult to sell as they require a modification of the Registro records.

"Of course we have to do something, but when I ask around here no one seems to know anything", said Piedra, who are no real answers to his boss.

Piedra added that the INS legal department has been moving towards asking the Legislative Assembly for legislation for them to auction the vehicles.

For Constenla, the problem is not just the vehicles. The INS president has been touring the central offices of the institution has come across computers and furniture that is in bad condition, stacks of old newspapers piled up in corners, boxes of documents that are just lost, televisions that don't work and office equipment that has never been used.