BajaNomad

Questions about UTVs and where should I buy?

tmtuttle - 11-25-2021 at 02:56 PM

We're in the Pescadero/Todos Santos area near the beach and I'd like a side-by-side UTV to haul myself, my wife, surfboards, and beach gear to the beaches in the surrounding areas. I'm not an off-road guy, so I know scratch about the vehicles. I'm thinking about something that is more utility than sport, like a Polaris Ranger, Kawi Mule, or Honda Pioneer. I don't want something that destroys our hearing, I just want something to get us back and forth to the beach.

So, my question, can I buy something like this in Baja (we have permanent residency, so buying and registering vehicles isn't a problem) or should I buy one in the States and haul it down?

Like I said, I'm not an off-road guy or a motorhead, so the extent of my mechanical abilities would be oil and filter changes. Would I run into problems with a US vehicle down here if it needed service?

If I should buy in Baja, any recommended models that fit the specs I listed above.

Thanks for any help


[Edited on 11-25-2021 by tmtuttle]

JZ - 11-25-2021 at 03:18 PM

What is your budget? How many seats.

Generally, better to buy something in the US that wasn't beat to sh!t.

BigBearRider - 11-25-2021 at 04:24 PM

There are Polaris, Can-Am, Arctic Cat, Yamaha, and probably Honda dealers in Los Cabos.

tmtuttle - 11-25-2021 at 06:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
What is your budget? How many seats.

Generally, better to buy something in the US that wasn't beat to sh!t.



Two seats - my wife and I and some gear, surfboards on top and chairs and shade in the back. Nothing special.

advrider - 11-25-2021 at 08:09 PM

I've had two Polaris and have been very happy. One of the rangers with the bed more of the utility models sounds like the one for you. A 1000 would still be my choice because its fast enough to run safely down the road.
Not sure price wise where its better to buy but I'm guessing the US? With 2K hard miles on our current 1000 and no repairs only maintenance I wouldn't worry about service work or warranty to much.

4x4abc - 11-25-2021 at 09:13 PM

they are noisy as hell
no windshield
no protection
prone to theft

best would be to buy in the US - cheaper than in Baja
no registration needed (yet)

I personally would buy an older 4x4
1990's Grand Cherokee can be had for $1,000 US
windshield
AC
very capable 4x4 system
theft proof (nobody wants it)
but is had no "cool factor"

JZ - 11-25-2021 at 09:28 PM

My RZR has a windshield Harald.

Two of them actually, One pony version (used the most) and a fully enclosed one. They snap on and off pretty easy.

Lots and lots of after market stuff for UTVs.

4x4abc - 11-25-2021 at 09:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
My RZR has a windshield Harald.

Two of them actually, One pony version (used the most) and a fully enclosed one. They snap on and off pretty easy.

Lots and lots of after market stuff for UTVs.



Good to know
none of the locals driving around have them
but helmets a full race outfit

mtgoat666 - 11-25-2021 at 09:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by tmtuttle  
We're in the Pescadero/Todos Santos area near the beach and I'd like a side-by-side UTV to haul myself, my wife, surfboards, and beach gear to the beaches in the surrounding areas.


Get a jeep, something that can be locked, and has AC.
Open-air UTVs are noisy and dusty, and lack creature comforts like AC, doors and windshields.

pacificobob - 11-26-2021 at 06:32 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
they are noisy as hell
no windshield
no protection
prone to theft

best would be to buy in the US - cheaper than in Baja
no registration needed (yet)

I personally would buy an older 4x4
1990's Grand Cherokee can be had for $1,000 US
windshield
AC
very capable 4x4 system
theft proof (nobody wants it)
but is had no "cool factor"



My thoughts exactly. I'll add the additional benefits of not choking on dust and every mechanic in Mexico is familiar with them.

[Edited on 11-26-2021 by pacificobob]

BajaNomad - 11-26-2021 at 08:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  

I personally would buy an older 4x4
1990's Grand Cherokee can be had for $1,000 US
windshield
AC
very capable 4x4 system
theft proof (nobody wants it)
but is had no "cool factor"
Quote: Originally posted by Oso  
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.

David K - 11-26-2021 at 08:29 AM

I think TMTUTTLE is looking for something small and nimble, but that will be reliable and not need mechanical knowledge to keep running.
From my point of view, that eliminates Jeep and any old POS clunkers that "nobody wants".

Side by sides (UTVs) are not all noisy... Hunters use them, after all. They are also available fully enclosed (no dust). Plus, I think TM will not be racing the thing and stir up dust any more than a Jeep would.

I get the dislike for this type of vehicle because of how tourists abuse the land with them, playing Ricky Racer, etc. I just think from TM's opening post, he doesn't fit the bill of a noisy, dust-making kind of guy...?

That said, my only suggestion is do the homework... check out the manufacture's options. I hear Polaris is a very well-made brand... but I have no personal opinions of the most reliable, quiet, dust-free models.

JDCanuck - 11-26-2021 at 08:59 AM

There are at least 2 extremely quiet electric UTV's out there. Polaris E Ranger and the imported Hisun sold out of Texas. Both run around 15000 new, so are not cheap, but they can be very utilitarian if you have a place to recharge them.
Have to agree with Harald on the dust and discomfort thing and we did find the 2000 Cherokee we "borrowed" down there to be very durable and capable running back and forth almost daily on very rough terrain. My only issue was the cost of fuel.

tmtuttle - 11-26-2021 at 09:12 AM

Thanks for the replies. All good food for thought. I think DavidK got the gist of my post, something to get us back and forth to the beach, maybe some rides to off the beaten path beaches, and just a general get around the rutted, washed out dirt roads in the area so I don't beat the living s**t out of our car. Not going to be racing and the utility rigs are much quieter, like he said hunters use them.

As far as the dust factor, there isn't much traffic here so I won't be sucking too much dust. Besides, I used to ride my bicycle two miles back and forth with my board attached and got dusted out by many vehicles so this will be a nice upgrade.

As far as the theft issue, I see others with much more expensive rigs in the area - high performance four-seaters that probably run around $30k. I'm interested in something in the $15k range, so hopefully I won't be "the target". Besides, I haven't heard of vehicle theft being an issue here...yet.

I did look on google and there are plenty of UTV/ATV dealers in Cabo - I'll drop in next time I have to go to "Disneyland".

Again, thanks for the info.

[Edited on 11-26-2021 by tmtuttle]

100X - 11-26-2021 at 09:49 AM

The only "utility" type SXS I have any real experience with is a Honda Pioneer. Did 2000 miles in a used rental one in 2017 helping a friend pre-run for a Class 1 Baja 1000 run (yes, the dealer knew what he was going to do with it). Ran flawless, no issues whatsoever, even though he drove it more like a "sport" model the whole time. Am sure Kawasaki, Yamaha, Polaris, etc. make similar quality units.

I also have experience with a couple of the sport models. My comments:

Dust: you will get more dust with a windshield than without. The windshield seems to pull everything into the cab rather than to let it pass through. I think it is similar to driving a dirt road with the windows down or the way dust collects on the back of an SUV. Windshields also hold heat in the things as the radiator is in the front and the firewalls are typically not very sealed off.

Noise: yes, loud, especially over 30 MPH, and especially if no windshield. Even wearing a helmet does not really fix it. We wear earplugs and a helmet.

Climate control: I do not know of a company that makes AC for them, which could be an issue in temps over 85 and again, especially if you run a windshield. Are several companies that make affordable heaters for them.

Off road capability: Very good. Would think they are as capable as a Jeep (not experienced with Jeeps so is an assumption), certainly as capable as the 4X4's I have/do own. One of the benefits of a SXS is you do not have to go as slow in the rough as they handle it quite a bit better than most/all 4X4's.

Protection: They have pretty significant roll cages and are well protected. That said, those who think they are an instant expert off road driver can get into trouble and can get seriously hurt or killed in them. They are lighter than a car and you do not want to be involved in a collision with a car or truck in them. At night, because their headlights are set inward, cars on the highway do not always know how close you are to the center line. Run reflectors!

They are a great option!

monoloco - 11-26-2021 at 10:09 AM

Honda makes a nice one with a quiet muffler, a real transmission and no belt drive.

advrider - 11-26-2021 at 11:12 AM

All good points by 100x. One thing that help with the dust and a front windshield is a rear snap on window or sun screen, seems to knock the dust down pretty good.
I have a really nice rock crawler that will eat up a SXS in the big rocks but that is about the only place, my scrambler rides on 37's, so not apples to apples comparison. It sits in the garage more now and the SXS get used to explore the Sierras and Nevada desert, much better tool.
There are several easy fixes to help detour theft or make it less appealing! You are right there on the $ you want to spend on one. You could probably save some money buying a used one in Southern Cal?

Russ - 11-26-2021 at 11:51 AM

Might try asking the rental shops where they get theirs or if they have one to sale and get a service contract if you get a used one.

Caution: sidebar post

David K - 11-26-2021 at 02:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Russ  
Might try asking the rental shops where they get theirs or if they have one to sale and get a service contract if you get a used one.


Russ... Happy Thanksgiving amigo! How are you?

Russ - 11-26-2021 at 05:13 PM

Mostly good ;)

Hook - 11-26-2021 at 07:35 PM

There are a lot of retirees in Mexico that treat their UTVs just fine.........and do their own maintenance. Which isn't much, really, besides changing filters and fluids and tires. And if they are leaving Mexico, they are motivated to sell, rather than tow it back.

Look in your local online sources for deals. Be patient. They are out there.

Yeah, a beater Cherokee can be had for a lot less. No comparison in the degree of fun, compared to an ATV or UTV. It's a facking SUV, after all.....

A used Wrangler is tons of fun compared to a Cherokee. Removeable doors, sport a rag top; drop the windshield, when you want. A bit like a comfortable UTV and a lot quieter.

Polaris Ranger 570

BajaBruno - 11-26-2021 at 10:56 PM

Last year I looked all over for a decent used UTV and couldn't find one that didn't look like it had already run the Baja 1000.

I drove up to Oregon (no sales tax) and bought a new 2-seater Polaris Ranger 570. Many poo hoo the fuel injected 570 as underpowered, but that has not been my experience. I can load it up fully with green oak firewood and it makes the run up the steep hill to my house with no troubles at all.

It fit in the back of my regular bed Chevy PU without any trouble for the few hundred miles home.

The factory tires are not great in the loose stuff, but they are easy to replace. I think it was a little over $10k with my veteran discount.

[Edited on 11-27-2021 by BajaBruno]

RFClark - 11-27-2021 at 12:41 AM

This is our ride! We’ve probably got about $6000 invested in it and it’s licensed in SD so it’s insured while driving on a road. It has a 660cc 3 cylinder motor and goes 100 Km/Ph. It has AC too!

EDE87D70-6516-4967-AA16-F67EF212D164.jpeg - 245kB

David K - 11-27-2021 at 09:24 AM

RF, can those tiny street tires be made beefier?

RFClark - 11-27-2021 at 05:27 PM

Those are street and hard dirt only! I have a set of 8” sand tires too!

pacificobob - 11-27-2021 at 05:28 PM

I have a 1991 suzuki carry. Very similar to the kei truck pictured.
People use ATV wheels and tires on those commonly. Usually a lift is required.
I've had mine for 10years. I have $4k in mine. It has never required a repair.
They are a hoot.

RFClark - 11-27-2021 at 05:40 PM

I have a 2” lift and load levelers on the rear of ours. The front is a modified CJ bumper.

caj13 - 11-28-2021 at 05:42 PM

I can tell you I run a yamaha wolverine X-2. They also have a 4 seater, same unit just stretched. They have dump bead on the back, they are super quiet, and quite capable in the trails and dunes and beaches - its not a race vehicle, its an all around good unit.

ran me 14K new in USA last year - about 1/2 of what the honda and polaris go for (not really comparable models, obviously)

I use it around the ranch to haul stuff including 10 X 6 ft utility trailers, and put stuff in the back, my wide uses it to haul grandkids around the area, and i use it fishing small streams and lakes in the rockies - set up a base camp and use it on day trips. I don't go rock crawling, just 2 tracks, dirt roads and trails

hombre66 - 11-28-2021 at 10:18 PM

Samurai? Sidekick? Baja bug? Cheap , and gas sippers.

esemjay1956 - 11-29-2021 at 08:01 AM

There is a Can Am dealership in La Paz, I bought from them two years ago and it was a good experience. They have many models, you should find what you are looking for. I own two Can Ams and am real pleased with them both.

El Jefe - 11-29-2021 at 09:01 AM

Ever heard that song that goes "why o why did I ever buy an thousand dollar car?" If you like to tinker, that 30, 40 or 50 year old car might be for you. But if you just want to toodle around without a worry get a new side by side.

My neighbor owns two Manx VW buggies. Her husband worked on them all the time. Sure they were fun, but... He passed away a year ago and now she is going to sell them both and get a side by side.

We bought a Teryx Kawasaki a couple of years ago and had it shipped down. I think the freight and taxes came to about 26%. We love the comfortable four seats. Most of the time it is just me and my surfboards, but when a few friends visit it is great to be able to haul the four of us around to local restaurants or just go putting.

The Honda with folding rear seats was high on our list as well. Kind of a toss-up. The deciding factor was my wife liked the seats on the Kawi.

Were I to do it over again I would check with local dealers first. There are so many now in Cabo. If you have to pay a bit more down here it is probably worth it to have established a local source for any unforeseen issues. You gotta think, what is it worth to me to haul one down?

100X - 11-29-2021 at 11:25 AM

May be able to buy a new SXS with what she can get for the Meyers Manxes!

bajatrailrider - 11-29-2021 at 03:49 PM

Harold with respect your remarks about sxs you dont know much. My Yamaha yxz 1000r .has windshield has roof. Does not make a racket stock muffler. It gets 20 MPG unlike your MB at 8mpg it can go where your MB cannot go. Please write about things you do know about dear amigo .About more dust inside w windshield true and not so. Full windshield yes dust inside . You must have 5in gap at bottom of windshield no dust inside .

DawnPatrol - 11-29-2021 at 06:44 PM

Here's what we use to cruise the beaches for surf fishing
800 EFI Polaris Ranger
gets up and goes but isn't crazy

This is at Alejandros Camp. The spot fin fishing was awesome


Timinator - 11-30-2021 at 06:56 AM

I know a guy in the Bay of LA who's selling a 4 seat RZR. I believe it's 16K and like new. Let me know if you're interested in contacting him.