BajaNomad

Cost of Car Repairs in Baja?

MsTerieus - 11-10-2010 at 02:58 PM

Dear Nomads,

I expect to be taking (possibly shipping) a 2000 Subaru Outback with me, when I move to the Ensenada area early next year. The car needs some work (replacement of battery, timer and some other belts, new brakes, etc.). I could have the work all done now, for about $750, in Washington State, where the car is currently located. Alternatively, if I have the car shipped from WA to San Diego, I could wait to have much of the work done in or around Ensenada. I assume that, although parts are the same price in Mexico, labor is cheaper. Can anyone tell me if it would pay to wait and have the repairs made in Baja?

Thanks much!

rhintransit - 11-10-2010 at 03:01 PM

I dunno but would be interested in knowing if there are Subaru mechanics around. anything sort of 'exotic' may be an issue, getting parts, etc, the further one gets from the border (I'm way south). I'd like to bring my Forester in but ???

k-rico - 11-10-2010 at 03:13 PM

Are Subarus sold in Mexico? I've always assumed that getting parts for cars that are not sold in Mexico, especially 10 year old cars, may be a huge problem for Mex mechanics. Don't know if that's true though.

I remember talking to a guy at Ana's in Santispac several years ago that was getting ready to take a bus to San Diego to get a part for his American diesel pickup. Something to do with the fuel system. The model was not sold in Mexico and the part was not available anywhere in Baja.

MsTerieus - 11-10-2010 at 03:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
my advice would be repair the car in the states
where the parts are available

good mechanics here but the availability of parts is limited

i'd fix it FIRST:light:


Well .... I COULD get the parts in the states and have the repairs made in Baja. :?:

toneart - 11-10-2010 at 03:18 PM

Ensenada is a major city with vast resources. I would think you could get the parts there. There is probably even a Subaru dealer there. If not, it is not that far from the border. A mechanic could get it in a day, or you could go yourself to San Diego and get it. That is, if the savings is worth it. That, I can't answer. There is a chance that it could be even more expensive in Ensenada...with a dealer. (?)

It sounds like this is not a car you use every day, so I would take a chance with Ensenada. You say you may have it shipped there. Is it drivable? Would this be a 2nd vehicle for you? Even more reason to risk the time element to have it repaired in Ensenada.

Bajahowodd - 11-10-2010 at 03:45 PM

The Mexico distributor has an e-mail address. Couldn't hurt to drop them a line.

http://www.subaru-global.com/america.html

MsTerieus - 11-10-2010 at 03:55 PM

Since I could get the parts in the U.S. before I picked up the car, if I had to, I don't think parts are the main issue. What I think I need to know about is the cost of labor. Gee, Nomads -- doesn't anybody get their car fixed in Baja? Do you all drive them back to the U.S. when it's time for repairs?

k-rico - 11-10-2010 at 04:02 PM

I use Mex mechanics. Labor is definitely alot cheaper. No problems except for a transmission mechanic in G. Negro who put in the wrong size torque convertor because the correct size was not available. Good thing we went for a test drive together, it lasted about 15 minutes. He then called a friend in Ensenada who had the correct part put on a bus.

[Edited on 11-10-2010 by k-rico]

bajafam - 11-10-2010 at 04:05 PM

Any repairs we've had to make, albeit minor, have been much cheaper, labor wise...but we drive a older Ford Explorer, which is a pretty common vehicle in Baja.

DENNIS - 11-10-2010 at 04:05 PM

Sounds as though your list of maintenance is simple. Auto parts business will get your parts. One, in particular, California Auto Parts in Maneadero is really good and if they don't have part, they'll get it.

I don't know exactly what you have in mind for bringing your car into Mexico, but there are restrictions against towing dead cars through the border. Best you look into that.

If you are in this area, my worker is an excellent mechanic with recommendations all over town. A specific knowledge of your vehicle won't be necessary considering the simplicity of the jobs. This guy works as much on intuition as anything else.

MsTerieus - 11-10-2010 at 04:24 PM

Thanks for the additional comments, folks. Thank you, Dennis, for the offer. The car would be in running condition (once battery is replaced, which can be done in WA). I just don't want to drive it all the way from Vashon Island, WA, to Ensenada (especially since I'll probably be driving two other cars from CA to Ensenada). So ... I thought I might ship the Subaru from WA to just NOB, then drive it the rest of the way. It might not pay to fix it all up in WA, then pay to ship it, but if I could ship it and have the repairs done cheaper in Baja, then shipping might make the most sense. (Long story about where, why & how I will have the Subaru, and complicated too.)

[Edited on 11-10-2010 by MsTerieus]

mcfez - 11-10-2010 at 04:56 PM

Location finder is here:
http://www.subaru-global.com/
Follow the lead...you'll find parts in Baja

Transportation drivers for cars......have you checked www.craigslist.org for someone willing to drive your car there for the price of fuel? Not a new concept....

MsTerieus - 11-10-2010 at 05:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
Location finder is here:
http://www.subaru-global.com/
Follow the lead...you'll find parts in Baja

Transportation drivers for cars......have you checked www.craigslist.org for someone willing to drive your car there for the price of fuel? Not a new concept....


Thought about it, but rejected the idea. For one thing, the car is loaded up with personal effects (some valuable) of deceased family members. (So, either I drive it south, or I fly up to WA, empty it out, ship the contents south, and have it shipped.) For another, the car is not currently registered. Additionally, the driver would need to be insured, which might not be so likely. (It's a COMPLICATED situation!!!!)



[Edited on 11-11-2010 by MsTerieus]

DavidE - 11-10-2010 at 06:42 PM

Buy a car repair manual in the states in Espaņol for your car. Batteries are more expensive in Mexico and if your car takes an oddball BCI group size you will be out of luck. AUTO ZONE MEXICO may have some of the parts that you request but all-in-all you are going to be faced with a quandry --- the further you get from the international border the cheaper labor will be but the more unfamiliar it will be with Subaru. Forty-Eight state parts may be different from California parts so check with your USA Subaru dealer first.

Myself; I'd bring all the parts and a repair manual.

bajabound2005 - 11-10-2010 at 07:07 PM

bring the parts with you and get the work done here. We could not buy a battery here for our 2005 Saturn Vue! If you don't have the parts and they can't get them locally,you could be waiting for weeks for them to be shipped here.

krafty - 11-10-2010 at 07:12 PM

just today took our chrys. town and country into a local tranny shop-over 100,000 miles and would not hold a gear-in Rosarito-job will be done manana for $150 less than we were quoted in Chula Vista-think getting parts is not a big deal, esp. if you are not going further south than Ensenada

bajabass - 11-10-2010 at 07:13 PM

Bingo DavidE! If you have the time, research a Subaru mechanic or shop in Ensenada. Bring a book in BOTH languages, so you understand what is going on as well! If no Subaru specialist can be found in Ensenada, and you want the car tip-top from the get-go, get all repairs, service, and a complete inspection done before you bring it into Mexico. After the timing belt is done, unless you have a major issue, it will be normal service and wear and tear. Oh, depending on mileage, you might as well throw four struts on it now. You will kill the stock units on the Punta Banda/Ensenada area roads in no time flat!:yes:

MsTerieus - 11-10-2010 at 07:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
Bingo DavidE! If you have the time, research a Subaru mechanic or shop in Ensenada. Bring a book in BOTH languages, so you understand what is going on as well! If no Subaru specialist can be found in Ensenada, and you want the car tip-top from the get-go, get all repairs, service, and a complete inspection done before you bring it into Mexico. After the timing belt is done, unless you have a major issue, it will be normal service and wear and tear. Oh, depending on mileage, you might as well throw four struts on it now. You will kill the stock units on the Punta Banda/Ensenada area roads in no time flat!:yes:


The car has only 40,000 miles on it. (Otherwise, I don't think I'd be going to all this trouble for the old, less-than-beautiful old car.) Struts? I am guessing they have to do with the shock absorbers??? :?:

DENNIS - 11-10-2010 at 07:34 PM

Sell it today. This thing is way more trouble than it's worth.

monoloco - 11-10-2010 at 07:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by MsTerieus
Since I could get the parts in the U.S. before I picked up the car, if I had to, I don't think parts are the main issue. What I think I need to know about is the cost of labor. Gee, Nomads -- doesn't anybody get their car fixed in Baja? Do you all drive them back to the U.S. when it's time for repairs?
Mechanics in the states charge way more, I have a nice Subaru that had body damage when I bought it, the cheapest repair estimate in Oregon that I had was $2700, I had it fixed in Todos Santos for 3250 pesos, and he did a very good job.

bajabass - 11-10-2010 at 07:41 PM

In your initial post, you mentioned "timer, and other belts", I assumed you meant timing belt. Most 2000 Subarus have a lot more than 40k miles on them. A timing belt should not be needed until 80 or 90k miles on that car. Yes, struts are the same thing as shocks, just bigger, more expensive, and more time consuming to replace. My wife killed a rear strut on an 09 Honda Element in one trip to La Paz and back, at 18k miles. Have them checked, because it will run into some serious $, but believe me, driving anywhere in Baja just tears them up.

DENNIS - 11-10-2010 at 07:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
driving anywhere in Baja just tears them up.



How true. Baja is no place for a nice car.........hate to say it.

bajabass - 11-10-2010 at 08:14 PM

How many have you torn up Dennis? Just with the streets of Ensenada and the road to Punta Banda, I'll bet a few.

MsTerieus - 11-10-2010 at 08:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
In your initial post, you mentioned "timer, and other belts", I assumed you meant timing belt. Most 2000 Subarus have a lot more than 40k miles on them. A timing belt should not be needed until 80 or 90k miles on that car. Yes, struts are the same thing as shocks, just bigger, more expensive, and more time consuming to replace. My wife killed a rear strut on an 09 Honda Element in one trip to La Paz and back, at 18k miles. Have them checked, because it will run into some serious $, but believe me, driving anywhere in Baja just tears them up.


Thanks, Bass. The car has been in (rainy, cold) WA for 10 years, and has never been garaged. Maybe it was not always timely serviced. The Vashon Island, WA mechanic (whom I know a bit and trust) said: Two belts in front of car are worn, (one has dry rot). For that reason, he suspects the same problem with timing belt. (Won't know until he takes things apart.) Brakes are at 20%. I could "get away" with leaving rear brakes alone, but (at least, if I were driving car from WA to Bay Area or farther, which was my earlier plan) front brakes should be replaced.

bajabass - 11-10-2010 at 08:32 PM

I was thinking it was an age issue. Do everything he suggests within reason, maybe hoses, thermostat and fresh coolant also. The better shape it is in when it gets there, the longer you will be trouble free!

MsTerieus - 11-10-2010 at 08:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Sell it today. This thing is way more trouble than it's worth.


LOL -- you may be right; I am in a quandary about what to do with it. (The car CANNOT be sold, however, at least, not before 12/17/2011. That is part of the "complicated" and "long story," which is best not told in a public forum.)

The Subaru is the most "appropriate" car I "have" for driving in Baja. Obviously (just based on the posts in this thread alone) my Jaguar XK8 convertible is not too appropriate. (And NO -- I WON'T sell it!) My other car is a 1993 Mazda MX-6. That car, while junky enough not to worry about what happens to it in Baja, is not the best car for Baja, and it may not last too much longer. So, if I can put the (4-wheel drive!) Subaru into good repair for, say $1,350 (that includes the tires that it needs, which I did not mention previously; it does NOT include the $600 cost to ship it from WA to San Diego, though), then it may be worth the trouble. Where else could I get a reliable car to drive in Baja, with room to carry stuff, 4-wheel drive, and only 40,000 miles on it, for under $2,000? :?:

[Edited on 11-11-2010 by MsTerieus]

bajabass - 11-10-2010 at 08:48 PM

You can't! So, fix it right, or bite the bullet, and buy a low mile, used 4x4 small truck or SUV. A much more suitable vehicle, but 10-20k! I just turned in an 09 Tundra 4x4, for a low mile 06 Tundra 4x4, saved darn near 20k, on a truck I know I will destroy! :o

DENNIS - 11-10-2010 at 09:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
How many have you torn up Dennis? Just with the streets of Ensenada and the road to Punta Banda, I'll bet a few.



I'm in the process of ruining one right now. It's a strippy '97 Nissan pickup and I do my best to not abuse it. It's perfect for here. It's just starting to rattle a little here and there. It can't be helped. The potholes will take their toll in time.
Anyway, another hundred thou and I'll probably have to park it.
That's OK. I'll get another one plus I have an '08 Wrangler Sahara in the garage with less that 2500 miles. I won't have to walk.

MsTerieus - 11-10-2010 at 10:06 PM

Dennis, is your mechanic in Ensenada proper? Do you think he'd need a Subaru owner's manual en espanol? As for parts, I'm thinking that importing parts to Baja could be a big pain with the Customs guys. Any way to check and see if the particular parts I need are readily available there? (And do you know if there is any mark-up due to the fact that they may need to be imported to Mexico?)

Thanks

newer car repair in mex

captkw - 11-10-2010 at 11:57 PM

HOLA,as a master mec,that has lived in baja 32 winters,I can tell you , the ole days of these boys can fix anything is long over!!!!your sub is feul injected, ele ign. system that is way past these great folks... best to have worked on north of the border!!! I know I might get some flak for saying the truth..but that is where we stand today in repair..I stand tall with friends down here,but if I broke my arm and needed some engine repair on my volvo.....not till my arm was moving again!!!!

woody with a view - 11-11-2010 at 12:28 AM

if you have to ask, you can't afford it............................

DENNIS - 11-11-2010 at 08:29 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MsTerieus
Dennis, is your mechanic in Ensenada proper? Do you think he'd need a Subaru owner's manual en espanol? As for parts, I'm thinking that importing parts to Baja could be a big pain with the Customs guys. Any way to check and see if the particular parts I need are readily available there? (And do you know if there is any mark-up due to the fact that they may need to be imported to Mexico?)

Thanks



Is he proper??? I'll have to think about that one.
If I recall, your list of complaints covers the most mundane of mechanic's chores. A brake job....replace some belts...change the struts...what else? Plugs? This is all junior mechanic stuff.
Just buy the parts and throw them into the trunk of your car and forget about them till you need them.
Your car isn't hi-tek. It's a beater just like mine. If it required an engine rebuild, I'd say bring along the manual, but changeing brakes or a belt doesn't call for a PhD.

You're making this whole thing hard on yourself by thinking their are international ramifications and mechanical engineering issues involved in the job. Do yourself a favor and quit looking at a tune-up through the eyes of a lawyer.
You worry too much.

MsTerieus - 11-11-2010 at 10:34 AM

Dennis,

Thanks for your advice. The only thing car needs & you didn't mention (specifically) is timing belt. I really want all repairs made asap after I enter Baja (especially having timing belt checked).

May I infer from your reply that (a) your mechanic works in the city of Ensenada, (b) he does not need a Suburu manual in Espanol (not MY idea -- it was suggested in this thread)?

Thank you

PS: "Try not to worry so much" is what my father often used to say to me (even long BEFORE I was a lawyer). :(

DENNIS - 11-11-2010 at 10:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MsTerieus
Dennis,

Thanks for your advice. The only thing car needs & you didn't mention (specifically) is timing belt. I really want all repairs made asap after I enter Baja (especially having timing belt checked).

May I infer from your reply that (a) your mechanic works in the city of Ensenada, (b) he does not need a Suburu manual in Espanol (not MY idea -- it was suggested in this thread)?




Timing belt / chain....no problem for this guy.
He works out here in Punta Banda. Makes house calls.
Believe me....if this guy wasn't capable and the best available, I wouldn't be mentioning him. I don't owe him anything and he has plenty of work.

If you end up taking your car down to the campground mechanic [no names] that some of your neighbors will say is "really good," like they would know, well, you're on your own.

By the way, if the timing belt is going to be checked, just change it. Put one on your list of things to bring down.
.
.





[Edited on 11-11-2010 by DENNIS]

MsTerieus - 11-11-2010 at 10:56 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Timing belt / chain....no problem for this guy.
He works out here in Punta Banda. Makes house calls.
Believe me....if this guy wasn't capable and the best available, I wouldn't be mentioning him. I don't owe him anything and he has plenty of work.


Right in PB, AND makes house calls? Sounds swell! :spingrin:

Thanks!

DENNIS - 11-11-2010 at 11:03 AM

Hope you saw my PS about the belt/chain...whatever your car has.

MsTerieus - 11-11-2010 at 11:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Hope you saw my PS about the belt/chain...whatever your car has.


Yes, saw it. Will get one.

KASHEYDOG - 11-11-2010 at 09:53 PM

Hey, MsTerieus !!!
What are you thinking?? :?: Your original post said you had $750 worth of repairs to do. So just how much do you think you're going to "save" by getting the work done in Baja, maybe a couple hundred bucks???
Now, having said that let's look at the big picture. You can spend whatever it takes to get the car in GOOD running condition by a reliable mechanic and good parts availability. Or you can take your chances with poor parts availability and a mechanic who has very little experience with Subaru. :?::?: Let's see, how many days can you go without car in Ensenada?? And who are you going to take it back to when it's screwed up. :?: Why are you even thinking about forfeiting reliability for the sake of a few dollars????????

Want my advise?? Drive it to San Diego. Take it to the Subaru dealer in Chula Vista. Spend "whatever" it takes to make the car right and enjoy Baja from a dependable car. You really don't need to start living in Baja with a car that is always on the side of the road and you walking home.

Or as Dennis said, sell it and get a real Baja car.:yes:

That's my 2 cents. But what would I know, I'm just an old LEXUS car salesman. But my philosophy has always been " do it right and never sacrifice dependability for a few pesos". Life is too short to be screwing around with the small stuff.:lol:

MsTerieus - 11-11-2010 at 10:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
Hey, MsTerieus !!!
What are you thinking?? :?: Your original post said you had $750 worth of repairs to do. So just how much do you think you're going to "save" by getting the work done in Baja, maybe a couple hundred bucks???


Hey, Kashey! Long time, no "see." I appreciate your concern. However, you should understand that I likely will have another care (or 2), so I'm not too worried about being without a car in Baja. And since I am about to retire (early), I do need to watch my spending. A savings of $200 off of $735 would be worth it, to me, under the circumstances.

Also - I don't believe that there aren't good mechanics in Baja who know how to fix 10-year-old Japanese cars. Basically, I agree with what Dennis posted, and I plan to take his advice.

PS: I'm sending you a U2U with more details. As stated above, it's complicated. : }

[Edited on 11-12-2010 by MsTerieus]

Mexican Tires?

MsTerieus - 11-11-2010 at 11:08 PM

Sorry -- one more question. The Subaru needs new tires soon. I originally figured that I should buy them in the U.S. (e.g., from Tirerack.com). However, I did a quick Google search and found that some name-brand tires are made in Mexico. So, am I just as well off waiting and buying them in Baja, which would be more convenient for me??

Bob and Susan - 11-12-2010 at 05:58 AM

i just did this "tire exercise" in oct...

tires are double $$ in mexico

i usually go to "discount tire/americas tire"
their service cannot be beat but
now since "after sale" service doesn't matter...
price is the ONLY factor

this time i found "walmart" was the cheapest by 5%
mounted, balanced, stems, tax... "out the door"
i shopped 5 tire stores in southern california

edit: so you can compare
$148 for 2 tires
mounted, balanced, new stems, tax... out the door
size: 205-75-14
date code indicated tires were 4 months old

that's $74 a tire
best deal i found


[Edited on 11-12-2010 by Bob and Susan]

DENNIS - 11-12-2010 at 07:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MsTerieus
A savings of $200 off of $735 would be worth it, to me, under the circumstances.





I think you'll do better than that.

Buy your tires here. If you want good, you can get them, Michilins, at Costco. If your destination is Puerto Escondido, run your old tires to the bone, then replace them. Given the road up to there, it won't take long.

The mechanic, Vicente, is almost always available. He's been a star here on Nomad in the past with Al G's motor home. Don't worry about him. If he sees a job he's not familiar with, such as automatic transmissions or electronics, he'll let you know.

If I ever decide to move back to the states, I'm taking him with me. He has me spoiled. :lol:

DENNIS - 11-12-2010 at 07:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
i usually go to "discount tire/americas tire"



That's my choice as well. Just thought she may want to spend as little time in the SD area as possible.

One thing, and I hope she sees it here....you can't bring unmounted tires through the border so that scratches the idea, should it come up, of buying them up there and having them mounted down here.

I know you know that, Bob. Not everybody does.

My 2 cents

bajaguy - 11-12-2010 at 07:55 AM

MsTerieus

Buy your battery and tires at Les Schwab (plenty of stores in WA, OR and norCal) and buy your repair parts at a Subaru dealer. bring the parts with you and have Dennis's guy do the install............you will be much happier :spingrin:

DENNIS - 11-12-2010 at 08:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
MsTerieus

Buy your battery and tires at Les Schwab (plenty of stores in WA, OR and norCal) and buy your repair parts at a Subaru dealer. bring the parts with you and have Dennis's guy do the install............you will be much happier :spingrin:


Yeah....definitly get your battery NOB. It's a quality thing.

He just put struts on Big Mike's car yesterday.

.

[Edited on 11-12-2010 by DENNIS]

Cyanide41 - 11-12-2010 at 09:24 AM

I bought my BF Goodrich tires at Tersa in Tijuana, and saved $400 over the cheepest place I could find them in the US. They even aligned the car after install. On the other hand, we priced the tires for a friends truck and the savings were only $35.

[Edited on 11-12-2010 by Cyanide41]

MsTerieus - 11-12-2010 at 10:09 AM

Wow, so many different opinions/experiences, and lots of good advice. Thanks, all! I'm having the battery bought and installed in WA, because otherwise the car won't run, and it's harder to ship a car that way. I already asked the WA mechanic to order all parts but tires (its just easier that way -- they can be shipped with the car). I was worried about bringing unmounted tires into Baja, so I sort of thought I'd buy them from Tirerack.com, have them shipped to S.D. then mounted in S.D., which would not be terribly convenient, though it would be do-able.

HOWEVER, I assume I should get "all terrain" tires (?) Tirerack. com didn't have them in the size I need. So I think I'll wait and hope to find some in Baja that are not too expen$ive.

Thanks again, all!


[Edited on 11-12-2010 by MsTerieus]

MsTerieus - 11-12-2010 at 10:13 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cyanide41
I bought my BF Goodrich tires at Tersa in Tijuana, and saved $400 over the cheepest place I could find them in the US. They even aligned the car after install. On the other hand, we priced the tires for a friends truck and the savings were only $35.


LOL -- considering that I only want to SPEND $400, those tires must be pretty fancy! Sounds like a good deal; I'll make a note of "Tersa".

MsTerieus - 11-12-2010 at 10:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
The mechanic, Vicente, is almost always available. He's been a star here on Nomad in the past with Al G's motor home. Don't worry about him. If he sees a job he's not familiar with, such as automatic transmissions or electronics, he'll let you know.


I'm glad the Subaru's transmission is OK, then: it's an automatic. :)

DENNIS - 11-12-2010 at 11:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by MsTerieus
LOL -- considering that I only want to SPEND $400, those tires must be pretty fancy! Sounds like a good deal; I'll make a note of "Tersa".



They're in Ensenada as well.

You seem inclined to do some of these things here...for some reason. I would be more inclined to do it up there. Get it over with at a better price.
Oh well.....your call.

MsTerieus - 11-12-2010 at 11:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
You seem inclined to do some of these things here...for some reason. I would be more inclined to do it up there. Get it over with at a better price.Oh well.....your call.


I'm confused -- I thought you were suggesting that I do much of the stuff in Baja. (?) Please see U2U...

Subaru

bajaguy - 11-12-2010 at 01:39 PM

What size tires????

MsTerieus - 11-12-2010 at 02:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
What size tires????


They are 225/60/16. And I just figured out that all-terrains don't come in that size. :( Tirerack.com tole me I COULD use 215/60/16, and Yokahama makes an all-terrain tire that size, but each tire is about $30 more than the all season tires I would otherwise have put on the car. Is it worth it?

[Edited on 11-12-2010 by MsTerieus]

tires

captkw - 11-12-2010 at 02:28 PM

GOOD GREIF!!!:?:

P.S. tires

captkw - 11-12-2010 at 02:31 PM

by the way, oil is twice the price,down here!!!:P

P.S. IF COMING SUR

captkw - 11-12-2010 at 02:34 PM

1st or 2nd pemex in constatution is a ripoff,...pass it along..:fire:going southbound,that is...

monoloco - 11-12-2010 at 06:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
MsTerieus

Buy your battery and tires at Les Schwab (plenty of stores in WA, OR and norCal) and buy your repair parts at a Subaru dealer. bring the parts with you and have Dennis's guy do the install............you will be much happier :spingrin:
Les Schwab offers good service but you will pay a lot more for your tires.

Tires

bajaguy - 11-12-2010 at 07:59 PM

Stay with the 225's.......you will have "a little" more road clearance. All terrains on a Subie would be cool.........that road up to Puerto Escondito looks like it could be a mess when wet or in the rain.

MsTerieus - 11-12-2010 at 09:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Stay with the 225's.......you will have "a little" more road clearance


I don't understand: What does section width (225 vs. 215) have to do with road clearance? Isn't road clearance affected by the tire's diameter?

bajaguy - 11-12-2010 at 10:24 PM

225/60-16 diameter is 26.6"
215/60-16 diameter is 26.2"

Bigger is better.......or so "they" say

MsTerieus - 11-12-2010 at 10:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
225/60-16 diameter is 26.6"
215/60-16 diameter is 26.2"

Bigger is better.......or so "they" say


I see. Thank you! :)

rhintransit - 11-13-2010 at 08:41 AM

if your mechanic thinks you might need a timing belt...do it there asap. one dead timing belt and you've got one dead engine. the rest of the repairs...parts and cost...will be irrelevant.

MsTerieus - 11-13-2010 at 10:21 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rhintransit
if your mechanic thinks you might need a timing belt...do it there asap. one dead timing belt and you've got one dead engine. the rest of the repairs...parts and cost...will be irrelevant.


Thanks. That's exactly what he told me! : }

timing belt

captkw - 11-14-2010 at 04:49 PM

as a master mec, mmm im not a good typer,so ,lets do this..1..if you dont know the miles on the belt,,,have it changed!!! 2....if you know the belt has not bee changed in 50 k,have it changed...3 also replace the tesnior and water pump at the same time on most moters and some subs have 2 timing belts and some have none...aka chains and gears,but rare for us market..what ...model...year...milage????? from a master tech:coolup:

MsTerieus - 11-14-2010 at 06:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
as a master mec, mmm im not a good typer,so ,lets do this..1..if you dont know the miles on the belt,,,have it changed!!! 2....if you know the belt has not bee changed in 50 k,have it changed...3 also replace the tesnior and water pump at the same time on most moters and some subs have 2 timing belts and some have none...aka chains and gears,but rare for us market..what ...model...year...milage????? from a master tech:coolup:


Thanks. I sent you a U2U...