BajaNomad - SUV's - Powered by XMB

SUV's

bajalearner - 2-12-2012 at 12:43 PM

Why not an SUV about 7 years old with 100k miles. For about $15k I understand you could buy a Toyota Sequoia. Much life left in one that was cared for.

TMW - 2-12-2012 at 01:11 PM

I don't think it would matter much whether it's a Chevy or Ford or Toyota or whatever. Chevy's and Ford's would have more parts available due to their wide use in Mexico. Toyota has proven to be extremely reliable. So it may be a wash. What ever you get get a carfax on it and have a mechanic you trust look it over and drive it for peace of mind if nothing else.

Bob and Susan - 2-12-2012 at 01:25 PM

soulpatch...is this for your "wifes family"
or for your wife and family?

if its for you...buy new...why did you work all your life?
to suffer with "old car" repairs in a place with NO PARTS

remember...you can't take it with you

Bajatripper - 2-12-2012 at 02:31 PM

Soulpatch
I did a quick search of Consumer Reports recommendations for what you're looking for. Only three products among the GMCs and Fords earn "very good" marks from them: the '02 Chevy Tahoe, the '02 Ford Expedition and the '02 GMC Yukon. 2002 must have been a great year for US-made SUVs.

Surprisingly (to me), Nissan had only "average" recommendations for all their SUVs of that era. Toyota had lots of "very good" listings back then.

Hope that helps a little.

PS--What's up with the "mainland" destination? I thought you came down here (Baja) to investigate where to live locally. If you'd hooked up with me as we tried to do, you wouldn't have settled for the mainland :lol:

[Edited on 2-12-2012 by Bajatripper]

Roberto - 2-12-2012 at 02:57 PM

As we say in the software business, satisfaction = expectations - delivery.

So, what are you looking for in this vehicle?

Frankly, if size is not a big issue, I would look at a 4Runner, especially if you want off-road capability.

Otherwise, I would consider a Ford Explorer. Don't buy a Chevy Tahoe, regardless of "ratings", or an Expedition. Most of these ratings are based on highway and city driving in the U.S. Mexico is a different story, as we know.

Bob and Susan - 2-12-2012 at 03:50 PM

best truck so far was a dodge crew cab 4 door short bed diesel

it was like driving a race car
a fine machine

i have a ford now...its a "pretty-boy" truck

Bajatripper - 2-12-2012 at 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto

Otherwise, I would consider a Ford Explorer. Don't buy a Chevy Tahoe, regardless of "ratings", or an Expedition. Most of these ratings are based on highway and city driving in the U.S. Mexico is a different story, as we know.

You are right when it comes to where most of the miles are piled up on vehicles that CR reports on. That said, there is a lot to be said about their vehicle tests. Most American brands usually do pretty bad in their ratings. The three I mentioned are the exception, for what it's worth.

When I'm not talking about classics, I'm a Toyota person myself.

J.P. - 2-12-2012 at 04:41 PM

About 4 years ago I purchased a Suburban that that been a Fire dept. comand car. it was so clean you could eat off the undercarrige. It is 4wd. I bought it to pull a toyhauler we had. The thing has been all over Baja.and still runs like a fire horse. Yes its a GAS HOG. but I paid cash for it and the difference in gas ,insurance and maintnance, more than ofsets the price of the Gas. as you said I will drive it untill the doors fall off.

comitan - 2-12-2012 at 04:46 PM

I'm definitely a Toyota Person, but have had a 99 Chevy ASTRO AWD all over baja the last 5 years and its been the most reliable vehicle you could ever want and 3 row seating lots of room, last year made 2005 a lot cheaper.

Roberto - 2-12-2012 at 04:52 PM

If you're thinking pickup. Ford has the best Cab/Bed combination by far. It's why I bought mine, and I'm glad I did. We have travelled for days with four kids and a dog with no real space issues. Suggestion: build a platform that fills the space between rear/front seats. Between the two rear seats, it makes all the difference. When Toby was not full grown, he would travel in the middle front seat with three in the back, but I know that's not your situation.

Get A crew cab long bed F350 with 7.3 Diesel. Bulletproof. BIG. Widely available. End of discussion. This thing will do ANYTHING, without breaking a sweat. Well, maybe not the Rubicon trail, but you can always put one of those toy Jeeps in the bed for that. :lol:

Roberto - 2-12-2012 at 05:07 PM

I hear you bro, and feel the same way.

Islandbuilder - 2-12-2012 at 05:10 PM

Wife's car: 2000 Ford Exploder w/ 160k on the clock. Has the small V-6 and gets 20 mog around town, and about 25 on the highway. #3 son totalled it3 Christmases ago, we bought it back, put a windshield and new mirror on it, and are driving it still. No major mechanical issues.

Me: 97 F-150 extended cab. 175K. New engine 50k ago (D in Law drove it out of oil while I was in Alaska). No other major mechanical issues. 18 mpg highway and 15 in town and on dirt. A bit weak for hauling and pulling. Has the V-8 replacement for the amazing 300 CI 6 cylinder. The early models had issues with small oil passages, I think repaired later on.

I don't need to put fuel in something that weighs 3 tons on a daily basis. When I need to haul something big and heavy I'll just call Roberto! :spingrin:

Roberto - 2-12-2012 at 05:13 PM

No problem bro, I'll be there for ya! :biggrin:

FYI, I get 15 mpg. Don't matter if I'm empty or taking your toy to the mechanic.

(Just kidding).

[Edited on 2-13-2012 by Roberto]

TLC

BFS - 2-12-2012 at 06:47 PM

Of all the baja rigs I have been in the hands down smoothest most capable I have been in mid 90's Land Cruiser. Amazing on washboard and rough terrain.

David K - 2-12-2012 at 06:51 PM

Oh what a feeling!

Lee - 2-12-2012 at 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Get A crew cab long bed F350 with 7.3 Diesel. Bulletproof. BIG. Widely available. End of discussion. This thing will do ANYTHING, without breaking a sweat. Well, maybe not the Rubicon trail, but you can always put one of those toy Jeeps in the bed for that. :lol:

Still have my '06 F350 Lariat Crew 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel (rated at 325 hp and 570 lb-ft. ) 4 Firestone airbags, 20'' tires, tow up to 19,200 pounds. It's a monster and feels indestructible.

Towing gets between 10-15mpg; not towing highway: 20-23mpg. Hey it's a one-ton.

Diver - 2-12-2012 at 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BFS
Of all the baja rigs I have been in the hands down smoothest most capable I have been in mid 90's Land Cruiser. Amazing on washboard and rough terrain.

The Land Cruiser gets my vote for best SUV style vehicle.
Ford truck are great but don't buy an 03 or 04, 6.0L diesel !!!

Hook - 2-12-2012 at 07:49 PM

I own one of the famous 7.3 L Ford diesels.

But for your purposes, I'd agree that a Land Cruiser or a Sequoia would be the way to go.

Where are you thinking on the Dark Side, er, mainland, amigo?

Ateo - 2-12-2012 at 08:39 PM

Used land cruiser.

Crew Cabs

bajaguy - 2-12-2012 at 08:40 PM

'Patch...........

Have two trucks..........a 2011 Dodge 4x4 crew cab diesel short bed with a camper shell and a 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 short bed with a camper shell.........all the benefits of a SUV, but if needed can take off the shell and have a truck.

Our two labs ride in the "Way Back" (bed) and that leaves plenty of room in the cab for 4 to 6 adults.........if the dogs want to participate we open the window between the truck and the shell......

We looked at SUV's, but decided the trucks were the way to go......it also keeps dog hair off of us and out of the passenger compartment, and no more dog slobber........an added benefit is the Baja cops don't hassle us about dogs being in the passenger compartment :lol:

Credit Union

bajaguy - 2-12-2012 at 09:25 PM

Check with local Credit Unions..........they may have a vehicle that needs a new owner!!

El Jefe - 2-13-2012 at 07:22 AM

Well here's another car to think about. We bought a 2005 Honda Pilot last year for 14K and have been bashing it down our crappy road to great effect ever since. It is one of the smoothest cars we've ever been in on the dirt. Full time all wheel drive works great, although I wouldn't drive it down the beach. It's a pretty solid ride. We've hauled eight people in it from the airport. Two were kids. No complaints.
We see a lot of Hondas down here. There is a dealership in town.
Just a thought.

aguachico - 2-13-2012 at 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
Ford truck are great but don't buy an 03 or 04, 6.0L diesel !!!

Diver is right about the early 6.0 international in the Ford Super Duty truck.

Do a lot a reasearch and you will find disasters with that cooling system.

I have a '04 f250 4x4 XLT. I got it with 70k 6 years ago. It has 185k on it now with only replceing the FICM $900. The starter/batteries/altenator normal wear. Luckily I had alot of work done oon her under warranty. Injectors,wiring harness, turno tubing, king pings.

If you find this engine cheap, install a cooling bypass and longer head bolts and she will run forever.

I also use AMSoil synthetic every 15k miles instead of the 25k miles.

suerte

Art

MMc - 2-13-2012 at 02:49 PM

Look at 4x4 van They are easy and cheap to pick-up. I know 2 people that have and both love them. The families have 5 and 6 members and large dogs, they carry all of them comfortably. Both couples picked them up used, cheap. Both wives think they big to drive, but got used to them.
I prefer a extended full sized with a shell, but there are only 2 of us no dog. MMc

aguachico - 2-13-2012 at 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Was it only the '03 and '04 diesel with those issues?

The main issues were the EGR and bolts in the head gasket. The minor major problems throw a dart at the motor and you got it. Reading the forums, it got better with '05-'06. Not sure when the next gen motors were released.

KNOCK ON WOOD.

My mechanic still cannot believe I have 185k on the same EGR cooler. He believes I may have received a better made EGR in the later '04 models.

I believe it is because I maintain her well and everything is stock. Coolant, belts, AMSOIL and air filters. I also run at 70mph 50% of the time. I would throw another $5k into her to keep her running in a heart beat because she runs so damn well. My tranny guy says wear in minimum, but she is not as peppy when I first got her. The tranny fan goes on when I'm loaded and towing thru the El Rosario pass, but it has never gotten hot.

There are a lot of articles out there on the bad and ugly of these international engines.

Sprocket - 2-14-2012 at 09:07 AM

If you are moving to the mainland, I would look into a Nissan crew cab and put a shell on it. They are easy to drive and your wife will really enjoy it. The price is right and you will be able to locate needed parts in Mexico. You will not find anything for a ford diesel in Baja or Mainland cause they dont sell them there. The problem with big trucks in Mexico is parking if you drive it every day and it even worse in bigger cities.
As for suv I would look into Ford exploder or a 4 runner (stay away from the 3.0).
good luck.

comitan - 2-14-2012 at 10:35 AM

You do not want to be driving a large vehicle on the city streets of Mainland Mexico. :rolleyes:

bigzaggin - 2-14-2012 at 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Hmm, plenty of those Nissan Titans on Trucktrader for very reasonable and low mileage.
I'll have to do some research.

I'm guessing there's a good reason for that.

Go Tundra with a shell.

J.P. - 2-14-2012 at 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Hmm, plenty of those Nissan Titans on Trucktrader for very reasonable and low mileage.
I'll have to do some research.

I'm guessing there's a good reason for that

Those titans are realllllllllll Gas Hoggssssssssssss :lol:

aguachico - 2-14-2012 at 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Sure wish I could get a Toyota SUV with their diesel engine in it.
Maybe I should look in Canada.
Have to check out the Nissan.
Thanks

Have a friend that stuck a hyundai diesel in a landrover. It gets mad mileage and has has killer power,

Bajatripper - 2-16-2012 at 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Hmm, plenty of those Nissan Titans on Trucktrader for very reasonable and low mileage.
I'll have to do some research.

I'm guessing there's a good reason for that.

Go Tundra with a shell.

The older Titans are full of black circles (BAD) on the Consumer Report ratings, I'd avoid them.

bigzaggin - 2-16-2012 at 07:48 PM

You're thinking right. Had mine for 10 years and nary a single complaint. If you've got any leftover scratch, get a Caravan Camper shell. They are hands down the toughest, most functional camper shells on earth (and I have tried them ALL). They're not cheap and you've gotta go pick 'em up (in Reno) but they are SOOOOO worth it.

Throw one of those on your Tundra and you've got a bonafide Baja machine.

Bajamatic - 2-16-2012 at 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin
They are hands down the toughest, most functional camper shells on earth

Can't help but comment on this hyperbolic post.

1) i bet you haven't tried them all. Just a hunch.

2) the handle on those shells has caused more than enough problems in mex, including a military checkpoint at which the back was unable to opened - potential disaster, to warrant looking for another brand.

3) seriously. There are maybe 5 massive exaggerations in your post. It's fun to claim your bran loyalty but really? "hands down the toughest... on earth?"

Puh-leez

:lol:

One problem

bajaguy - 2-17-2012 at 09:13 AM

One problem with those heavy camper shells is that they are tough to get off/on the truck if you need the truck bed to haul stuff.

'Patch, if you ever make it to Ensenada, stop by and I'll show you my two rigs. You and your wife can drive 'em and see how they work out.

[Edited on 2-17-2012 by bajaguy]

bigzaggin - 2-17-2012 at 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajamatic

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin
They are hands down the toughest, most functional camper shells on earth

1.) You are correct BM, I have not tried every single make/model of available camper on the international market. However, over 3 trucks in the last 20 years, I have tried Snugtop, A.R.E. & Leer, all three of which were plastic garbage by contrast to Caravan. Cheap, tinny parts, floppy doors and a sense that at any off-road moment, they might crumble. Caravan is like having an ambulance on your truck...unbreakable.

2.) Guilty as charged! After almost ten years on my truck, the rear handle has stiffened up. I'm gonna get at with some of the more specialized tools in my shed, aka "lubricant" and an "Allen wrench." :biggrin:

3.) Do not question my bran loyalty. I've been eating Kellog's All-Bran for decades. And I am regular.

Soulpatch - They are not cheap and yes, their website could use a revamping (but when you meet Dale - who handmakes shells with his son - you'll quickly realize internet savvy might not be their game). Call for an estimate...but I'll say it again (and I have nothing whatsoever to do with the company), no camper shell is as tough. And with bright-as-hell rear external and interior lights, built into shelves, and a roof capacity of 2,000lbs, they were MADE for Baja.

Here's my little mule...

bigzaggin - 2-17-2012 at 11:48 AM

I can't help you there...but I bet a few Nomads can.

There does seem to be quite a bit of love for Alaskans.

Bajatripper - 2-17-2012 at 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
Thinking Tundra with the 5.7

Consumer Reports gives that excellent reviews, save for the '07 model, which has issues with the drive system.

But they do list the 5.7 as a "new" engine, so if you're looking for older models, they won't have it.

Bajamatic - 2-17-2012 at 06:37 PM

Re: the caravan door handles. Actually im talking handle design, not maintenance. If you pack the shell full, you better hope your load doesn't shift to the back (and good luck with that) or the handle becomes physically jammed. As a matter of fact, its jammed on me every time I've taken one to baja; that's an ugly stat. And since the shells are well made, good luck breaking in with your allen wrench and lube. Especially when theyre packed in the back. :?:

[Edited on 2-18-2012 by Bajamatic]

Bajatripper - 2-18-2012 at 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajamatic
And since the shells are well made, good luck breaking in with your allen wrench and lube. Especially when theyre packed in the back. :?:

So, would you say that they're burglar-proof once jammed?
Just trying to find a bright side here.

bigzaggin - 2-18-2012 at 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajamatic
As a matter of fact, its jammed on me every time I've taken one to baja;

Sounds like a case of archer, not the arrows. :lol:

And Bajatripper - they're not crime proof, but they're tough nuts. I'd way rather have some goon try to crack the double-reinforced locking rear doors than just jimmy open my Leer with a cactus spine!