BajaNomad - A Car for baja?

A Car for baja?

MH_Stevens - 5-17-2005 at 07:22 PM

Of on a road trip around Baja from top to bottom, including back country roads. What's a good car to go with?

I was told a Crown Victoria as they are very common in Baja and parts and service easily available. Is this true? Is a Crown Victoria a good choice or can anyone suggest something better?

David K - 5-17-2005 at 07:45 PM

Are you joking?

Baja has only one paved road from north to south, and using a street sedan to go more than eyesight from the highway will only be at potential risk.

A good vehicle for Baja travel would be any SUV, pickup, full size van, air cooled VW bettle, bus, or Thing, Jeep, Dune Buggy, etc. 4WD is a plus, but not always needed.

Here's one of the best Baja vehicles (Ken Bondy's H1)... :biggrin:

4baja - 5-17-2005 at 07:58 PM

toyota!!!!! :coolup:

David K - 5-17-2005 at 08:01 PM

Of course that is also :lol:

MY first choice Steve... But, everyone here knew that, right?

Bruce R Leech - 5-17-2005 at 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MH_Stevens
Of on a road trip around Baja from top to bottom, including back country roads. What's a good car to go with?

I was told a Crown Victoria as they are very common in Baja and parts and service easily available. Is this true? Is a Crown Victoria a good choice or can anyone suggest something better?

Almost everything is better you need ground clearance and a suspension strong enough to git you and allot of gear over big rocks.

Mike Supino - 5-17-2005 at 08:14 PM

Since no mention of pesos was expressed, maybe something along these lines?

Mike Supino - 5-17-2005 at 08:15 PM

Air conditioning, power steering, automatic transmission............ what else could you possibly want?

Baja Vehicle

comitan - 5-17-2005 at 08:25 PM

My choice would be Chevy Astro AWD 99 or newer, all terrain tires, bed, tv, kitchen, they get good gas mileage, used can
be had cheap. Similar to this pic;

Pompano - 5-17-2005 at 09:07 PM

Sheesh....I used a 1975 Ford station wagon to go to places in Baja that a goat wouldn't go. Put so many miles on it down in Baja that I finally gave it to Demos at the Mulege square taco stand for a season's worth of tacos. He still remembers that great old wagon..with the wobbly steering wheel that the kids loved to reach in and play with at the square.

The allure of 4X4's!

I've taken my 25 Minnie Winnie motorhome out to the mine at Pt. Conception, also down into Agua Verde, and over all the back roads of mid-south Baja. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something...just be sensible, go out, and do it! Make voyages! Attempt them! There is nothing else!

Now don't get me wrong..I own a couple of 4x4's, but they are not the end-all of off-roading. It's more in reading the terrain and making good driving judgements. It's just more auto-trendy to drive those honking 4X4's!

David K - 5-17-2005 at 09:38 PM

I take back ALL my previous comments to Mr. MH Stevens...

Go for it, if Grover can, anyone can! :spingrin:

MH_Stevens - 5-17-2005 at 09:52 PM

If i could afford it I'd have that HumVee - but I must be practical and modest. I have a 91 Lincoln Towncar that might do but need more rekiability. Anyone any comments on 4x4 Honda Element? You can sleep in them. that's a plus for me.

David K - 5-17-2005 at 10:22 PM

Check out Subaru... either the Forester or Outback wagon.

Steve in Oro Valley - 5-17-2005 at 10:24 PM

If your using a late model TOYOTA Tacoma, 2001- 2004, you might want yo take it in to the dealer as it has been recalled for front suspension problems.

Neal Johns ? David K. ? Are you one of those Toyota people affected? A couple of years ago I remember Neal had a problem with his Taco.

Bajataco?

Steve in Oro Valley traded his 1999 Tacoma for a Jeep Cherokee.

steve in Oro Vallley

David K - 5-17-2005 at 10:46 PM

Steve, I never got a recall notice on my 2001 Tacoma. 4baja also has a 2001. Neal's is older... Oh, about Neal's front end:

Aridologist and his broken Toy... between El Marmol and La Virgen?

Steve in Oro Valley - 5-17-2005 at 10:56 PM

I just heard it on the 10:00 PM news. 750,000 Toyota Tacomas, Forerunners and other models are affected according to the report...

There was also a highlander that blew a front wheel assembly on the high road between San Juanico and San Ignacio last year - One of the regulars at Scorpion Bay had a nice long series of posts I believe on the NOMAD board last year.

These two incidents (Neal and the San Juanico highlander) caused me to take a closer look at the front ends of the various new Toyota Trucks the last time I went to the local Toyota dealer when I did some service on our Avalon.

Steve in Oro Valley

Steve in Oro Valley

can u say..

Sharksbaja - 5-17-2005 at 11:43 PM

27,000 mi, 7 trips to Mulege and back to Oregon, a few thousand miles of dirt, hundreds of miles of washboard, 16 months and still not a problem. Just wish I had better gas mileage but I love the power. To bad all those old Baja backroads were cut with old , rattley Jeeps, leaving us wide-bodies with mucho scratches. How do avoid those Ken.???
And what the hell happened to the H3. God almighty, wheres' the ground clearance?

My wife feels very secure in the Hemi!

Hows about Barbs Bug?

Sharksbaja - 5-18-2005 at 12:00 AM

Ater we soup it up so it can turn those dinky tires.

TMW - 5-18-2005 at 07:07 AM

The 2001-2004 Tacoma, 2001-2002 4Runnerand 2002-2004 Tundra and Sequoia are being recalled due to a possible scratched balljoint surface during manufacturing. This leads to failure in the streering system. There have been 6 reported cases leading to the recall. Owners will be notified beginning in July. This was from AP in todays paper.

bajalou - 5-18-2005 at 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja
27,000 mi, 7 trips to Mulege and back to Oregon, a few thousand miles of dirt, hundreds of miles of washboard,

It's not even broken in yet - give us a report when you have a few miles on it.

:biggrin:

[Edited on 5-18-2005 by bajalou]

PJC - 5-18-2005 at 04:53 PM

1) 4x4 Dodge Diesel, pre ECM controls. Bulletproof and decent mileage.
2) Ford F-150 or Bronco with TTB front Suspension.
3) Pre Tacoma, Toyota 4x4 PU.
4) Ford Ranger with TIB or TTB suspension.

4baja - 5-18-2005 at 06:50 PM

leave it too toyota, a few scratched ball joints and they recall 75000 vehicals for safety. dodge, ford and chevy, think about it. 100,000 miles with 0 problems and my next truck will be toyota hands down. :bounce:

if i could just get it to roll,

eetdrt88 - 5-18-2005 at 07:34 PM

it would be the perfect baja vehicle :biggrin:

all you toyota drivers

eetdrt88 - 5-18-2005 at 07:41 PM

arent mentioning one key thing....gas tank size....when i had my toyota 4runner i always either brought extra gas cans or worried about running out(which i almost did right at the border once)....now i have a F-250 diesel 7.3 with 2 15 gallon tanks,needless to say i can go deep into baja before i have to worry about refueling

Back to the question,

Don Jorge - 5-18-2005 at 08:10 PM

I think a rear wheel drive Crown Vic is a great choice! Everyone will think you are a fed or a narco and leave you alone!

Grover, cruising Baja in your Olds 88 and pics to boot. Wish I had pics of our 72 Luv in Cabo and points in between in 73 or of our 84 Fairmont, "Ensenada Vice" car which we never got pulled over in and we should have from the moment we crossed the border every time.

Before we all had Baja rigs, we drove whatever we or our compas had or our parents had and went for it!

I remember the bright orange BMW 1600 from Newport Beach at Conejo in 73 with the busted u joints. Surf was up, noone cared, help would arrive and when the surf went flat we gave them a ride to La Paz to call home.

Crown Victoria goes to Baja. I like it, please post a trip report!

PabloS - 5-18-2005 at 09:32 PM

This was my alltime favorite Baja car, traveled over 20,000 miles both coasts and everything from San Felipe to El Arco. Shown here coming down the "Three Sisters"

David K - 5-18-2005 at 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by eetdrt88
arent mentioning one key thing....gas tank size....when i had my toyota 4runner i always either brought extra gas cans or worried about running out(which i almost did right at the border once)....now i have a F-250 diesel 7.3 with 2 15 gallon tanks,needless to say i can go deep into baja before i have to worry about refueling

My '01 Tacoma has an 18 gal tank, and 300+ mile range (17+ MPG)... more if all highway driving, less if four wheeling. I take 1 or more 5 gal. cans along for Baja exploring.

David K - 5-18-2005 at 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PabloS
This was my alltime favorite Baja car, traveled over 20,000 miles both coasts and everything from San Felipe to El Arco. Shown here coming down the "Three Sisters"

Great photo showing road surface of the 'Gonzaga Grades' south of Puertecitos... I last went over them in 1979 in my 4WD Subaru (barely)... in fact the muffler is still there... I was quite loud pulling up to Alfonsina's! :lol:

Bulldozers and dynamite changed all that in 1986-87. Thanks Pablo.

elgatoloco - 5-18-2005 at 11:00 PM

160,000 miles
queen size bed
three way fridge
two burner stove
34 gals of fuel
fully stocked bar

MH_Stevens - 5-19-2005 at 07:46 AM

I have made no Baja auto choice (well can't afford what I want) so for my first trip next month I'm taking the 91 TownCar. Anyone any serious advice? Sugested mods? I'll add a roof rack and a tow bar with a gas can platform. Maybe some dirt tires and harder shocks as I bottom out now on my driveway.

Any sugestions or noted limitations much appreciated.

Joaquin Suave - 5-19-2005 at 08:07 AM

http://www.overlandhardware.com/images/ca_images/Truck-N-Bar...

synch - 5-19-2005 at 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TW
The 2001-2004 Tacoma, 2001-2002 4Runnerand 2002-2004 Tundra and Sequoia are being recalled due to a possible scratched balljoint surface during manufacturing. This leads to failure in the streering system. There have been 6 reported cases leading to the recall. Owners will be notified beginning in July. This was from AP in todays paper.

Despite opinions that Toyotas are infallible (I'm an owner). they do have recalls (mine did, head gasket).

They are very reliable, not necessarily the most powerful and Toyota seemed to be reluctant to add Independent Rear suspensions until well after competitors did.
Dealer servicing has been most dissappointing, but then again I haven't had to go to the dealer very often.
As a result, I'm currently looking at new Fords...

synch - 5-19-2005 at 10:23 AM

Quote:

Excellent point - I barely get a range of 250 miles in mine.

elgatoloco - 5-19-2005 at 10:49 AM

If your car is bottoming out you defintely need to upgrade the shocks. I would put the biggest tires you can fit on there and maybe consider a 3 inch lift. :biggrin:

Make sure you have a good spare and jack.

My 1985 Town Car is in need of some tLC and I am currently looking for a restoration shop in the San Diego area. The only time I take it 'off road' is when I park in the driveway.

Let us know how your trip goes and have fun!

MH_Stevens - 5-19-2005 at 12:02 PM

Thanks. I will go get shocks (any recomendations) and sand tires . Is there a lift kit for the TownCar?

JESSE - 5-19-2005 at 12:07 PM

Anything Japanese is perfect, i would go with a Toyota or Nissan, its been proven over and over that Japanese cars can handle the Baja roads ( or lack of them) better than anything else.

Sorry Detroit.

elgatoloco - 5-19-2005 at 12:53 PM

http://www.lincolntowncar.org/

check this out.

synch - 5-19-2005 at 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
Anything Japanese is perfect, i would go with a Toyota or Nissan, its been proven over and over that Japanese cars can handle the Baja roads ( or lack of them) better than anything else.

Sorry Detroit.

Toyota Recalls 900,000 Trucks for Suspension Defect

People tend to be very brand-loyal to cars that have treated them well...to the point of ignoring facts otherwise.
A heap load of advertizing doesn't hurt to drill it into their head either.

[Edited on 5-20-2005 by synch]

My vote would be

Hook - 5-19-2005 at 05:16 PM

for one of those expensivo 4x4, Ford chassis-based, Sportsmobiles that are a cross between an E-350 and a barebones RV. Kind of a class B RV with 4wd.

Diesel powered, of course.

Here we go....

http://www.sportsmobile.com/4_4x4sports.html

[Edited on 5-20-2005 by Hook]

Do a search for a recent thread

Gypsy Jan - 5-19-2005 at 07:08 PM

"The List"

4 web pages of advice from experienced Baja voyagers and wise guys, it should help you in the Boy Scout ("Be prepared") department.

Look forward to your trip report!

Bajaddict - 5-19-2005 at 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by synch

Quote:

Excellent point - I barely get a range of 250 miles in mine.

A K & N intake and a Gibson cat back exhaust let's me squeeze out 280 - 290 miles per tank in my 1999 Tacoma now.... still not the best range, but it's a little better.

[Edited on 5-20-2005 by Bajaddict]

A-OK - 5-19-2005 at 10:39 PM

http://www.sportsmobile.com/4_4x4sports.html

now thats my dream rig.
Makes my Dodge Cummins 4x with the Callen camper feel/drive/look like a VW bus.

Sharksbaja - 5-19-2005 at 11:10 PM

well said!

aha baja - 5-21-2005 at 02:03 AM

how bout tug o' war for titles and bragging rights :lol:

Bruce R Leech - 5-21-2005 at 12:01 PM

check this baby out it is the ultimate

http://www.jeep.com/autoshow/news/hurricane.html

Press Release

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Show-stopping concepts and extreme expressions of the Chrysler Group brands aren't new: Dodge had its Tomahawk and Chrysler, the ME Four-Twelve. But when the Jeep? Hurricane blew onto the 2005 North American International Auto Show stage, it raised the bar for the Jeep brand.

"Jeep Hurricane is simply the most maneuverable, most capable and most powerful 4x4 ever built," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Chrysler Group Design. "It pays homage to the extreme enthusiasts' Jeep vehicles in form and off-road capability, but is a unique interpretation of Jeep design. Simply stated, it is the extreme example for the Jeep brand."

Hurricane represents the continued success of bold concept vehicles for the brands as a means of demonstrating Chrysler Group's creative and mechanical expertise. For example, powerful powertrain performance is an understatement considering the Hurricane is not just HEMI?-equipped, but HEMI squared. There are two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the vehicle: one in the front and one in the back. Both engines deliver 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque - a total of 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque.

Can you have responsible excess? To test the theory, we equipped both HEMI engines in the Jeep Hurricane with the Chrysler Group Multi-Displacement System (MDS). Depending on the driver's needs, the Hurricane can be powered by 4-, 8-, 12- or 16-cylinders. All of that translates into buckets of torque for climbing obstacles other 4x4 vehicles can't even comprehend. In addition, it has the power and traction to move from 0-60 in less than five seconds.

The power is delivered through a central transfer case and split axles with a mechanically controlled four-wheel torque distribution system. The front and rear suspension is short/long arm independent with 20 inches of suspension travel, controlled by coilover shocks with remote reservoirs.

The vehicle has 14.3 inches of ground clearance, and incredible approach/departure angles of 64.0 /86.7 degrees. These are nearly vertical angles - combined with 37-inch tall tires, so the Hurricane won't meet much that it can't climb. The Jeep Hurricane is the only vehicle on the auto-show circuit that provides its own turnable feature. The vehicle features a turn radius of absolutely zero, thanks to skid steer capability and toe steer: the ability to turn both front and rear tires inward. In addition, the vehicle features two modes of automated four-wheel steering. The first is traditional with the rear tires turning in the opposite direction of the front to reduce the turning circle. The second mode is an innovation targeted to off-road drivers: the vehicle can turn all four wheels in the same direction for nimble crab steering. This allows the vehicle to move sideways without changing the direction the vehicle is pointing.

"Out in the wilderness, changing direction in minimal space can mean the difference between an afternoon of adventure and a distress call back to the trailhead," Creed said. "The multi-mode four-wheel steering system on Jeep Hurricane is designed to offer enthusiasts the next level of performance and unexpected maneuverability."

The one-piece body is shaped of structural carbon fiber, and forms the chassis that would be offered through a traditional frame. The suspension and powertrain are mounted directly to the body. An aluminum spine runs under the body to both connect the underside and to function as a complete skid plate system.

The design is lightweight with high strength, and it boasts functional appearance. Jeep Hurricane is an honest, minimalist approach to its design augmented with the Jeep signature seven-slot grille, two seats and no doors. On the inside, occupants will be surrounded by exposed carbon fiber and polished aluminum with Black Thunder and Tiluminum accents.

Jeep? Hurricane Specifications:
Weight (estimated): 3,850 lbs. (1,746 kg)
Length: 151.8 inches (3,856 mm)
Wheelbase: 108.1 inches (2,746 mm)
Front Overhang: 25.0 inches (635 mm)
Rear Overhang: 18.7 inches (475mm)
Width: 80.0 inches (2,033 mm)
Height: 68.2 inches (1,732 mm)
Track, Frt/Rr: 67.5/67.5 inches (1,715/1,715 mm)
Engine: two 5.7-liter HEMI? engines
Transfer Case: Custom multi-mode with 1:1, 2:1 and 4:1 ratios
Transmission: 5-Speed automatic
Front and Rear Suspension: Long-travel, short/long arm independent
Ground Clearance: 14.3 inches (363 mm)
Break-Over Angle: 31.5 degrees
Approach/Depart Angle: 64.0/86.7 degrees
Tire Size: 305/70R20
Wheel Size: 20x10 inches

Source: DaimlerChrysler MediaServices

comitan - 5-21-2005 at 12:09 PM

Iv'e not been a jeep fan, but it looks like they built a true off road vehicle

Sharksbaja - 5-21-2005 at 02:26 PM

ahem.......

"Engine: two 5.7-liter HEMI? engines"

the only thing jeep is the name and the grille

I know...

eetdrt88 - 5-21-2005 at 03:13 PM

its not quite as cool as the 50,000$ jeep or the dodge tomahawk or all these other great new off road vehicles...but it is quite fuel efficient and quiet as well....oh and chicks dig it too :lol:

Geothermal-Shane - 5-22-2005 at 12:19 PM

I first went to Baja in a Mitsubishi sedan that got stuck in the sand twice, and then on the way back from Puertecitos, suffered from a popped gas tank! Sand tires, shocks, and all, be careful off roading without SKID PLATES to protect the vehicle's vital organs. Rocky roads are notorious for spitting up all kinds of fouls, which we've all noticed if ever driving on a dirt road with the music off- the cling clang of a hundred rocks bouncing off the chasis, not very reassuring without steel plates covering the transmission, gas tank and whatever else might be dangling down there.

I'll have to back up Japanese trucks, though- absolutely superior off road machines. Especially the early Toyotas. I'm now using a 1983 Land Cruiser- wow, what a truck! Big engine, but also a full set of skid plates covering EVERYTHING and a big stack of front leaf springs to provide for better front-suspension handling. Problem is, that truck will easily take you through real rough terrain you wouldn't want to drive into, so a lot of HEED is important to keep yourself from getting in too deep. These early FJ60's are the Japanese equivilant of the Hummer, maybe even a little better, they rarely know how to say "no".

I previously was driving a 1988 Mitsubishi Montero, with "wishbone" (Upper-lower control arms) suspension in the front, and was nagged with constant problems from this less supple negotiator.
But that seems to be the front suspension of choice for modern manufacturers, except now with the addition of a coil spring.

[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]

Geothermal-Shane - 5-22-2005 at 12:40 PM

Does this new Jeep come with big chrome rims, too?
(subwoofers?)
So. Cal. gangsters need to off road, too, and in style while making those backcountry drug runs in Laguna Salada...

I'd rather stick to the reliability of the ol' Toyota. After all, you still see these FJ60's driving around with 600,000 miles on the clock.
No (real) sound sysytem, though. Biggest problem is rust and the resulting corrosion. At 22, mine is still tough, only a few plastic peices have broken off or fallen apart, but the rest is still intact. The thing drives like I just drove off the dealer's lot...
oh-
Passing smog may be an issue, depending. You have to be real careful about who you let work on these trucks. Mine has seen a few mechanics that were better suited to be working on Geo-Metros and Astro Vans, and it suffered from the resulting work. The Land Cruiser's OLD design calls for a semi-specialist(ironically) or at least a reliable mechanic familiar with old Japanese engineering style.
And of course...
Finding parts for this thing is an endless problem. Standard after-market suppliers(Pep Boys etc.) don't carry most basic parts. If you're lucky you can find a shop that specializes in Japaneses imports. Here in LA I can get everything from a place called ETY in Eagle Rock. And within 24 hours!

Well, El Monte is full of good beer drinking mechanics!
(????????)

[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]

[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]

[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]

JESSE - 5-22-2005 at 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by synch

Quote:

That doesn't change my mind, i take anything Japanese over Detroit or Europe anytime, i used to drive cars from Tijuana to Mexico city and Los Cabos 10 years ago, drove dozens of cars from almost all brands, and i as well as all the other drivers agree, nothing beats a Japanese car for driving Mexican roads.

Geothermal-Shane - 5-22-2005 at 01:13 PM

alot of these Amereican cars won't last longer than ten years...

...and if they do everything will be falling apart and falling off right up to the grave.
I wouldn't want to rely on one in the Baja desert...

[Edited on 5-22-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]

MH_Stevens - 5-22-2005 at 01:52 PM

Having done research I think I need a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. I may go with a Ford Expedition because they are cheaper and in my price range - $15-16K

What you guys think of this?

JESSE - 5-22-2005 at 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MH_Stevens
Having done research I think I need a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. I may go with a Ford Expedition because they are cheaper and in my price range - $15-16K

What you guys think of this?

Go with Toyota, you wont regret it.

Oso - 5-22-2005 at 02:45 PM

This has been a very interesting thread. But one thing has not been mentioned...

The nicer and newer the vehicle, the more somebody else may want it.

My 82 Chevy Silverado is in the shop for yet more repairs. But, hey I have to be honest, I beat the hell out of it on a regular basis. As my mechanic gave me a ride home, we discussed vehicles and Mexico. We were in his sister-in-law's fairly late model 2wd Tacoma. He said it got 17 mpg. I've always liked Toyos, the only vehicle I've ever bought new in my life was a 77 Toyo truck ($3,000). it was great but foolishly I didn't keep it long due to "circumstances". Frankly. 17 mpg for a 2wd v6 does not impress me and makes me think twice about Toyos in spite of their reliability.

The next thing that he mentioned was that a friend of his recently took his new Lincoln Navigator to El Golfo. On the way back, they stopped to help some people in trouble. while on the side of the road, a couple of "narcos" stopped, admired the Lincoln and decided to take it. They shot the guy and beat his wife before jacking the Navigator. There's been little if anything in the news, hurts tourism ya know. I don't want to imply that El Golfo is a hotbed of crime. Actually, Phoenix is now the car theft capital of the world. But, mierda happens.

That's why I'm still carrying "Pizza" insurance. I drive a Pizza Chit in Baja and hardly ever bother locking it. Nobody wants it. The mileage sucks, it's old and ugly. But hey, so am I. It needs fixing from time to time (so do I), but there are no computers to freak out shade tree mechanics in San Goloteo de Las nalgas, BCS. The Chevy 350 is known everywhere and chimpanzees can fix it without screwing much up. Parts are available at yonkes up and down the peninsula. It's paid for,I don't need more insurance than liability and if the worst of worst scenarios occurs, I can just walk away from it with no major tragedy in my life.

Bruce R Leech - 5-22-2005 at 04:57 PM

go with the ford. you only need to look around Baja and see how many old ford trucks are on the road and how much Jap junk is littering up Baja.

Geothermal-Shane - 5-22-2005 at 11:24 PM

Yeah, don't forget the "brand new SUV" tax in Baja, either! They'll take one look at the shiny thing with California plates and charge you double for everything.
Happened to me a few times when I took a rented Dodge Durango.

You know Mike, you should consider buying an older restored 4X4. Anything from Jeep to a Toyota pickup, or even a Land Cruiser will be perfectly suited for Baja, and cost between $3000-$10,000, if you want to start spending money.
And don't forget the part about the computer freaking out the shade-tree mechanics in Mexico. The older 4X4's just have simpler mechanics, which is well appreciated under stressful situations, and of course, these vehicles are more easily overlooked by car theives that want to ge their hands and something new and shiny to sell in Mexicali.
If you want something you can sleep in, a Land Cruiser is perfect, or perhaps a 4X4 pickup truck. Although the 4X4 may not even be neccesary, it nice to have some of the things that come along with it(like skid plates)
I've seen 4X4 VW Vanagons ready to off road, with a poptop sleeping area, stove, fridge and all. You could probably pick up a used one for under $4000. I've seen a very old International pickup converted into a camper- the owner said he'd never had anything better for camping. Trucks like that last decades and can take you all over the place, without as much of a "white man tax" as a round and shiny Toyota Sequoias.
There probably isn't a need to go spending $15,000 on this...when the money could be better spent on gas or other goodies like tires, roof racks, shocks, GPS, air compressors, tow straps, K&N air filters, used army surplus gear, beer, etc...unless that money's just burning in your pocket.

elgatoloco - 5-22-2005 at 11:52 PM

Diesel pick up in Baja is theft proof. Only diesel vehicles over 10,000 GVWR can be legally registered in Mex. We leave the keys in our rig when we camp on the beaches of Concepcion.

MH_Stevens - 5-23-2005 at 07:16 AM

The last few posts have been really great. I've always been concerned about age in a vehicle. I shouldn't be as my -82 ex Army CJ5 is the most reliable vehicle i have. Now a land cruiser would be fab, but what sort of age are you guys talking about? And what the max milage i should consider? I like the idear of something I can sleep in and is theft proof.

Mike

To Land Rover owners

yankeeirishman - 5-23-2005 at 08:53 AM

We have been traveling with Land Rovers for years. The ride is smooth. Spacious interior with large windows makes a difference. Adaptability of gear and racks is legendary. Power to spare. We take to the back roads with ease; the grades are a piece of cake.
Just don?t break down! Parts you will not find. Tires you will. If you plan on buying a Land Rover for deep travels, they are great IF you carry all the spare belts, filters, tools, ect. I haven?t had a complaint yet about ours?except it?s a gas hog.

An ex-student of mine......

Hook - 5-23-2005 at 10:07 AM

.......is a mechanic at the local Land Rover dealer. He brought one by one day and we went off road. I had to admit it was the smoothest offroad ride I had ever experienced. The suspension just sucked up most anything.

Then I asked him about the notorious Land Rover reputation on reliability. He said everything you've heard it true......the things are constantly in and out of the shop, even brand new. The Discovery were particularly bad.

Just don't break down? I dont think thats an option.

Land Rovers depreciate pretty quickly because so many people just want to get OUT of owning one.

You know what they say......why don't the Bristish build computers?..............because they cant figure out how to make them leak oil.

I know, they're really not Briitsh anymore but you get the idea.

If creature comforts are not an issue, go with a Toyota Tundra or Tacoma or 4 Runner. If you need to tow and want a comfort level above basic, go with an American mfgr.

The Titans are still to new to consider; they did have some initial problems.

[Edited on 5-23-2005 by Hook]

Geothermal-Shane - 5-23-2005 at 11:20 AM

There's two basic 60 series Land Cruisers that were issued in the US:
FJ60's(4 and 5 speed manual) built from 1980 until about 1987
and FJ62's(auto)1987-1990

They have the same body and chasis, in some cases a different engine. The FJ60s have the 2F engine and are known for being a little tougher than the FJ62s which lean more toward SUV appeal, but they are basicaly the same truck.
Avoid FJ90s and later models if possible.

Used FJ60s are harder to come by than FJ62s, but if you have a choice I would reccomend an FJ60. Any model that you can find will most likely be in fair shape, unless the owner(s) was a real jack. I wouldn't be too concerned with mileage on these vehicles. A used Cruiser will probably have 250,000- still considered a "young Land Cruiser"
Actually, 2 weeks ago I met a guy in South Pasadena trying to sell his FJ62, with 180,000 miles for $7000.
(The odometer is stuck on mine at 175,899.)
Depending on the area you live in, and how far your willing to go, they can be easy to find. In LA county they're all over the place. Check out TLC Land Cruisers out of Van Nuys- they sell fully restored Land Cruisers of all models for between $10,000-$40,000. I think they may have a website, too.
With a 108 inch wheelbase, and a backseat that actually folds down flush, it makes for good sleeping quarters, too.
Keep in mind though-
If you do opt for a Land Cruiser your dealing with a vehicle that is all designed for LOW down power. The tachometer redlines at 4000rpm. The speedometer maxes out at 85.
These are low gear trucks- designed "to be able to drive all the way to Tibet and back" as one owner told me. But, consequently, there won't be too many off road obstacles that get in your way. Learning how to use the suspension can take practice, though, so don't go plunging into a boulder field right off the bat.

[Edited on 5-23-2005 by Geothermal-Shane]

JESSE - 5-23-2005 at 01:42 PM

Todays Japanese cars are better, but Ford?s from 35 years ago are also great Baja vehicles.

My first choice:

My second choice:

MH_Stevens - 5-23-2005 at 02:29 PM

Thank you GOTHERMAL! A mindful of great info.

Do you have a thermal place in baja? I met a guy from Vincent Guerro the other day who sells solar stuff - bought a composting potty from his outfit. I'm looking for some small ag lot to grow veg arounf Santo Thomas and away from the Gringos, but that's another post. Thanks.

Mike

Geothermal-Shane - 5-23-2005 at 06:30 PM

No, I just run on geothermal power from time to time...a lot of good locations on Baja provide an excellent place to fuel up on the stuff.
Neal Johns is a good advocate for some of these locations and has me "following my nose" to new ones.

Careful about Neal, cause he thinks its funny to make stuff up like he is a real expert!

Me No - 5-23-2005 at 07:05 PM

Oso proves once again why he is the Poster Mejor. Pizza insurance. Damn. After all these years is baja with no problems what so ever. I didn't know what kind of policy I had. That is some funny Mierda! :lol:

Get an old beat up toyota quatro y quatro with IFS. 85 to 87's are the best.with a 22R motor. Any good MX Mechanico can fix one in his sleep. Put a basic shell on the bed and a roof rack on the top and you will be able to go anywhere. You can haul tons of stuff, literally, and you can sleep in the bed after you make camp. I know, I have done it for 15 years now. What makes me feel most comfortable on those isolated beaches though, is the "Pizza Insurance". Big and shiny in Mexico=mucho dinero. I don't know if you have had an honest discussion with gringos who actually live in Mexico lately. I have. The storys are scarry. You don't want to paint a target sign on your back. A proment poster here, we with just call him Baja PI, told me a story a while back. No matter where you go in baja, the people are watching.

Go enjoy the land and the people, BUT , be respectful, fly below the radar, and carry plenty of pizza insurance. :lol:

LarryB - 5-23-2005 at 09:10 PM

I just picked up an 1986 Isuzu Trooper last year for $675. Changed oil and headed south. Pizza insurance for sure :lol:

If all else fails I figured i'd leave the title in the glovebox and buy a plane ticket home. It gets 23mpg average and not a lick of trouble after 10,000mi so far. Pulls my motorcycle/ATV trailer, I built a fold-up plywood bed in the back for sleeping, it's carbereted for easy understanding, very roomy, nice ride, 4wd. I still think the Toy P/U with a canopy is a better vehicle but it won't haul 7 people plus luggage in comfort to and from the airport like the Trooper will. It's now at my place in Los B and will probably never leave.

Just another option. It really depends on your specific needs.

[Edited on 5-24-2005 by LarryB]

[Edited on 5-24-2005 by LarryB]

Me No - 5-23-2005 at 09:15 PM

Larry, those old troupers are indestructible. They have to be included in the top of the list. 675 to boot. Thats serious pizza!

chicagoross - 5-24-2005 at 10:16 AM

Agree with the comments on the old trooper. I bought an 85 new, drove it hard for 6 years, two baja trips a year, all of the hunting trips and a lot of four wheeling. All I ever did was change oil. I retired it at well over a hundred thousand miles, having done a total of two repairs: the right rear ineer wheel bearing, and the dummy fan belt pully that was there instead of an AC compressor. Like thr picture above, the Trooper towed a boat trailer and always had a loaded roof rack on it. Wasn't fast, but it got you there reliably and cheaply, went anywhere. ME NO told me my tacoma is too pretty to go to Mexico, and yes I get 16 or 17 mpg with the V6 prerunner, although it seems to do a little better flying down Highway 1, I guess it likes the road. I did strip the TRD shocks and springs off and relace them with downeys and bilstiens to get the ride where I liked it.

Me No - 5-24-2005 at 11:12 AM

Yeah Ross that thing sure is purdy. But it aint gots no pizza insurance. :biggrin:

You rich guys don't care about that stuff though. I once saw Ross driving around Caleta San Lucas in his Dodge 4x4 like he thought the damn thing was amphibias. That had all the old roosters in camp crowing for sure. One was so impressed he had to snap a picture. Now if I could just find where I put it. :biggrin:

A TOYOTA AND A FORD IN ONE SUV - 15 gallons goes 550 MILES

synch - 5-25-2005 at 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE

Quote:

Originally posted by synch

Quote:

Yeah, my old Toyota has been trusty and reliable, I'm just bitter/jaded by a sleazy Toyota Dealer (LONGO - LA's largest) who ended up telling me lies and costing $600 in "tune up" costs when I just wanted the plugs changed.

On another topic - How about a combination Toyota and Ford that goes over 550 miles on 15 Gallons of gas? CLICK HERE
Toyota has leased patent rights to Ford who has built the first SUV Hybrid 4wd. A bit spendy, but you get the reliability of a Toyota with great range and economy.

.

[Edited on 5-25-2005 by synch]

Me No - 5-25-2005 at 01:19 PM

How do you guys do that quote in a quote in a quote thing. Thats Cool. Too bad it is so damn confusigating. That last word is for the Baja Bernie dictionary of baja terms. :lol:

Dodge braking

Sharksbaja - 5-25-2005 at 11:14 PM

Whistler, you couldn't be more right! I own a 1968 Dodge Power Wagon and in the 33 yrs I have owned it I have logged upwards of 800,000. That's pretty good for THAT truck. It is my "original" Baja truck although its been from Inuvik, AK to San Blas more than a few times. If I could have, I would have changed the Brakes, wheel bearings and u-joints with something better had there been an option. I must have gone thru 15 sets of brakes and atwo sets of drums(I had em smokin' going into Port Alberni and decided that was the last "BIG" trip a few years back. Still has the original block but overhauled and rebuilt 11/2 times. My new Dodge is unbelievable when stopping. Fully loaded with a trailer(no brakes), I felt the rotors at the bottomn of the Siskiyous Pass and they were not even hot. Kudos to Dodge. If you are free in October, I am thinking seriously at an exploratory trip through Los Corrales and beyond possibly. I have much confidence in Dodge and have always made it home and never stranded(but those are other stories). Sorry folks, never owned an import, but then again, never needed or wanted one. Oh, one interesting fact.... the transfer case has never been touched tho you can hear some in/out bearing noise.
Now it sits under the big cedar tree waiting for a new day.(sigh)

maybe some ol' timers would remember the first "Baja Big Foot" Those rims are hand-made and those are 14x17.5x36
10 ply Firestone forklift tires, the only "big" tires we could find in 1970.

[Edited on 5-26-2005 by Sharksbaja]

Toyota's 22-R 4 Cylinder Engine in Toyota trucks

synch - 5-26-2005 at 02:28 PM

From a previous thread on the Q&A board regarding the Toyota 22-R 4 cylinder Engine

Quote:

Originally posted by jerry
i had a 1977 toy 1 ton pickup with a 20R sold it in 1993 with 397000 miles on it.
It was a really bad engine i had to put a timing set in it and its still being driven i see it often just change the oil and run it till the wheels fall off in 1993 i got a 1983 toy with a 22re fuel injected had to put a timing set in it too just sold it with 356000 miles on it the guy headed for north carolina the next morning he called me when he got there another really bad truck lol have a good one jerry

[Edited on 5-26-2005 by synch]

Sharksbaja - 5-26-2005 at 11:33 PM

:!:

That is very kind of you sir! :!:

I really like the backroads and have been looking at a few. :yes:

It is unbelievable how many roads there are in places visible from those sat photos and not on the maps. :light:

The other trip I need to do is the Bahia Tortuga Road south to San Ignacio then over to La Purisma ending at our casa in Mulege.

Likewise amigo, if you need a spot to lay over or stay in Mulege let me know(anytime). :coolup:

Have fun in the Keys! :cool:

Tarpon? Snook? Boners? Who cares! :bounce:

on a full moon night.....

Sharksbaja - 5-27-2005 at 12:54 AM

on the back side of Catalina we were bringing the squid up with 6 1000w halides w/ a pair of 5000 w service gens. Scooping with long poles.I have never witnessed anything like that in all my days. The squid came up like illuminated clouds undulating and darting about systematically with purpose ! It was a remarkable sight the first time. I would love to "cruise by" your "wide-eyed"

place in my Dodge :lol:

Is the coastline built up at all 'tween you and Tortuga? :?:

MH_Stevens - 5-27-2005 at 04:20 AM

So at what age does it become pizza insured? if I get a Toyota Land Cruiser what is the cut-off year?

MH_Stevens - 7-14-2005 at 09:24 AM

UPDATE:
I'm off for my FIRST trip to Baja tommorow and the car I got for Baja is a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser, FJZ80. For my first trip I'm not going south of Vincente G.

Neal Johns - 7-14-2005 at 05:11 PM

Hey, Mike,
That one will get you there! (Wherever you are, you are there). Have a good trip. Take some of that stuff from The List post.

rpleger - 7-14-2005 at 05:14 PM

Suzuki Samari Rules Baja

Tomas Tierra - 7-14-2005 at 10:02 PM

samurai will hold you and a six pack thats about it.. pre tacoma or pre tundra toyotas have a beefier front end and are the ultimate baja vehicles..my T-100 is bullet proof

uh oh...did I just jinx myself??
Mike the land cruiser will take you any where you want to go.be smart

TT

i would have gone with...

eetdrt88 - 7-14-2005 at 10:38 PM

a landcruiser from the early 80's...supposedly the suspension parts on the early 80's toyotas was quite a bit beefier than the newer models...i know the 84' 4-runner i used to take down to baja was quite indestructable...you could beat the hell outa that thing and it just kept going and it never got stuck anywhere