BajaNomad

For Baja, Diesel or Gas?

Gypsy Jan - 2-1-2010 at 06:13 PM

Lots of opinions on this board - so many that it is confusing.

Toyota, Ford, Dodge, GMC/Chevy, Hummer, whatever make I am forgetting, what do you think?

Price is not an issue; what would you want to drive on the regular roads (Highway 1) and the back roads without a serious 45-degree plus climbing challenge.

And, yes I know that many of you customize your trucks because you really want to get out there, I am just asking about how to shop for a reasonably reliable, off-the-shelf vehicle.

[Edited on 2-2-2010 by Gypsy Jan]

mtgoat666 - 2-1-2010 at 06:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
Price is not an issue;


Skip the pick up trucks, and get an SUV. Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser with full luxury package.

But if on a budget -- get a Toyota 4Runner.

New US diesel vehicles won't work very well with most mexican diesel, so stick with gasoline.

Pescador - 2-1-2010 at 07:24 PM

We have dealt so well with the diesel issue, I am surprised that the goat would bring it up again. If you need a truck, a diesel is a great option, the engines last longer, they pull more, have more torque, get better mileage, and let you pretend that you are a "real trucker". If you need a truck then by all means look carefully at the diesel model.
Fords are great riding, very comfortable, and drive like a passenger car, but the engine just does not hold up for a high mileage situation as well as the Cummins Diesel that comes on the Dodge. The Chevrolet just does not stand up to the high mileage as well as the Dodge and even though they have done a lot of advertising about the Allison Transmission, they do not hold up well to pulling very heavy 5th wheels or horse trailers for high mileage.
It is too bad that the Toyota diesel, which is available in Europe and Australia is not available here because it seems to be the high mileage king of the world.

Toyota FJ

bajaguy - 2-1-2010 at 08:54 PM

Was at the Reno Auto Show this last weekend and saw what appeared to be a production Toyota FJ Cruiser convertable. The top over the back seat and cargo area folds down......sweet looking ride.

[Edited on 2-2-2010 by bajaguy]

Nomads Give Good Advice

Gypsy Jan - 2-1-2010 at 09:01 PM

Thanks, y'all. I know that I am revisiting old terrtior, but there are so many new vehicles coming onto the market and I am grateful for your wisdom

BooJumMan - 2-2-2010 at 09:01 AM

I am totally Toyota biased.

The 2010 Toyota 4runners are nice, but larger than previous years. They only have an option for a 4.0L V6. I have heard these engines push out enough power though. They do come with an optional rear differential locker which gives you unbelievable traction, and what the real offroad guys have. This goes for the same with the Tacoma.

Tundra's are obviously bigger with the V8 options.

If your doing hauling and have large loads you'd probably want to look into Dodge or Chevy. But, you do not have the reliability of a Toyota.

David K - 2-2-2010 at 09:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BooJumMan
I am totally Toyota biased.

The 2010 Toyota 4runners are nice, but larger than previous years. They only have an option for a 4.0L V6. I have heard these engines push out enough power though. They do come with an optional rear differential locker which gives you unbelievable traction, and what the real offroad guys have. This goes for the same with the Tacoma.

Tundra's are obviously bigger with the V8 options.

If your doing hauling and have large loads you'd probably want to look into Dodge or Chevy. But, you do not have the reliability of a Toyota.


There is even more, besides the rear locker there is also 'A-TRAC' (Active Traction Control) that works on all four tires... I have it on my Tacoma... It is a limited slip system in Low Range 4WD that is pretty close to lockers front and rear. First introduced on the FJ Cruiser and Lexus SUVs, A-TRAC will amaze you! You may not need to use the rear locker with A-TRAC available.

In High Range 4WD (where you do 90%+ of your four wheeling), there is 'TRAC' (Traction Control) limited slip front and rear and gives you true 4WD, not just one in the front and one in the rear working. It prevents you from getting stuck by diverting power away from any tire that begins to loose traction, so it just doesn't spin a grave hole for your vehicle.

You can also turn off the limited slip system if you want to let your tires spin... If you feel the need to do doughnuts in the snow or mud... !

The 4.0 V-6 has plenty of power at close to 250 horses and still give you around 20 mpg highway... for the 4Runner.

bill erhardt - 2-2-2010 at 09:53 AM

Jan......Here is a link to a comprehensive and informative recent thread on The Hull Truth on the pros and cons of diesel versus gasoline powered trucks. http://www.thehulltruth.com/trucks-trailers/260925-disadvant... I live full time on Baja and more than half the miles I put on my truck are towing a boat. I had been considering buying a Tundra diesel if/when one is introduced in the States, but have reconsidered after reading this thread.

mtgoat666 - 2-2-2010 at 10:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
We have dealt so well with the diesel issue, I am surprised that the goat would bring it up again. If you need a truck, a diesel is a great option,...


you probably can get low sulfur diesel in baja, but will find it very hard to get ultra low sulfur diesel in baja. new gringo trucks require ultra low sulfur diesel, which ain't reliably available in baja.

if you want to keep the car in baja full time, perhaps best to buy the car in baja,... if car is to spend it's entire life in baja, US market diesel truck or diesel passenger car doesn't seem like prudent choice -- you probably won't even be able to get parts for it in baja w/o long wait.

tripledigitken - 2-2-2010 at 10:51 AM

Gypsy Jan,

What is your intended use for the vehicle? Do you intend to tow? If you're not planning on towing anything I would'nt even consider a diesel for Baja.


If you are planning towing something in excess of 6,000#'s you may want to consider a diesel. More weight than that then the advantage of a diesel starts to make sense. The ULSD availability in Baja is still a concern for the current model diesels though. The long term effects of running non ULSD in the newer models hasn't played out yet.

Ken

captain4tuna - 2-2-2010 at 11:00 AM

I have an 03 F250 7.8 Liter Diesel . We ran it quite a bit last year on and off road and no problemo. We did filter the fuel though.

tripledigitken - 2-2-2010 at 11:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by captain4tuna
I have an 03 F250 7.8 Liter Diesel . We ran it quite a bit last year on and off road and no problemo. We did filter the fuel though.


I have a 97 F250 7.3 that I have ran in Baja since new with zero fuel issues. The issue I brought up in my post is concerning the current diesels requiring the ULSD. A topic that has been discussed in depth in prior threads. A few Nomads have been running current models on the non ULSD and have not had problems so far. As I mentioned long term consquences of running the non spec diesel has yet to play out.

I ran my power stroke with a 10' Lance on it for 11 years by the way. Great combination!

Ken

Many Thanks

Gypsy Jan - 2-2-2010 at 01:54 PM

For your thoughtful and detailed replies.

As some of you have commented, this is a very well-discussed subject in the past, but I am not knowledgeable at all about what are the best vehicle choices and when the kids ask you for your opinion, I try to fake it as best I can.

805gregg - 2-2-2010 at 08:28 PM

Buy a 2001 Dodge diesel, just read of an owner that used his for work and recently turned over 1.4 million miles on the original engine, transmission and rear end. At your replacement rate DK you would need 14 Toyotas. Just saw a bumper sticker today " Keep you death trap Toyota away from me" funny how fast people realize whats up. Just saw on National TV Steve Wozniak of Apple computers quoted on air as saying the gas pedal sticking is BS, he has a Prius, not a recalled vehicle, and his car has accelerated without his input more than once. Their is a deeper flaw. Toyota sales down 16% Ford up 25%. Wait before you buy a Toyota.

[Edited on 2-3-2010 by 805gregg]

[Edited on 2-3-2010 by 805gregg]

[Edited on 2-3-2010 by 805gregg]

[Edited on 2-3-2010 by 805gregg]

Mike99km - 2-3-2010 at 08:44 AM

Both are good. With the computers and all,finding a somebody to repair a major problem will be hard ether way. If you haul or run lots of miles go Diesel much more cost effective in the long run. Do the math as to which would be cheaper to run for you. If you're driving less than 1500 miles or less the gas is most likely cheaper.
My current truck is gas because I get's about 10000 miles per year, the gas was cheaper for me.
Good Luck,
Mike

[Edited on 2-3-2010 by Mike99km]

David K - 2-3-2010 at 08:51 AM

To help, I deleted three posts that were too pro Toyota for some!

As for the question... Gas is sure more common to find than diesel, but diesel is widley available, none-the-less.

Hook - 2-3-2010 at 09:13 AM

From the little bit I have read, THERE ISNT A GOOD AMERICAN DIESEL TRUCK BEING PRODUCED RIGHT NOW, ESPECIALLY WITH THE NEW DODGES AND FORDS.

If you want diesel, go find a low mileage Ford or Dodge around year 2001. Most any of the minor issues with these vehicles have probably already been rectified by former owners.

I agree with TDK's thumbnail formula for deciding if you NEED diesel, based on towing weight. The large gas powered trucks have improved in mileage substantially in the last 10 years, IF you're not towing anything heavy.

If not really towing anything, the Toyotas have to be strongly considered based on their incredible reliability; SUV or truck, recall notwithstanding.


BTW, after many years of cheap diesel in Mexico, it is now more expensive than Magna Sin over here on the mainland.

[Edited on 2-3-2010 by Hook]

ElFaro - 2-3-2010 at 09:24 AM

Some points to consider choosing diesel vs gas...

If it were me I would consider all the driving conditions I might find myself in...especially with the recent bridge washouts and flooded back country roads that may strand people and towns for several days.

Even though gas may be more plentiful it is also in greater demand due to the higher gas to diesel vehicle ratio. If the gas tankers get delayed enough then the gas supply runs out B4 the diesel supply. Also I prefer diesel to gas at filling stations. There are always lines at the gas pumps but not as much as at the diesel pumps.

For me a diesel Toyota Land Cruiser or diesel Mercedes UNIMOG would be nice but both are hard to come by. I own a 2001 Dodge 3/4 ton w/ Cummins 2wd. It has the 3.70 rear end with limitd slip diff. My diesel mileage is 21-22 mpg empty...around 15 mpg towing. I also own a 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-60 gas version.

Stay away from Land Rovers...noisy and junk...expensive to get parts for. Small Toyota Tacoma trucks are a popular high theft item.

If you go gas consider a Toyota FJ Cruiser w/ the 5 spd auto or 6 spd manual tranny.

Doug/Vamonos - 2-3-2010 at 10:04 AM

My current truck is an 05 F-250 Diesel 4x4. I'm a mechanical person and always have been, but the modern diesels are so freaking sophisticated, large, heavy, and jam-packed under the hood that there is NOTHING I could imagine doing to it besides basic maintenance (oil, filters, batteries). That is a problem if you can't rely on a local dealer. If that thing dies on a Baja road I am screwed. I wouldn't know where to start...

But, I don't pay any attention to the naysayers about the 6.0 Powerstrokes. I've had two and they've been completely reliable for me (and my friends). And they tow my boats and camper without any issues. Love them. And the 5R110 trans is outstanding - for me.

Hook - 2-3-2010 at 10:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
Just saw on National TV Steve Wozniak of Apple computers quoted on air as saying the gas pedal sticking is BS, he has a Precis, not a recalled vehicle, and his car has accelerated without his input more than once. Their is a deeper flaw. Toyota sales down 16% Ford up 25%. Wait before you buy a Toyota.


Yes, it's beginning to look like the gas pedal "fix" isnt the real problem. It's in Toyota's electronic fuel control system; there might be electromagnetic interference from the system that is affecting the electronic gas pedal assembly. Quite possibly the gas pedal "fix" is no more than shielding of a component.

k-rico - 2-3-2010 at 05:11 PM

God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
The courage to change the things that I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference.

Timo1 - 2-3-2010 at 05:15 PM

no sh$$

Hook - 2-3-2010 at 08:09 PM

Who is this YOU you are referring to, David?

She is open to all options, gas or diesel.

How did your floor mat entrapment recall go on your Tacoma?

Mike99km - 2-3-2010 at 09:42 PM

farfrigcareen;D

Sharksbaja - 2-4-2010 at 12:57 AM

Obama did it! He sabotaged Toyotas pedals. 3 cheers!!!!

Frankly I think Bush & Cheney did it. Who were those guys. No need to answer. I won't bother with my opinion or I may have to go back and delete 4 posts.:P

David K - 2-4-2010 at 09:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Who is this YOU you are referring to, David?

She is open to all options, gas or diesel.

How did your floor mat entrapment recall go on your Tacoma?


Anything you say is fair game, if anything I say is, right?

1) There is NO recall for my 2010 floor mats because my truck did not have any, nor was I charged for any. I did post this already, but you missed it? When I got home with my new truck and removed the plastic carpet protector (it was raining when I got it), I discovered there were no mats in my new truck... I called my salesman and asked if I could come get the mats out of my 2005 trade in truck... He said sure, no problem.

2) There is NO problem with Toyota floor mats... The loaner car (a Lexus) that killed the family in Santee had TWO floor mats (one on top of the other)... and the previous driver had complained to that dealership about the pedal getting caught in the floor mat... They did nothing... didn't remove the double mat that hung up the pedal.

3) To go above and beyond to calm customer worries, Toyota ordered all floor mats removed from new vehicles sold.

4) My 2010 (same color and model as my 2005) truck has my old floor mats in it, and is doing fine... as there is plenty of space between the floor mat and gas pedal. I don't plan on adding more floor mats on top of the existing one!

[Edited on 2-4-2010 by David K]

Hook - 2-4-2010 at 09:52 AM

Yes, I missed your post admitting this. Sometimes I feel if I've read one of your posts (especially involving Toyotas), I've read them all. So, I just skip over them. You're welcome to do the same to mine.

But just because YOU chose to remove 3 of YOUR posts involving Toyotas in this thread, doesnt mean the rest of us have to follow your lead and refrain from discussing Toyota. I'll write about anything that is related to the original question...........and the recalls ARE related, if a person is considering which cars/trucks to buy.

You clearly have me pegged as an anti-Toyota type. I'm not, as my accolades for them in this thread indicate. They're great products, IF they fit your lifestyle.

But they dont fit mine. I require a spry off-highway, on-highway capable vehicle (Wrangler) and a tow vehicle for rigs around 10k (diesel pickup). They simply still do not make a product that can do what a full-sized American pickup can do. And they have no vehicle that combines sheer off-highway fun AND on-highway comfort like a Wrangler with a top down. The FJ is NOT fun to drive; it feels like you're driving an oversprung, small shoe box with a scuba mask on.

David K - 2-4-2010 at 12:32 PM

Agreed... and the posts that I removed were replies to posts that were removed first... Mine had no function once the others were gone... Just trying to keep it friendly and on topic for Gypsy Jan.

Yes, you have a great set up... Remember how you were able to follow me and the other four wheelers up the La Vibora grade in 2005? That was with your camper still on... Bob H took his off at the Sinahi RV park where you both stayed for the El Rosario festival. See Hook's camper and others at: http://vivabaja.com/705

The Wrangler is a good toad to have... However, a Suzuki Sidekick or Toyota RAV4 would also work well. I think an FJ Cruiser is too big to haul around for a toad.

Have you explored the coast much in Sonora or Sinaloa? I am curious about the area near Guaymas (9 miles north) where the movie Catch 22 was filmed. The paved runway was never officially open after the movie was finished... right there by the water.

Doug/Vamonos - 2-5-2010 at 08:01 PM

Geez...