We are thinking of buying a condo in Mexico near Playa del Carmen for retirement. Does anyone have any experience or advice to offer? Thanks so much.

You would be best advised to consult a MX Notary (a lawyer with additional training and able to "close" real estate transactions).
You have the problem of foreign nationals - even with FM2 or FM3 visas - unable to own land within proscribed distances from the beaches or international borders. A 60 year "bank" trust allows a long term lease of sorts.
Also, it may be better to own property in MX as a "corporation" rather than individually or jointly. The corp's only asset is the property and it has advantages when/if you decide to sell.
You will also need a MX will to avoid probate which can take "years" and may not be favorable to your heirs.
Nearly any competent Notary deals with all these issues and real estate agents know their reps.
Buyer gets to choose the Notary BTW, but both seller and buyer usually agree to use the same person.
A simple will runs about $600. (US), and you'll pay about 2% "closing fees".
It's really pretty hassle free, but bring money 'cuz property is mostly expensive.
M
PS You may get a "broader look" at avaiable property by dealing with a "Mexican" vs a US expat real estate agent!
Oh, away from the coasts and frontiers, property is fee simple for foreign nationals just like buying in the US.

http://www.cozumelinsider.com/realestate/

Here's a good article on the subject.

Check on Amazon.com or your local library (if you haven't already). There are several good books out about retiring to Mexico.

TC and suze,
Have either of you bought property in MX?
Are either of you expat real estate agents?
My ans: yes and no (never).
I'm simply trying to fill in the blanks.
As always, the devil is in the details.
M
PS if you're looking for "investment property", there are better deals "off the beaches", imho

mikemo- don't jump all over my post. It had nothing to do with yours. Quite honestly I didn't even read yours, therefore can't imagine I was contridicting anything you offered as advice. I have seen a few interesting publications on the subject lately and thought "reading books" was a harmless enough suggestion.

As with your post the other day about money in Mexico, it appears you are the only one with anything perfectly correct and valuable to contribute.

Mikemo's posts always seem to be full of deference & charm !

Entschuldiegungsie!
Many thin skins here, imho.
M