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DianaT - 6-27-2012 at 10:56 PM

The attempt to turn this political killed it ---

But I did get some good ideas to think about. Thanks.

[Edited on 6-30-2012 by DianaT]

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 12:16 AM

In 2003, I bought my '03 1/2 Wrangler Rubicon - it has a 4.0l engine, 5 speed transmission, Air Conditioning, Hard Top, everything to make for a comfortable trip to Baja and back (to Southern CA).

With the Rubicon, I had done preventive maintenance, and the only problems I have had was related to;

The Water Pump gasket - failed near Puertecitos - but, 'Stop-Leak' kept my cooling system intact for the entire trip, including a 13 hr. day on the 'Mission Impossible' Trail - the Mrs. sat inside of the Jeep while it was 94 deg. F. on the trail.

The stock track bar (& bushings) - at 100,000 miles this caused poor handling. Handling has been restored.

Fuel sending unit - at 100,000 miles this caused an EVAP leak and a 'Check Engine' light to illuminate. Otherwise, the Jeep drove like it normally does.

Rear Shock Bar Pin Mount (passenger side) - Replaced with JKS Bar Pin Eliminators - the hollow tube that locates the shock absorber can bend and break. I bought a solid steel unit that is now unbreakable.

After 9 years, I can honestly say that if there was a trip to Baja this weekend, my Jeep would be ready to go (with me).

I bought my Jeep specifically for traveling the backcountry in Baja and I have been very satisfied with my purchase.

San Felipe

Progreso (Mexicali along Hwy 3) - Huitzi's Rubicon was modified with a roof rack because he is married with two young children. His setup worked PERFECTLY on the Pole Line Road - a 4WD route that SPELLED DOOM for an FJ Cruiser recently on Baja Nomad.

The Unlimited Wrangler (LJ) is a longer version of the Wrangler and only was produced from 2005 to 2006. It is more spacious and look where this LJ could go!

This late 90s Toyota Land Cruiser suffered from too much plastic skirting around it, making the driver leery of traveling along the Baja Pole Line Road. If you are going to bang up your vehicle in Baja, at least you shouldn't worry about it's aestetics like with your new Subaru.

High Clearance (near Cañon del Diablo)

Vulnerable Plastic Low Clearance products (thanks to plastic running boards, plastic air dams, plastic mud flaps, low-hanging trailer receiver hitch, etc)

Stock Rubicon Wranglers at Cohabuzo Junction

[Edited on 6-28-2012 by Ken Cooke]

BFS - 6-28-2012 at 08:05 AM

I have had an early 90's Ford F-150 for many years in Baja and it has broken down an average number of times I guess you could say. But the parts to fix it were always readily available even in the smallest auto parts stores. So I was always up and running very quickly. A good friend of mine has had a mid 90's Land Cruiser over that same time period and his vehicle never seemed to break down. The thing is amazing and once got stuck in the sand and the sea water made it up to the drivers seat before we could rescue it. It still ran. But...and this is a big but, when he did have break downs, even very minor ones, it was very difficult to get parts and he often had to wait weeks to get something imported. He once searched over 20 junkyards in La Paz for a starter solenoid and only came across 1 landcruiser.

DianaT

captkw - 6-28-2012 at 08:35 AM

Hola, I would suggest you write down on paper what you need first and then the next day ck said list again and update it...after a day or two you might have a answer that will fit your needs in a car/truck.. and myself have been all over baja with just 2 wheel drive and have not needed 4+4 yet..hell I have been to alaska to panama without a 4+4 that said yes once in a very rare time I wished what I was driving was 4+4 but not enough for to go along with extra complcations and less gas milage of a 4+4 and front wheel drive also itself is rather good in off road conditions..In my mind,it's more the driver than the car/truck...... and I am glad that ken loves his sweet jeep, but they are not a road cruiser and for the hwy a longer wheelbase is a sweeter ride..just my 1.5 centovo's...but if ken wants to sell me his rubicon CHEAP I take it in a second and leave at the house in bcs for beating the east cape up...K & T :cool:

mtgoat666 - 6-28-2012 at 08:47 AM

suggest you look at a number of SUVs that are less expensive than Land Cruiser and better-mannered than jeep on highways.

look at 4runner, either 2WD or 4WD. very comfy hwy cruisers, pretty capable on rough roads.

DavidE - 6-28-2012 at 08:54 AM

No matter what your considering buying put it up on a rack and check the underside for damage from off roading. Have the front end and suspension inspected by a pro.

When I did auto electrical I remember the magazine Consumer Reports issued reports about vehicle problems and what they listed for whatever kind of vehicle was so close to what I found in real life, it was spooky. i came to respect Consumer Reports for their vehicle breakdown issues over that.

David K - 6-28-2012 at 09:05 AM

Toyota 4runner, Mitsubishi Montero, Isuzu Trooper... all good SUVs and quality built, imo. Subarus are amazing, I owned three (back when they were 4WD, not AWD) 1977 to 1990's.

If the cost of Mexican insurance on your Subaru is the reason for another car, I am trying to figure out how buying a 4WD is cheaper than ~$100 a year more for insurance? Maybe shop around... My new 4WD 4 door Tacoma ($32K new) was less than $300 a year to insure for Mexico (full coverage, legal aid, etc.)

J.P. - 6-28-2012 at 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
Last year we sold our Tundra---it was time and we bought a new Subaru Outback that we really love. It is an amazing vehicle that just crawls through soft sand, even on steep hills, and never even thinks about spinning a wheel. It is great on dirt roads, even with washboard. But it is new so the Mexican Insurance is expensive and we don't like to see it all scratched up yet.

Thus --- our question and looking for some ideas and thoughts. We want a vehicle that we use strictly for going to Baja.

We are thinking about a used Jeep Wrangler --- looking for opinions as reliability is our first priority.
Also thinking about late 90s Toyota Land Cruiser or older

[Edited on 6-28-2012 by DianaT]

I had a 1998 Subaru Legacy G.T. that cut it's teeth in Baja. what other car will take you anywhere you want to go and still give you 30+ mpg on the road. If I was looking for a second car I would consider a older legacy station wagon ther are cheaper and more reliable than a Wrangler.

cars/trucks

captkw - 6-28-2012 at 09:46 AM

montereo/troopers cant hold a candle to a toyota !!!! as somebody that has worked on all three...the TOY'S win's hand's down..also for yor info..when I drove down to panama and back from texas (agh) I would find/see groups of toyota's from the states in group's heading south to be sold in centrail america...why ?....they run and run !!!

weebray - 6-28-2012 at 10:05 AM

The "J" in Jeep stands for JUNK. Audi is how you spell chit in German.

J.P. - 6-28-2012 at 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
montereo/troopers cant hold a candle to a toyota !!!! as somebody that has worked on all three...the TOY'S win's hand's down..also for yor info..when I drove down to panama and back from texas (agh) I would find/see groups of toyota's from the states in group's heading south to be sold in centrail america...why ?....they run and run !!!

Yeah you are right , Toyota's are kind of like a Harley If you break down you can find a part to fix it on the side of the road before you get to the next town. :lol:

DianaT - 6-28-2012 at 10:17 AM

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Ken, thanks for the details about repairs.
We are just beginning the process of looking at what we want to do, and appreciate ALL the input.

CAPTKW Toyota in Central America? Yes, they are everywhere including our old 1984 4x4 Pickup that was stolen down there. It is probably still running!

JP, as we are very impressed with our new Subaru, we have considered becoming a two Subaru family. :-) The AWD is so much better than we expected. A few days ago we crawled up a steep, soft, sandy road. We went very slowly because of the very deep holes caused by people spinning their wheels. The Subaru never hesitated!

DK -- our insurance through Bajabound is almost twice what you are paying --- we do have very complete coverage??? But insurance is not our only consideration. It is also because we plan on keeping this car for a very long time and we put over 1200 miles on it with every trip to Baja, and other considerations.

Thanks for all the ideas and hope to see more.

J.P. - 6-28-2012 at 10:31 AM

Once we were snooping around south of San Felipe ,as we went by this house a guy came running from this house hollering and waving his arms. I stopped and as he approached the car he said dont go that way I spend half my time pulling people out down there then as he looked the car over he said chitttt go ahead those dammmmm things will go anywhere. :lol:

desertcpl - 6-28-2012 at 10:51 AM

Quote:

Hook - 6-28-2012 at 10:55 AM

Steer AWAY from the Mitsubishi Monteros. They have statistically been one of the worst Japanese SUVs. Mitsubishi, as a whole, fairs poorly. This is based on Consumer's Report; by far the most thorough and unbiased research on the reliability of used cars.

I cant stress how important looking at the CR Buyer's guide is. They tend to only go back seven years BUT you can often find older copies that cover earlier years in public libraries.

A used 4Runner from the late 90s or early 2000s, with 4x4, would be a great choice.

Wranglers get mediocre MPG. 15-17 at best, with the 6 cylinder. Not that reliable, either, statistically. I own one and I love the ride on dirt. But you cant argue with the facts.

semi-new Subaru with reliability issues

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
If I was looking for a second car I would consider a older legacy station wagon ther are cheaper and more reliable than a Wrangler.

Rubicon saves the day

Assessing the problem on the older legacy station wagon

Helping the older legacy station wagon up the grade that the sputtering vehicle could not negotiate under its own power. :!:

Mileage numbers or part sourcing for Japanese vehicle

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Wranglers get mediocre MPG. 15-17 at best, with the 6 cylinder. Not that reliable, either, statistically. I own one and I love the ride on dirt. But you cant argue with the facts.

MPG in Baja is better when using non-Ethanol PEMEX gasoline and when driving at or below 55 m.p.g. due to aerodynamic characteristics of the Wrangler.

17 m.p.g. for a mix of off-road (non 4WD) and hwy driving was achieved in my 4.0l Rubicon with 4" suspension lift and 33" flotation tires.

The XJ Cherokee gets much better mileage due to its more aerodynamic shape and lighter weight.

I do agree that the 4 Runner is inexpensive and gets very good gas mileage. But, in the event of a breakdown, how difficult would part sourcing be? Mileage numbers or part sourcing would then become the concern, IMO.

This is fact, not opinion - just watch Baja Expedition 2006 part one to see how bad the 4 Runner driver has it while waiting for parts at Rancho Meling. He would have been off of the Observatory Road had that same low-speed roll happened in a Jeep Wrangler.

[Edited on 6-28-2012 by Ken Cooke]

J.P. - 6-28-2012 at 11:18 AM

Be Real that Subaru wasnt designed to pull that load on flat ground and you are comparing a 14 year old 2,500dlr car to a new 40,000 dlr Beast. :no:

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
Be Real that Subaru wasnt designed to pull that load on flat ground and you are comparing a 14 year old 2,500dlr car to a new 40,000 dlr Beast. :no:

My Rubicon pulled out a 7' Cypress tree last week in less than 3 minutes. It is true that the 4.0l Jeep engine has true stump-pulling power that the older Legacy wagon doesn't have. But, if I was in Baja - Hands down, I would choose my Rubicon over the more civilized 2WD Honda Pilot I drive most of the time.

Strength in numbers

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 11:37 AM

Another point - let's say you broke down and needed local assistance. What 4WD club member running his own Taller would be in better shape to help you out?

Chances are, he would be a member of a Jeep club than a Toyota club. Just check out the Baja4x4.org Forum Index for Jeep vs. Toyota activity

Have you heard of JEEPSPEED??? There's no Toyota (or Japanese vehicle, for that matter) on that page. :?:

Chances are, your well-qualified Baja Mechanic is also driving a rig that looks like one below :light:

J.P. - 6-28-2012 at 11:52 AM

Ken dont get me wrong I am not knocking Jeeps In the past I have owned Jeep's and if the wright Willys or pre 75 jeep came along I would snap it up I really need a project. :yes:

[Edited on 6-28-2012 by J.P.]

No TLC for this Jeep owner by Toyota Land Cruiser owner

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 12:02 PM

This Toyota Land Cruiser driver talked trash about Jeeps and Rubicons, but I proved them wrong - My shorter wheelbase Rubicon bottomed out on the steep, loose climb, but it went everywhere the longer/taller (35" tires) Land Cruiser went.

In fact, my tires were shorter, worn, but after 5 attempts, I made it up this loose climb - the same # as the Land Cruiser.

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
Ken dont get me wrong I am not knocking Jeeps In the past I have owned Jeep's and if the wright Willys or pre 75 jeep came along I would snap it up I really need a project. :yes:

[Edited on 6-28-2012 by J.P.]

I know it comes down to 75% driver, and 25% vehicle. But, in Baja, sometimes you need help through the soft stuff!LOL :lol:

DianaT - 6-28-2012 at 12:15 PM

desertcpl THANKS --- we are not quite there as to what we want, but may take you up on your offer when we decide. Yuma is not that far away from us to look at something.

Ken --- after what we have seen, I really think our Subaru would make it up that hill ---

Only negative with the new Outback was the original tires---absolute junk Continentals. We had 4 flats in less than 10,000 miles --- two in Montana and 2 in Baja and all caused by tiny, tiny objects including pea gravel! We changed to Geolanders which is the only all terrain tire that really fits the new wheel size and so far they are good. More choices may come in the future.

Again we are reading and digesting all of the suggestions! THANKS

Hook - 6-28-2012 at 12:16 PM

Somehow, I suspect all the things that Ken is showing Jeeps doing has little relevance to Diane. :biggrin:

toys,nissans and such

captkw - 6-28-2012 at 12:19 PM

Hola,amigo's....what is really strange in my travels is the FACT that I meet a lot of folks having a dog that wears shades and loves people is that folks from over seas are driving cool 4+4's with diesel's that are relly built well, like toys and nissan's that you can't get/order in the land of the "fee".....and american's don't relize that they dont get to pick and choose whats on the market..being I used to be calif. smog lic. I know something about calif. but why not fed. units be avable to the public....I have met a lot of folks in BCS with these NICE,COOL 4+4's and most of them are going over on the ferry to the mainland on their way down to the tip of south america..even by my standard's,,that's a cool journey..... :?:

K & T

J.P. - 6-28-2012 at 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
Hola,amigo's....what is really strange in my travels is the FACT that I meet a lot of folks having a dog that wears shades and loves people is that folks from over seas are driving cool 4+4's with diesel's that are relly built well, like toys and nissan's that you can't get/order in the land of the "fee".....and american's don't relize that they dont get to pick and choose whats on the market..being I used to be calif. smog lic. I know something about calif. but why not fed. units be avable to the public....I have met a lot of folks in BCS with these NICE,COOL 4+4's and most of them are going over on the ferry to the mainland on their way down to the tip of south america..even by my standard's,,that's a cool journey..... :?:

K & T

Couple years back we were down south and this guy was camped next to us and was driving one serious looking Toyota Diesel S.U.V. the only negetave I saw it was right hand drive, :wow:

rts551 - 6-28-2012 at 01:53 PM

Diane

consider a Jeep CJ5 to leave in Baja and use while you are there. Car would be for commuting only. 1200 miles 4-5 times a year not to bad.

If you are set on a car for commutes you are going to have to consider a low mileage 4x4 suv. more $$$$$. Toyota 4-runner or tacoma wth cap , or ford expolder or ranger with cap, etc. but low mileage and reliability becomes an issue since you are not in your teens any more :lol:

DianaT - 6-28-2012 at 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
Diane
since you are not in your teens any more :lol:

You noticed? :lol:

We are going back and forth on maybe having one we leave in Baja and I know of a really great looking Willys I would like to buy, and it is already in BCS. But the owner would probably want a small fortune for it. :biggrin:

[Edited on 6-28-2012 by DianaT]

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
.....and american's don't relize that they dont get to pick and choose whats on the market..

From my travels...

TALLINN, ESTONIA

TARAPOTO, PERU (Amazon)

TRUCKHAVEN HILLS, CALIFORNIA, USA

J.P. - 6-28-2012 at 02:42 PM

Quote:

Only negative with the new Outback was the original tires---absolute junk Continentals. We had 4 flats in less than 10,000 miles --- two in Montana and 2 in Baja and all caused by tiny, tiny objects including pea gravel! We changed to Geolanders which is the only all terrain tire that really fits the new wheel size and so far they are good. More choices may come in the future.

Again we are reading and digesting all of the suggestions! THANKS

In 1998 when I bought my Legacy G.T. it had the new 17in. wheels they were Bridgestone and I ruined one right out the gate. None to be had we called bridgestone and they pulled one off the production line and UPSed it to us That size was hard to get . When Cooper began making then I changed to Cooper

David K - 6-28-2012 at 02:54 PM

Diana an annual, full coverage policy when purchased with a club membership discount (Discover Baja or Baja Good Times) is how you have the best price and the best insurance.

No way is an annual policy for travelers who are in Baja a max. 90 days in a year, very expensive. This is the majority of American and Canadian vactioners I do believe.

Perhaps you are in Mexico longer than 90 days in a year or you are a resident of Mexico (not a 'tourist')... thus do not qualify for the savings offered?

For the comment on Mitsubishi and Isuzu not being as good as a Toyota... I was thinking when compared to an American brand, and in particular, J-E-E-P (Just Empty Every Pocket).

I owned a Jeep, my dad owned two... in fact I do like them... when they are not broken. I would own one if money was no object and I had a backup car for when the Jeep is not working... But then again, why not just get ONE vehicle that doesn't break down and is comfortable on the highway and off road. No road or lack of road has stopped me in my Tacoma to get anywhere in Baja I have wanted to go. The same truck is my daily driver, business truck here in Alta California.

Pure off road only, cargo space not an issue: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.
All around great vehicle: Any Toyota 4WD, what ever size you need.

Ken

captkw - 6-28-2012 at 02:58 PM

whats the word on those porsche's ??? are they fufu or a real off road ride??? and its hard to beat a good ole 4-runner for a all around baja rig!!! K & T :cool:

DianaT - 6-28-2012 at 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Diana an annual, full coverage policy when purchased with a club membership discount (Discover Baja or Baja Good Times) is how you have the best price and the best insurance.

No way is an annual policy for travelers who are in Baja a max. 90 days in a year, very expensive. This is the majority of American and Canadian vactioners I do believe.

.. But then again, why not just get ONE vehicle that doesn't break down and is comfortable on the highway and off road.

We used to buy our insurance through Discover Baja and found it to be the same price as BajaBound and we have no reason to belong to Discover Baja. Maybe in the last five years that has changed. Again, our coverage is very complete --- top of the line since it is a new car. Both Discover Baja and BajaBound have lots of choices --- pretty much the same choices-- and please don't say NO way is a 90 day policy very expensive because it can be with top of the line coverage----high dollar amounts on accidents, medical, etc. You are quite incorrect.

We have that one all around vehicle already.

INSURE

captkw - 6-28-2012 at 03:30 PM

I used to get the vagabundo named driver policy and it coverd me for a whole year and I could drive anybodys car and was coverd !!! 60 bucks YEE HAA !!! K&T

David K - 6-28-2012 at 03:36 PM

"You are quite incorrect."

Nice :rolleyes:

... perhaps I have a better driving record or I am just nice to people, and when treating others like humans they tend to treat me the same. Maybe you should try it? Lord knows I have tried being nice to you since you came here... your photos are fantastic, just need to improve the personality!

Good luck with the Jeep (I am sure you won't get a Toyota)!

rts551 - 6-28-2012 at 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
"You are quite incorrect."

Nice :rolleyes:

Boy you can be nasty sometimes. Even though you are an expert in insurance, it could be, as it is with me, that annual insurance is cheaper than 90 day policies. And every annual policy I have checked does'nt give discounts for only 90 days in country. quit being an a-ole. no one has been picking on you lately.

DIANA T

captkw - 6-28-2012 at 04:01 PM

HOLA,btw RALLITEK.COM in portland,oregon has a lots of cool stuff for your suuby........and for you jeepster's a friend of mine just picked up a 1970 (I think) jeep commander in awesome shape and org.33K miles on it...with the amc v-8 and the first thing I'm doing is getting ride of the point's....K&T :cool:

[Edited on 6-28-2012 by captkw]

DianaT - 6-28-2012 at 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
"You are quite incorrect."

Nice :rolleyes:

Wow--- what I said was, and I quote

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
please don't say NO way is a 90 day policy very expensive because it can be with top of the line coverage----high dollar amounts on accidents, medical, etc. You are quite incorrect.

which was a rather nice way, I thought, of referring to your innuendo that I might not be telling the truth when I wrote this. And David, you are incorrect

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

DK -- our insurance through Bajabound is almost twice what you are paying --- we do have very complete coverage???

We may or may not buy another Toyota---we still have one for driving around the town.

That is the end of the subject --- sorry you felt the need to react in the way you did ---- tis your choice.

[Edited on 6-29-2012 by DianaT]

David K - 6-28-2012 at 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
"You are quite incorrect."

Nice :rolleyes:

Sorry, but just because you vote the way she does, doesn't make me an A-***

Too bad you two cannot get along with people who believe government has limits... Anyway, the FACT is I DO HAVE an ANNUAL POLICY that is good for trips throughout the YEAR, if you are not in Mexico more than 90 DAYS during the policy 365 DAYS.

Facts are in print or online at several sources on this.

Have a nice day, I am going to see CCR in concert, bye!

rts551 - 6-28-2012 at 04:23 PM

lHow the heck did politics come into this... you really do have a "political complex" don't you. pls quote your annual policy with a less than 90 day traveler discount (which thay can not track). I am sure thereare a lot of Nomads that would like to compare it to their existing annual policies. You did not quote your sources...only a generalized, nonfactual statement like a lot of Politicos :yes:

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
whats the word on those porsche's ??? are they fufu or a real off road ride??? and its hard to beat a good ole 4-runner for a all around baja rig!!! K & T :cool:

I really liked how that Porsche performed on the trail. Very impressive, and once it hits the pavement, its' Turbo-charged engine can outrun any Jeep or Toyota! Ha!

ken/porcha

captkw - 6-28-2012 at 05:58 PM

about 3/4 winters ago I was with moma marta from la paz down to the house out at zacatirto and we had to pull over and let a group of them pass and they eruope plates on them..after they passed and we started back on the east cape road... MM blurted out "32" & I was confused... she had counted every porshe in the group !!! she was good with #'s...thank's for the reply !!!......K & T

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 06:04 PM

32!?! Wow.

Back to the question about Diesel Land Cruisers, I 'wheeled with a real nice guy (that has since passed away) who drove a diesel Toyota Land Cruiser, here in Southern California. He really loved his Toyota. I have some pictures that I can post if you would like to see it. It was a real special vehicle.

32 poormans suv

captkw - 6-28-2012 at 06:12 PM

HOLA,I seen some awsome 4+4 from other countrys that we cannot bye here Like toy's,mercedes,nissian,volvo...nice unit's to drool over and dream !! btw I had a almost new 88 CJ5 and it did not have much for room in it !! your pics make you look like a big dude and does a rubeicon have lot more leg room than a CJ5..dide they make it wider than my heep ??? K&t :cool:

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2012 at 08:23 PM

I'm 6'0 and 230# - I am super comfortable inside of my Jeep. There is plenty of headroom and legroom. You can also seat two adults comfortably in the back seats. The only problem is seating them (ingress/regress).

While in Colombia, I saw some awesome-looking Nissan Patrol's. The Land Cruisers there had OEM front bumpers with factory winches, straight axles (NOT I.F.S.) AND snorkels!

David K - 6-29-2012 at 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
lHow the heck did politics come into this... you really do have a "political complex" don't you. pls quote your annual policy with a less than 90 day traveler discount (which thay can not track). I am sure thereare a lot of Nomads that would like to compare it to their existing annual policies. You did not quote your sources...only a generalized, nonfactual statement like a lot of Politicos :yes:

I don't lie, I have no reason to:

I just went to one Baja club and got a quote... here is the copy and paste from their site:

>>> Special Club Rate!
This Annual Policy is good for any
90 or 120 days within the 12 month policy period - perfect for multiple trips to Mexico throughout the year.
Annual Club Special
Start: Jun/29/12 9:00 AM
Expires: Jun/29/13 9:00 AM

$336.29 90 days within 12 month period <<<

edit: The info I entered was "2010 Toyota Tacoma, $32,000 value". That was when it was new. My annual rate is less, as the truck is 1.5 years old, and has 39,000 miles on the odo. So a current condition quote would be under $300 for the annual policy.

[Edited on 6-29-2012 by David K]

Sprocket - 6-29-2012 at 04:56 PM

Get a pre 2004 Nissan Frontier 4x4 this truck in the v6 is just as good as a toyota.

J.P. - 6-29-2012 at 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sprocket
Get a pre 2004 Nissan Frontier 4x4 this truck in the v6 is just as good as a toyota.

I have a 95 SE V6 5speed 4x4 that is unstopable

David K - 6-29-2012 at 06:48 PM

Isn't sad that American companies cannot get the reputation for quality, trouble-free automobiles that the Japanese companies easily have?

I have had 3 Subarus, a Mitsubishi, a Mazda, and 4 Toyotas that were all great, reliable vehicles. Along with them I had a Jeep and a Plymouth that were both (great to drive, but) always breaking down due to cheap parts and poor manufactoring. To be fair, my wife had a '79 Jeep CJ-5 and loved it for 19 years before the thing flipped on the freeway and totalled, for no known reason other than a transmission siezure of some sort.

cj5

captkw - 6-30-2012 at 12:04 PM

Uhh,,that tranny problem sounds like a disease !! :lol:

J.P. - 6-30-2012 at 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
Uhh,,that tranny problem sounds like a disease !! :lol:

In the older Jeeps If you had someone work on the transfere case that didnt know their Ps and Qs they wouldnt shimm it right and the thing would lock up usually as soon as it got hot. Usually this would occure soon after they changed seals to keep it fron leaking. :lol:

[Edited on 6-30-2012 by J.P.]

[Edited on 6-30-2012 by J.P.]

David K - 6-30-2012 at 03:28 PM

Not the case with Baja Angel's CJ-5 Renegade ... but that was 5 years ago, she is a happy Toyota owner now!

DavidK

captkw - 6-30-2012 at 03:32 PM

so what did happen..her jeep did WHAT????

David K - 6-30-2012 at 04:13 PM

It endo'd on hwy. 67, Santee... Josh was driving it... he knew to duck, having grown up Jeepin' and huntin' with his mom and sisters.

bigboy - 6-30-2012 at 04:13 PM

DavidK

I've driven Fords all over mainland and baja Mexico since 1968. Most of them had well over two hundred thousand miles on them before I bought another Ford truck. I never had a serious problem with any of them.

I now have two Broncos with over two hundred miles on them and drive both of them in Baja on dirt and paved roads. They don't break down and leave me stranded on the side of the road like some of the Japanese and other makes that I've seen broken down in Baja.

I think I'll stay with Ford trucks no matter how hard you bash most of the American and foreign trucks continuously on this forum!

David K - 6-30-2012 at 04:30 PM

My dad had a Ford wagon, it was great... 1973... We drove it to Loreto that year before the highway was built in the central desert and unpaved between El Progreso and Jesus Maria!

Pleas tell me where I have: "bash most of the American and foreign trucks continuously on this forum" ... seriously, continuously?

Sorry you don't read my trip reports or history posts or map posts or the other non-automotive post that make up at least 90% of my posts here. :smug:

rts551 - 6-30-2012 at 04:33 PM

me too. My f-250 never fails me and certainly doesn't need overload springs for a little bit of camping gear. Never heard of an older jeep freezing up to the point of "endoing" unless they do not know how to drive and surely take care of their vehicles. Look at all the cj's still truckin along.

I am going back to my corner. Sorry Diane, I know now where this is headed.

Quote:

Originally posted by bigboy
DavidK

I've driven Fords all over mainland and baja Mexico since 1968. Most of them had well over two hundred thousand miles on them before I bought another Ford truck. I never had a serious problem with any of them.

I now have two Broncos with over two hundred miles on them and drive both of them in Baja on dirt and paved roads. They don't break down and leave me stranded on the side of the road like some of the Japanese and other makes that I've seen broken down in Baja.

I think I'll stay with Ford trucks no matter how hard you bash most of the American and foreign trucks continuously on this forum!

David K - 6-30-2012 at 05:02 PM

The Jeep was driven by a professional mechanic trained at Wyotech and employed in the competitive off road racing industry... Things just happen when something fails...

rts551 - 6-30-2012 at 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The Jeep was driven by a professional mechanic trained at Wyotech and employed in the competitive off road racing industry... Things just happen when something fails...

Thats pretty good since the accident supposedly happened 5 years ago and your professional driver graduated high school in 2007. Just saying

David K - 6-30-2012 at 05:33 PM

You have no idea about this or other things, but in order to insult, you just type away... When I met him in 2004, he was already in college.

David K - 6-30-2012 at 05:37 PM

Hi Glenn, good luck on your new car... without trying Baja Angel's '08 Corolla gets 35 mpg doing 80 to Vegas! Around town driving the speed limit, to and from work, Elizabeth gets about 26 mpg.

[Edited on 7-1-2012 by David K]

rts551 - 6-30-2012 at 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
You have no idea about this or other things, but in order to insult, you just type away... When I met him in 2004, he was already in college.

sorry 2006 Wyotech Sacramento. Just unsure about your statement about the expert endo-ing do to transmission/tranfercase freezing up. Not an insult.

bigboy and Ralph

DianaT - 6-30-2012 at 06:48 PM

Here is a Ford truck you would probably like.

It is belongs to my son --- an old 1966 4WD Farm Truck he bought in Montana. And as he says, he leaves it for about 6 months every year and it starts right up when he returns.

And Mom loves cruising around Missoula with him---steering wheel as big as a tire, simple radio turned on with a knob, real windwings, a bumpy stiff ride on the bench seat ---- all brings back lots of memories!

Now giving it some thought, maybe that truck would be good for Baja! And for you Ford fans, here is another one he has that would NOT be good for off road in Baja

1964 Ford Galaxie 500 'Custom' - 427 R Code

Come to think about it, he has had a couple of old Broncos over the years and they were great-- ummm a thought.

His father was a Ford fan!

rts551 - 6-30-2012 at 07:11 PM

very nice. I like them. perfect truck for you guys. Better get Nomad approval first!

rts551 - 6-30-2012 at 07:13 PM

I can just see the Galaxy running the pole line road from BA to Abreojos.....yeeeehaaaaa

DianaT - 6-30-2012 at 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
very nice. I like them. perfect truck for you guys. Better get Nomad approval first!

DianaT - 6-30-2012 at 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rts551
I can just see the Galaxy running the pole line road from BA to Abreojos.....yeeeehaaaaa

Ah yes, here we come flying over the washboard--- and skating along the salt flats. For some reason scenes from Smokey and The Bandit and Thema and Louise come to mind. :biggrin:

[Edited on 7-1-2012 by DianaT]

bigboy - 7-1-2012 at 08:46 AM

I love the two photos of the Fords! That is one clean truck.

My first Ford truck was a 1959 panel truck that I paid $40 for in 1966. I drove that truck all over northern Baja as well as a couple of trips to mainland Mexico.

At that time, most of my friends had VW buses and on our many trips to Baja and the Mainland, the bus owners couldn't believe that my Ford truck got better gas mileage then their fine German machinery. I can't tell you how many problems they had with their buses in Mexico, including total engine and transmission rebuilds. Those experiences as well as my own problems with my VW Beetle soured me on foreign vehicles for life.

As of today, I own two Broncos, one lives at our Baja home, Ford Excursion V10 with 4X4, a International Scout II with 345 V8, 4X4 and lastly my wife's Nissan Maxima. I must say her car is very reliable!

Barry A. - 7-1-2012 at 08:56 AM

I bought used a 1969 Ford F-100 6-cyl (240 cubes engine) long bed in l971 in Utah. My son has it now, and it still runs perfectly with 150K miles on it. But in all honesty, I spent a log of money on it over the many years, mostly on upgrades to the suspension and tranny. I still love that truck, and drive it over in Owens Valley every chance I get.

Barry

rts551 - 7-1-2012 at 01:59 PM

All the toy lovers are going to hate you Glenn

Barry A. - 7-1-2012 at 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Might buy a Honda Civic instead.Not that anybody cares.

I "care", and Civics are good little cars, and now they even look good!!! :spingrin:

Barry

J.P. - 7-1-2012 at 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Might buy a Honda Civic instead.Not that anybody cares.

I "care", and Civics are good little cars, and now they even look good!!! :spingrin:

Barry

A nitrogen bottle and a little tinkering those things will do thingh you only dream about a U.S. car doing

rts551 - 7-1-2012 at 03:20 PM

I am still waiting for you to come be a part of your team in the Nissan!

tripledigitken - 7-1-2012 at 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Might buy a Honda Civic instead.Not that anybody cares.

I "care", and Civics are good little cars, and now they even look good!!! :spingrin:

Barry

A nitrogen bottle and a little tinkering those things will do thingh you only dream about a U.S. car doing

I went down to the slalom races at Jack Murphy stadium a few months ago. (I know the name has changed) I got there for the finals of about 12 cars. The list was something like this:

Z06, Mustang highly mod, BMW 5 series, Subaru WRX highly mod, Miata highly mod, Civic highly mod, and various others.

The fastest was the Subaru with the Civic a close second.

Barry A. - 7-1-2012 at 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Might buy a Honda Civic instead.Not that anybody cares.

Another alternative is the new 2013 Nissan Altima--------it supposedly out-excellerates the toyota's and Honda's comps, yet still gets a reported 38 miles per gallon highway with the 4-cyl engine, and it is NOT a hybrid. I just got an ad in my inbox--------the new styling for the Altima is pretty cool , too.

Barry

rts551 - 7-1-2012 at 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
I am going to check on the Ford Focus 5 door. Need room for a wheelchair.Just need something to take my mom around.Hardly drive anymore.Ralph,as soon as I get a car I will tear down the Frontier.
Yeah,I checked out the Altima but like I said before I didn't like the quality on the Frontier.

Your team is waiting to help!

Ken Cooke - 7-5-2012 at 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

For the comment on Mitsubishi and Isuzu not being as good as a Toyota... I was thinking when compared to an American brand, and in particular, J-E-E-P (Just Empty Every Pocket).

I owned a Jeep, my dad owned two... in fact I do like them... when they are not broken. I would own one if money was no object and I had a backup car for when the Jeep is not working... But then again, why not just get ONE vehicle that doesn't break down and is comfortable on the highway and off road. No road or lack of road has stopped me in my Tacoma to get anywhere in Baja I have wanted to go. The same truck is my daily driver, business truck here in Alta California.

Currently the Honda Pilot is down. My Rubicon is our DD/Do-Everything vehicle. I'm looking for an economical Honda Repair Service shop in town (besides the ubiquitous STEALership) to take the 2WD Pilot. All of this hype about Japanese vehicles being so reliable. Thus far, my J-E-E-P has had less run-ins with the STEALership than my HONDA.

J.P. - 7-5-2012 at 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Ken the most affordable and best up there I have found is Henrys they have 2 shops they are the go to place if you need a Engine replacement or just a general tune up.

Be American, Buy American

Ken Cooke - 7-5-2012 at 09:16 PM

This vehicle was given to me - Personally, I always buy American. Less hassles with parts, lower prices generally, and easier to work on are some of the reasons.

The dealership I visited had some urgent recommendations:

Front brake pad replacement - $189.95
Rear brake pad replacement - 198.95
Brake fluid replacement - $129.95
Timing Belt/Drive Belt replacement - $595.00
Tensioner $132.00

Personally, I am going to garage the Honda and drive the Jeep until I come up with the $windfall$ to pay for these items.

Ken Cooke - 7-5-2012 at 11:44 PM

Most shops charge about $100 per axle. I am going to do the rear axle myself, and pay to have the front axle done professionally.

The timing belt and the tensioner I will have done by a Pro as well.

choyero - 7-6-2012 at 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Sorry Ken,can't help you.
Like I said before,American vehicles have come a long way.
I checked out a Jeep Liberty,Corolla,Honda Civic,etc but ended up with a Ford Focus .I pick it up tomorrow.

American cars would have been a lot better a lot earlier had the US manufactures listened to Edward Deming and his approach of using stastical quality control earlier, the US auto industry blew him off at first. Toyota brought him on board and his approach of using statistical quality control greatly reduced their defects per million units. Ford was the 1st US company to use his approach after seeing the good it did Toyota, and they greatly reduced their defects per millions as well.

In my opinion the 2 best vehicle manufactures, are Toyota and Ford... the 1st two companies to utilize Deming's reseach. I've owned and currrently own both. I like the Ford's price tag better though. Wish I could say the same for the Chrysler products I've owned...something that will never happen again.

edited to add:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Edwards_Deming

[Edited on 7-6-2012 by choyero]

(Japanese-style) High-Pressure Sales

Ken Cooke - 7-6-2012 at 12:00 PM

This morning, I looked at the Timing and Drive Belts - The belts looked as if they are in EXCELLENT condition. None of the broken/deteriorated sections like the Mechanic told he that he "saw".

Funny, he could not show me any of these deteriorated sections of timing belt yesterday. Hmmmm. :smug:

The problem with Japanese-made vehicles is that they are not engineered for home/shade tree repair work. The Repair Dept. is closely tied to the Sales Dept. The two are intertwined.

Go to a Jeep repair Dept. and you walk up to a Service counter that is next to a Parts counter. Coincidence? :yes:

I am sure the Honda family chanted on this Feng-shui as a means of duping dumbfounded American consumers nto submitting to their worst fears and automotive ignorance.

[Edited on 7-6-2012 by Ken Cooke]

rts551 - 7-6-2012 at 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
The way you feel about Chrysler is the way I feel about GM.

choyero - 7-6-2012 at 07:52 PM

Never owned a GM. Had a few for company work trucks, not much to say good or bad about them.

I've owned 3 70's era cj's...lots of electrical issues, rust issues, leak issues and rear axle issues...fun, but lots of wrenching required. owned a 95 wrangler, electrical issues. owned a 98 ram 2500 short box which broke 2 rear dana 60 axles, the truck was never loaded heavy and only had 39k on it when sold. The body also cracked everywhere, including the body mt structs. The bed was made of extremely light gauge sheetmetal and plastic, on a 2500 work truck,? what a joke. I was happy to see that truck drive away.

I like fords and toyota's. Lots of parts in baja for them too, my rear axle on the dodge 2500 took 5 weeks to locate and cost twice what a ford would have, $1500 usd from a yonke in la paz.

Ken Cooke - 7-7-2012 at 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Ken.I think you might be confused about your timing belt.This belt is what connects your crankshaft to your camshafts.Unless,you take off the timing belt covers,you can't see it.
Usually,they recommend certain mileage for a change.
Toyota use to recommend a timing belt change at 60,000 miles.
My nieces 2000 Camry's failed at 55,000.She was lucky that she did not bend any valves or damaged the head.
http://honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2814500

I looked at the serpentine belt today, and there weren't missing sections like the mechanic told me that he saw. Yesterday, he could not show me where this damaged section was. Do you think he was lying?

David K - 7-7-2012 at 09:08 AM

FYI: 2005+ 4.0 liter V-6 Tacomas have a timing chain, the earlier 3.4 V-6 had a belt... and the recommended change was at 90,000 miles (I did that on my '01 Tacoma).

holy moly

captkw - 7-7-2012 at 10:09 AM

I put about 50K on my volvo a year !! 6k in 5 years wow!!

[Edited on 7-7-2012 by captkw]

J.P. - 7-7-2012 at 10:13 AM

The timing belt broke on a Nissan 300Z that I had and it bent a couple valves this was in the early 90s and it cost 2,500 dls to get it fixed at the dealer. I still drive a Nissan and I watch the milage closely.

[Edited on 7-7-2012 by J.P.]

Ken Cooke - 7-7-2012 at 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
I don't know if he was lying or not.I am saying that the serpentine belt is not a timing belt.The changing of it is determined by mileage.

I have 92,000 mi. on the Honda Pilot - It is recommended at 110,000.

J.P. - 7-7-2012 at 10:45 AM

I have a Suburban that my wife wont let me get rid of, it began running rough and sometines backfireing.We put it on the computer and decided it was the timing chain, tore it down and put in a new chain and both gears. now it sounds like a 5.7 is supposed to sound. :cool:

[Edited on 7-7-2012 by J.P.]

[Edited on 7-7-2012 by J.P.]

J.P. - 7-7-2012 at 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
Ken, if the vehicle didn't see hard usage or is acting like J.P described,I wouldn't worry too much about the timing chain.
Heck,just fix the brakes and drive the vehicle.
Maybe keep a new serpentine belt in the vehicle,just in case.
Do the brake fluid change latter when you have the funds.

lLike Whistler says do the Brakes and drive it. Here Ensenada a brake job usually runs around 800p I am shure you could get it done in TJ by one of your Off road Buddys probably cheaper it's not Rocket Science and you said you could do the back ones belive me if you can do the back the front is easier the hardest part of the front is taking the wheel off. :lol:

[Edited on 7-7-2012 by J.P.]

Ken Cooke - 7-7-2012 at 03:18 PM

Quote:

This is exactly what I plan to do. Change out the rear brakes myself (0.55 mm currently), and next month take it to a shop for the front brakes (1.0 mm currently). The car is parked and not being used daily.