BajaNomad - What is the CHEAPEST and most reliable vehicle to buy, own and maintain for long term travel throughout Baja, mainland Mexico...

What is the CHEAPEST and most reliable vehicle to buy, own and maintain for long term travel throughout Baja, mainland Mexico...

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magentawave - 11-14-2012 at 02:38 PM

What is the CHEAPEST and most reliable vehicle or rig you would use for long term extensive travel throughout Baja, mainland Mexico, and Central America? I'll be traveling alone and plan on doing a lot of surfing, stand up surfing and I'll be fishing for food along the way.

The vehicle I ultimately choose must be...

-Cheap to buy, run (good MPG), and maintain.
-Super reliable.
-Availability of parts in Mexico and Central America.
-Enough room for 1 human and their supplies (food, water) and toys (surfboards, SUP's, mountain bike).

I'm open to any and all opinions so what do you think?

Thanks
Steve

bajaguy - 11-14-2012 at 02:42 PM

Toyota Tacoma 4 door truck or a Toyota 4 door 4Runner 4wd, probably in the late 1990's to early 2000's year range.

PS: Welcome to Nomads!!!

[Edited on 11-14-2012 by bajaguy]

dtbushpilot - 11-14-2012 at 02:43 PM

DK will be along soon to set you straight. Welcome to Nomads magenta......dt

thats a easy one

captkw - 11-14-2012 at 02:49 PM

A older toy pickup with a 22R motor is hard to beat !!! and are well loved in centrail america...make sure you install a new over sized radator !!!! or my fav. 89 volvo 240..no parts avable...but they dont hardly need them..stay away from a 4+4 unless you plan on doing a LOT of bunedoggong !! been there,, done that !! have fun and best TIP ..do not checki into a country..pass thur in "transito"" that will save a lot of grief ...K&T :cool:

Curt63 - 11-14-2012 at 02:52 PM

96 or newer 4Runner with a sturdy and well mounted roof rack. You can sleep inside if necessary. Avoid the 3.0 liter V6 engine.

stay with a carb unit

captkw - 11-14-2012 at 03:04 PM

Danm..I just lost my last post!@#$%^&*( anyway I dont rec. you go with a newer F.I. unit for many reasons !! the main is if you have engine proplems In C.A., its hard to find skilled F.I. techs !! and there is a host of other reasons but I dont have the time to write a book !! on thisw BN site go into the search and I think the name is "defragg" and they are down there right now with a toy 4runner and can give real time/current advice & news & tips...K&T :cool:

MMc - 11-14-2012 at 03:30 PM

Toyota truck or Small Ford 4x4 the best you can afford. A extended cab, shell and carpenters rack for sure. Toyota's and Fords are all over the world and parts are available. Extended cabs are more secure then a shell to keep your crap in.
The Carpenters rack can will secure your boards, bike, rods and become part of a awning (blue tarp, rope, stake, thing). Most small trucks have a 6ft bed and you need a past through to slip the boards into the cab when you're surfing. I prefer a window over a boot, less dirt and lockable.
If you don't get a 4x4 you will need a big bass come-along with 50 ft of snap webbing. Mud will be a bigger issue in mainland and central America May to Nov.
All this advice is worth what you paid for.

MMc - 11-14-2012 at 03:36 PM

What is F. I. ?
Fuel injection.
front independent.
Forward interest.
Some people don't live as mechanic's, and don't speak it.

bonanza bucko - 11-14-2012 at 03:41 PM

A burro that eats sand.

BB:-)

Lee - 11-14-2012 at 04:08 PM

Yeah Toy Taco or small Ford pickup with camper. Definitely 4x4. Have fun!

Udo - 11-14-2012 at 04:22 PM

I'll go along with the Tacoma truck with the 22RE motor...mine has 237K miles.

But then my Prius has 392K miles, and still get 48mpg average.
I did replace the hybrid battery, which I purchased used at a Fontana wrecking yard, out of a newer Prius that had 32K miles.

Hook - 11-14-2012 at 04:58 PM

If by small Ford pick up, you guys mean the Ranger series, I would disagree. I cant recall any reliable years for the Ranger that would be cheap now.

A Toy is probably the best best but I wouldnt shy away from the 3.0L V-6, really. The only real problem I've heard of with them in the factory recalled head gasket replacement. And, at this point, it's probably impossible to find one that hasnt had it replaced, via recall or outright failure.

I think I would lean towards a 4-Runner, too. Just a little more secure than a truck with a shell. Bigger rack options, too.

Hook - 11-14-2012 at 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Toyota Tacoma 4 door truck or a Toyota 4 door 4Runner 4wd, probably in the late 1990's to early 2000's year range.

PS: Welcome to Nomads!!!

[Edited on 11-14-2012 by bajaguy]

Did they make four door Tacos in that era? Maybe an import Hilux. I thought the true four doors came later.

David K - 11-14-2012 at 05:01 PM

What more can I say? TOYOTA oh, what a feeling!

comitan - 11-14-2012 at 05:17 PM

Toyota's CHEAP?

F.I.

captkw - 11-14-2012 at 05:18 PM

Fuel infected !! LOL..and Stay away from a ford granger !! (ranger) most places you will not need 4+4 and as stated earlyer in this post about the rain season !! when it rains down there it POURS !! when I was down there. nothing and I mean nothing in "the lonely planet " g.b. was accurate !! I started looking for sleep spots at 3:00pm and stay at a lot of gas stations with armed to teeth guards.....on the way down and back.... K&T :cool:

Ps would see large convoys of toy PU's heading south (used) for selling !! PS the change from a 22r to a 22re was mid 86 and the timing chain went from a double to a single in the 22re..and they usally go out around 180k..you can hear it rattle on start up..means change it !!

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

Taco de Baja - 11-14-2012 at 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

Did they make four door Tacos in that era? Maybe an import Hilux. I thought the true four doors came later.

I believe 2001 was the first 4-door Tacoma.

I also highly recommend the Toyotas. Great trucks. Coming up on 180,000 on my 1996 Tacoma with very few issues, aside from general maintenance; like having to replace the clutch at 150,000 for the first time.

BajaRat - 11-14-2012 at 06:53 PM

Toys are tough to beat. If you go p u make sure you have a set up with plenty of ventilation. :cool:

David K - 11-14-2012 at 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
Toyota's CHEAP?

Cheap to own, not so much to buy... They just don't break...

magentawave - 11-14-2012 at 07:03 PM

I had been trying to join this forum for several weeks but every time I tried to register it said that the quota for that day was already done. Anyway, I finally got in today, and wow, thanks for all the great replies!

All of you have confirmed what I already knew but wanted to make sure, and that is that the 22R or 22RE is one of the best engines ever made. I wasn't sure about the availability of parts down there but now I know. I used to do surf/windsurf trips about 8 hours below the border in a friends 89 4Runner 2WD with the last two hours of the drive on a dusty washboard road. My friend drove like a maniac to get that 2 hours on the dirt road over quickly and that truck never let us down...and even when we hit a sideways slide at 60 mph one time with the vehicle weighted down with provisions and surfboards, sailboards, and bikes stacked at least 3' high on the roof. I hated that white knuckle stuff cuz it really stressed me out but I got a lot of respect for that 4Runner. He just told me last night that he had 285,000 miles on that 4Runner (with NO engine rebuild) when it got stolen.

A few more questions please...

1) Has anyone towed a small trailer behind them on those washboard roads? Is it possible? Whats it like?

2) Someone mentioned to stay away from the 4WD Toyota. How come? Do older Toyota 4WD's break?

3) I will research this further but does anyone know if Toyota made a 1 Ton 4WD pickup back in the 80's and 90's? I'm asking because I might put a standup style camper shell on one.

4) What do you think about doing a long trip like that in a Toyota motorhome with the 22RE?

Thanks again!
Steve

Zapotec - 11-14-2012 at 07:20 PM

Toyota Tacoma-for sure. Super reliable, good mileage, and just goes on forever.

David K - 11-14-2012 at 07:25 PM

Steve, a 4WD is the ONLY way to go. Confirm with Neal Johns who (along with so many others here) convinced me to get a Tacoma 4WD... that was 12 years ago... I have had 3 (on a 5 year lease) and they were are great... my 2010 is by far the best... but real close tie with my 2001... just a few issues with my 2005, but never a break down.

Towing a small trailer on washboard roads means stopping every 25 miles and tightening down all the loose nuts and bolts, and checking the tie downs, etc.

'Debra' once owned a Toyota camper/ motorhome and took it all over Baja... ask her.

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by David K]

magenetwave

captkw - 11-14-2012 at 08:41 PM

Welcome back !! I can give some very exprienced tips !! and baja roads are very differenct than say hondura!! you ask for cheap,good mpg,realible...I have never seen a good condition 4+4 sell for cheap..2 wheel drive gets better mpg . and 2 wheel is more realible and a cheaper to repair. especally concern any section of running gear and brakes !! plus unless you are a really bad driver you will very seldom NEED 4+4... feel free to U2U a LL...phone #..Ive trailererd to from alaska..to panama and back and many,many winters in baja,,sorry Osprey..just fact...K&T :cool:

........ps..WTF where did that thread dissapear to ??? :?:

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

damn..

captkw - 11-14-2012 at 08:47 PM

ok,,ok anybody know how can this back on the cheap ride thread ??????...oops

doug,AYUDA !! :lol:

read my new post: getting lost in cyberspace !!! :no:

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

dtbushpilot - 11-14-2012 at 08:59 PM

Have you tried clicking on it?.....might work?

HEY magenawave

captkw - 11-14-2012 at 09:33 PM

Hola, umm..I dont how/why but I responded to this "thread" and in doing a post started a new thread (oops) under the heading "magenwave" I was responding on the 4+4 VS 2+2 Issue !!! K&T :cool:

gnukid - 11-14-2012 at 09:43 PM

Ford pre 1993 or toyota, nissan, qualquirecosa quieres

Pre 93 ford ????????? do tell !!

captkw - 11-14-2012 at 09:47 PM

I think fords used the TFI modules up to 89,,NO? uesd carry a spare and the tool to help folks out on the road.....

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

86 1 ton toy pu

captkw - 11-14-2012 at 10:20 PM

had a longbed 86 1 ton with the new 22re and now wish I never sold thaT truck !! not a real 1ton like bigger brakes ,u-joints..just heavy,better springs and handled much better than a "stock toy" they sell some cool toys off road units in other countrys that Ive seen in mex and central am.. cant import to the states and the same with a lot of diesel's motors...bummer the rest can buy toys that we cant......K&T have never seen a factory 4+4 1ton in the states...ps..to ridge..just saw you last line...thanks..Been fighting this 4+4 value my whole life and I drive..I mean really many,manymany ,many miles with 2 wheel & very few places I cant go with 2W..growing up on logging trails...........

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by captkw]

Neal Johns - 11-14-2012 at 11:59 PM

Yep, older (for cheap) 4 cylinder Toy PU or 4Runner. 4x4 if you think you need it otherwise 2 wheel with cheap leveling kit (blocks), rear locker and big 33" tires with 20-25 pounds air.

Looks like the Nomad Forum got this right, even a certain person tilted so far to the right I expect him to roll his Toyota. Hi DK. :lol:

QUETZALCOATL - 11-15-2012 at 06:20 AM

I have had great luck finding parts and mechanics for Toyota 4 runner in my travels, also ford ranger for a bit cheaper, but it seems Suzuki samurai is a very common vehicle but I have no personal experiences with them. Hope this helps, great topic.Thank you. Oh and on a side note I will never take my BMW south again- no parts, no mechanics ect...

monoloco - 11-15-2012 at 08:07 AM

I have owned 19 different trucks of just about every make and a 1981 Ford F250 4x4 with a 300ci 6 cylinder and manual transmission was the most reliable truck I ever owned.

mono

captkw - 11-15-2012 at 08:17 AM

and for a ford that was one of the best they ever made,,but not the very best on gas and very few were made !! almost all had V8'S that did not have that stump pullig torque low end that The six did...much better motor for 4+4...goes to show how dumb the public at large is...My first tow to alaska (28ft) was in a 74 ford f250 with a gas drinking 460 !!!! K&T

monoloco - 11-15-2012 at 08:51 AM

captkw, That f250 was about the most capable 4x4 I ever had too, I once drove it all the way from El Carrizal all the way to Todos Santos on the beach, never even aired down the tires. I sold it to a logger buddy in Montana when it had 175000 miles on it and he put another 100k on it. When I had it, I never had to replace a wheel bearing, u-joint or anything but brakes. My 2000 F350 has 145,000 on it and I've replaced all the u-joints, wheel bearings, clutch, rear diff, etc., $1000,s in repairs.

805gregg - 11-15-2012 at 09:04 AM

Another 2.7 Million Toyotas recalled. Toyotas arn't cheap, my friend has a Tacoma, he decided to put one of those small pop up 4 wheel campers about 600 lbs. He had to have custom springs made for all 4 corners, wouldn't even hold 600 lbs. Then he found it didn't have enough power, so he had to have a supercharger installed, cheap?

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by 805gregg]

larryC - 11-15-2012 at 09:11 AM

If there is ever another Nomad party anywhere, we gotta get together and pay the capt to attend, he could be the evenings entertainment.
1900 hilarious posts, must be a new record.

Nookster - 11-15-2012 at 09:39 AM

OK here's my 2cents. I like two options. One is an older 4runner definately 4X4 with the 22r. You can strap your boards to the top or lock them up inside. You can also secure you gear or sleep inside in needed. I've go a 89 4runner with the 3.0 V-6 in it now with 275,000 on it. It's also better known as the V-slow. In the lifetime of these engines they normally have had or will need to have a head gasket replacement. So if you get this model have it done before heading south. The second option is a Toy p/u, with an extended cab and again 4x4 with the 22r. Have the carpenters rack for boards and gear and you can get a lightweight small cc motorcycle to carry in the back that you can always pull off in a jam and get somewhere. Also if you find a good extended spot to stay for awhile the motorcycle is cheap and reliable to use for everyday transpo. If you go with the 4runner you can get a motorcycle hitch carrier that will easily carry the lightweight bike. Have a great adventure.

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by Nookster]

[Edited on 11-15-2012 by Nookster]

pappy - 11-15-2012 at 01:56 PM

an older chevy with the small block-most reliable and used motor ever...

comitan - 11-15-2012 at 02:42 PM

The Toyota Motorhome would work if it has the 5 speed Manual Trans. Tooo bad I just sold one that would have been perfect for what you want.

DavidE - 11-15-2012 at 03:37 PM

Some general tips on whatever you buy:

At close to six dollars a gallon mileage may be an important criteria.

Batteries cost 100 dollars a pop in Mexico and more than that in C.A. Batteries sold in Mexico weigh a lot less than batteries sold in the USA. Less lead, less power. Washboard roads will destroy a marginal battery in no time flat. Make sure cables and lug are in pristine connection.

Demand to see the smog test. Review the numbers. If any of them (especially HC) comes even close to the maximum permitted, reject the car. This is a great tattle-tale. Oil burning cars usually have new thick oil on the dipstick.

A camper with heavily tinted windows keeps appraising eyes off of the innards.

A bunch of rechargeable gizmos that plug into the cigarette lighter beats searching out for dollar a pop junk Valarta AA batteries.

Load up on disposable gas bottles and 100% pure DEET at Wal-Mart. Mexican repellents are pathetic, especially for jejenes and tabanos. A refill gizmo for the little bottles is priceless for lanterns and stoves. White gas is scarce and twelve dollars a gallon. One of those newer 7-day Igloo ice chests is a godsend. Wrap it up in a couple of dirt cheap Harbor Freight Tools furniture moving blankets and it'll have awesome staying power. Four collapsible 5 gallon water jugs from Big 5 Sporting Goods will save you gas.

I broke down and bought a 12-volt fan called a FANTASTIC FAN ENDLESS BREEZE. It uses a fifth of the power of a regular fan and delivers a lot more air. Worth every cent. Where i live in Mexico a typical January day reaches 88 and dips to 77. You'll need a fan for the humidity. Late February Puerto Escondido was 97 and Tehuantepec 105. You need a fan.

Slide in a couple of custom cut 3/4" plywood sheets for a camper floor. Cover that with a 4" memory foam mattress. You won't want to get up in the morning! The plywood is for making stuff like lean to's and it is incredibly expensive in Central America, good wampum. Find something to lay them on at you have a million dollar table or counter top.

Get a mound of mosquito netting to drape over the open tailgate for sleeping mosquito free. And a big silver tarp from Harbor Freight.

For staying in cheap hotels I carry a handful of cheap rubber wedge door stops. Stack on atop the other for wide door gaps.

And

bajaguy - 11-15-2012 at 03:42 PM

Visit the local animal shelter and take a dog with you.

Gaucho - 11-15-2012 at 04:17 PM

I HAD a Ford Ranger truck and it was a pile! Toyota for sure.

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
If by small Ford pick up, you guys mean the Ranger series, I would disagree. I cant recall any reliable years for the Ranger that would be cheap now.

A Toy is probably the best best but I wouldnt shy away from the 3.0L V-6, really. The only real problem I've heard of with them in the factory recalled head gasket replacement. And, at this point, it's probably impossible to find one that hasnt had it replaced, via recall or outright failure.

I think I would lean towards a 4-Runner, too. Just a little more secure than a truck with a shell. Bigger rack options, too.

magentawave - 11-15-2012 at 04:38 PM

Hah hah, small world, yeah that was David Yo Man! Thats funny because I have his name in my phones contact list as "David Yo Man!" and when he calls I still say "Yo man!" David knew that road but I always felt drained by the time we hit the coast. I probably would have enjoyed the ride if I had a racer style cross-chest belt and a helmet to protect my dome...and especially when we did the sideways slide at 60 on that washboard road. To this day I still can't believe we didn't trip the wheels in a rut and roll over. It was that trip that really convinced me of how awesome those 4 Runners are.

Why is there less cargo capacity with a 4WD? Cuz of the extra weight of the 4WD stuff? How much less MPG do you get with a 4WD?

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally posted by ridge

Quote:

Originally posted by magentawave...I used to do surf/windsurf trips about 8 hours below the border in a friends 89 4Runner 2WD...last two hours...dusty washboard road. My friend drove like a maniac...white knuckle stuff...

That's gotta be (Dave) Yo MAN! u2u me if I'm right.

Quote:

...does anyone know if Toyota made a 1 Ton 4WD pickup back in the 80's and 90's?...might put a standup style camper shell on one...

Don't think so for 4wd; their 2wd 1Ton/22REs are awesome. Very scarce now.

They still make the 1Ton chassis abroad; it's called a HiLux(has a rounded Tacoma body.) Turbo Diesels even. Here's a site that has a lot of info although it hasn't been updated for years.
http://www.brian894x4.com/FOREIGNTOYOTAMAINPAGE.html

P.S. I'm with captkw on the 2wd thing. For all the gas/$/less cargo capacity 4wd ain't worth it.

magentawave - 11-15-2012 at 04:40 PM

Yes I was wondering about the availability of Suzuki parts down south too.

Quote:

Originally posted by QUETZALCOATL
I have had great luck finding parts and mechanics for Toyota 4 runner in my travels, also ford ranger for a bit cheaper, but it seems Suzuki samurai is a very common vehicle but I have no personal experiences with them. Hope this helps, great topic.Thank you. Oh and on a side note I will never take my BMW south again- no parts, no mechanics ect...

magentawave - 11-15-2012 at 04:42 PM

Yup, I've owned several full size Ford vans and PU's with that 300 straight 6 and it was a good motor.

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I have owned 19 different trucks of just about every make and a 1981 Ford F250 4x4 with a 300ci 6 cylinder and manual transmission was the most reliable truck I ever owned.

David K - 11-15-2012 at 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gaucho
I HAD a Ford Ranger truck and it was a pile! Toyota for sure.

Quote:

My 2001 had the 3.4 V-6 and the '05 and '10 have the 4.0 V-6... both were fantastic engines and never a bit of problem... total between the three, about 300,000 miles... never a drop of oil on the ground either.

Before getting my '01 Tacoma, I did shop for a Ford Ranger... oh, I am SOOOO glad I got the Toyota... Our son has a 4WD Ranger and it is a miracle when the 4WD works or there aren't other issues.

magentawave - 11-15-2012 at 04:50 PM

I was thinking that an automatic would crawl better at slow speeds over washboard roads instead of the lugging you get when you're kind of between the optimum speed with a manual. What do you think about that?

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
The Toyota Motorhome would work if it has the 5 speed Manual Trans. Tooo bad I just sold one that would have been perfect for what you want.

magentawave - 11-15-2012 at 04:54 PM

Lots of good stuff and thank you.

You said: "Four collapsible 5 gallon water jugs from Big 5 Sporting Goods will save you gas." How do those save gas?

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
Some general tips on whatever you buy:

At close to six dollars a gallon mileage may be an important criteria.

Batteries cost 100 dollars a pop in Mexico and more than that in C.A. Batteries sold in Mexico weigh a lot less than batteries sold in the USA. Less lead, less power. Washboard roads will destroy a marginal battery in no time flat. Make sure cables and lug are in pristine connection.

Demand to see the smog test. Review the numbers. If any of them (especially HC) comes even close to the maximum permitted, reject the car. This is a great tattle-tale. Oil burning cars usually have new thick oil on the dipstick.

A camper with heavily tinted windows keeps appraising eyes off of the innards.

A bunch of rechargeable gizmos that plug into the cigarette lighter beats searching out for dollar a pop junk Valarta AA batteries.

Load up on disposable gas bottles and 100% pure DEET at Wal-Mart. Mexican repellents are pathetic, especially for jejenes and tabanos. A refill gizmo for the little bottles is priceless for lanterns and stoves. White gas is scarce and twelve dollars a gallon. One of those newer 7-day Igloo ice chests is a godsend. Wrap it up in a couple of dirt cheap Harbor Freight Tools furniture moving blankets and it'll have awesome staying power. Four collapsible 5 gallon water jugs from Big 5 Sporting Goods will save you gas.

I broke down and bought a 12-volt fan called a FANTASTIC FAN ENDLESS BREEZE. It uses a fifth of the power of a regular fan and delivers a lot more air. Worth every cent. Where i live in Mexico a typical January day reaches 88 and dips to 77. You'll need a fan for the humidity. Late February Puerto Escondido was 97 and Tehuantepec 105. You need a fan.

Slide in a couple of custom cut 3/4" plywood sheets for a camper floor. Cover that with a 4" memory foam mattress. You won't want to get up in the morning! The plywood is for making stuff like lean to's and it is incredibly expensive in Central America, good wampum. Find something to lay them on at you have a million dollar table or counter top.

Get a mound of mosquito netting to drape over the open tailgate for sleeping mosquito free. And a big silver tarp from Harbor Freight.

For staying in cheap hotels I carry a handful of cheap rubber wedge door stops. Stack on atop the other for wide door gaps.

MMc - 11-15-2012 at 05:24 PM

I prefer hard-sided H2o containers the, soft always fail me. Gas, I don't know, but H2O is cheaper by bulk. I guess you know that.
You seam like you've done this before, just not as long?
Many posters here don't surf and understand how afar some of us will go to explore for a wave. Many are boaters and need launch ramps, trailer storage and such. Their answers reflect their experience, not wrong just different.
With 4x4 you lose mileage because of both gearing and power to all the wheels. If you do go with 4x4 make sure you have lockers, without them you effectively have 3 wheel drive (search this site for a better explanation). If your goal is to get to Scorpion Bay and Puerto Escondido, You don't need it. If you're looking for some new river mouth tube fest get the 4$x4$. Pact a shovel as well.

magentawave - 11-15-2012 at 06:08 PM

Yeah, the soft containers always failed me too.

Yes I have explored Baja over the years but they were surf and windsurf trips that only lasted a week or two. Now I want to keep heading south for as long as I feel like it. I'm not going to have a schedule so some areas I'll chill for a while and others I'll pass through. Setting up and de-setting up a tent is ok for short vacations but I'm thinking I'd like something I can get out of the elements and sleep in since this vehicle will be my home. Thats why I was thinking of possibly getting a Toyota motorhome or put a stand up camper on a 1 ton Toyota pickup.

David K - 11-15-2012 at 06:30 PM

Lockers or traction control (limited slip) will share power with the other tire on an axle, instead of it all going to the one that spins the easiest.

Lockers are best added to the rear axle, and only in extreme rock crawling conditions should be added to the front... it is a multi-thousand dollar mod.

The Toyota Tacoma Off Road TRD (and other Toyota models) has a rear locker as standard equipment. Other brands also may offer a rear locker. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has both a front and a rear factory locker.

The next best thing, and specially is if it is included in the price, is traction control... which limits the slip when one tire gets into a low traction spot. Instead of the one tire spinning, and you stop moving... power is shared with the other tire that is on better ground. It isn't a pure 50/50 sharing of power as in the case of a locker, but better than 0/100 split! The Toyota A-TRAC 4WD system is even better, and very near the traction of lockers, it also is on all 4 tires.

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by David K]

weld the spiders and been done with it !!

captkw - 11-15-2012 at 07:03 PM

weld spiders

baja09 - 11-15-2012 at 07:18 PM

Hey Kieth ...good idea, but what ya going to do when ya get on pavement, and cant turn ,guess they call that understeer!!!!!!!!!............but I have done it ...good one! :?:

DavidE - 11-15-2012 at 07:38 PM

Going for food and water will eat you alive in the gasoline and time department. Never once had a Big 5 collapsible water jog fail me. The big Igloo 7 day cooler is the same, it'll save you time and hassle. On the water instead of on your way to town.

South of Mexico fuel is five dollars a gallon. A sixteen gallon fuel up is eighty dollars in Quetzales, Lempira or Belizian Dollars. Do you want to go 350 miles or 288 miles for 80 dollars. That's a realistic difference between 2 and 4 wheel drive. 4WD vehicles on the mainland especially smaller ones are targets for carjackers*. No thanks. You can bet your bippy that a 4WD is used "harder" than most 2WD used pickups. Cherry picked jobs get sold to family, friends or co-workers. I know of no coveted surf spots that demand four wheel drive, not enough of them anyway to warrant the hassle of finding something that isn't in danger of being an overpriced, thrashed piece of junk. Remember "CHEAPEST"

*Parted out Toyota 4WD and Nissan 4WD's are worth a fortune

AMEN !!

captkw - 11-15-2012 at 07:47 PM

and the 7 day unit is called the "extreme" and the only thing they changed was to add some foam insulation...DUH !! but it sure helps !! 4+4 not always the best option !!! Remember I work at 711..(sorry,,could not pass it up) everything has trade offs..... like seeing a unimog in baja is just plain stupid to me !! IMO....K&T... yes surfers push the envolope just like fisherman...human nature !! I wonder whats is the most dangerous ?????? a no brainer !!

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by captkw]

locked spider !!!

captkw - 11-15-2012 at 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by baja09
Hey Kieth ...good idea, but what ya going to do when ya get on pavement(response)...coming back from costa rica I crossed over in to texas and got stuck in some red clay (soft) with the help of some REAL texans (idiots) spon the splines on the axles ..after a month of searching said WTF and welded the spider...fine while going straight !! duallys dont jump up in the air 2/3 inches much on a normal rv,, but mine did after the weld !!! really cool to enter a gas station !! a hopp,,hopp skip..folks would Run !! LOL :lol:

.....K&T

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by captkw]

Terry28 - 11-15-2012 at 08:23 PM

Man, I can't believe...I actually agree with EVERYTHING DavidE wrote...very good advice, and not an exaggeration in any of it....solid..

YEP !!

captkw - 11-15-2012 at 08:26 PM

MMc - 11-15-2012 at 09:03 PM

DavidE don't surf. I go to plenty of spots that require 4x4 or a major walk. If your looking at a motor home as a possibility you won't need a 4x4.
The new motor home of choice is a full size 1/2 ton with pop-top. Not a lot leftover of Toyota motor homes.

magentawave - 11-15-2012 at 09:33 PM

Are you talking about a 1/2 ton pickup with pop-top camper? I have considered one of those but with all this war BS going on in the mid-east I don't see gas getting any cheaper and its more likely it will keep getting more expensive.

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc
DavidE don't surf. I go to plenty of spots that require 4x4 or a major walk. If your looking at a motor home as a possibility you won't need a 4x4.
The new motor home of choice is a full size 1/2 ton with pop-top. Not a lot leftover of Toyota motor homes.

wessongroup - 11-15-2012 at 09:56 PM

Lots of good info thanks to all -- 57 vw then a 63 bus, woohoo !! back in stone age

dean miller - 11-16-2012 at 08:04 AM

We toured Baja with an old Toyota with a 22R engine for many years. It was repaced by a later model 4 Fourunner. I preferred the earlier Toyota ..

Our trailer was small 13 foot "Roust a bout trailer." It was one of the sleepers which over built and never sold well. In an 8X10 space we had all the comforts of home. Sink, Stove, Heater, Bath, Bed, Lighing, Storage...Just don't make them like the "Roust a bout" any more...

First mod to the "Roust a bout" was to seal the joints of the trailer with caulking and spray generous amounts of undercoating on all the joint areas. The tires needed replacement so 3 size over size tires, requiring the wheel wells to be cut out and rubber "eye" lashes be installed. Then the 3 leaf springs broke, so replaced in Mexico with 6 leaf high arch springs. After 10 years of hard useage they broke, so replaced the entire spring system with all new components which were tac welded in place.

The interior items the toilet, the water system was replaced by marine grade items, the lighting was converted to florescent 6-12 volt and 3-110 (just in case)all the lighting was also supplemented by three solar panels.

The single propane tank was replaced by two tanks and the single battery was to be replaced "when I got around to it" high above the back bumper I welded a mesh rack 2feet by ten feet which held a jack, Jerry cans for water and gasoline,supplies etc etc etc...

This trailer went were ever we wanted to pull it..on the concrete or where the concrete ends.

It would not be economical feasible for a US manufacture to market an off road trailer, there is just no market for one. The US has insidiously become a nation of RV parks and concrete. So we made our own.

sdm

Wally - 11-16-2012 at 12:17 PM

old but:

http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/toyota-tops-consumer-report...

.

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by Wally]

Cypress - 11-16-2012 at 12:57 PM

Get yourself one of those moped motor scooters.

El Jefe - 11-16-2012 at 01:26 PM

Van. I like a van. If I was looking for a vehicle for an extended surf trip I'd go with a used Dodge Sprinter diesel. Put a locking rear end in it and away you go. Stand up interior room. Put a bed in the back with LOTS of room underneath for storage. Boards inside lashed to the roof.
Pull over to the side of the road in a safe place and go to sleep. No setup. No fuss. And I like the idea of the little moto for exploring etc.

Keep it simple. Guys I know with those Sportsmobiles won't take them off road for fear of tearing up their fancy interiors. And they cost way too much anyway. Same for even an older cheap moho. You will find the cabinets falling apart on the first washboard you come to. Hit that pothole and everything comes flying out of the upper cabinet. Keep your stuff packed in plastic boxes under the bed where it can't fly around.

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by El Jefe]

lockers

captkw - 11-16-2012 at 01:56 PM

btw my baja boat tower is a 77 dodge 1 ton custom Van with a slider !! not the best on gas but way over built. and c white paint job w/custom blue graphics and windows/insulated and panelled.can park without shade..never understand a black or dark colar for baja,..there is company that makes a air diff lock up and you also get the bennie of really good on board compresser which is must for baja if you not gonna stay on the pavement...the lil toy motor homes are really sloooow !!! (chinook)maybe even slower that some vw vanagans !! would not be good choice and lack any springs and clearance...IMO......K&T :cool:

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 11-17-2012 by captkw]

comitan - 11-16-2012 at 02:11 PM

http://bajasur.en.craigslist.com.mx/cto/3412901133.html

Check this.

Also check u2u upper right hand corner of page.

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by comitan]

cheap & relieable

captkw - 11-16-2012 at 02:34 PM

1 good horse (morgan) two burro's !! three umbrella's and your set !!! no gas,mantainece,insurance,reg. and your chance of a head on is very low !!!! K&T :cool:

Bubba - 11-16-2012 at 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Steve, a 4WD is the ONLY way to go. Confirm with Neal Johns who (along with so many others here) convinced me to get a Tacoma 4WD... that was 12 years ago... I have had 3 (on a 5 year lease) and they were are great... my 2010 is by far the best... but real close tie with my 2001... just a few issues with my 2005, but never a break down.
[Edited on 11-15-2012 by David K]

I'm sorry but I will need to disagree on your evaluation of the 2010 Tacoma. I've owned 5 Toyota Pick Ups and 2 Toyota 4 Runners dating back to 1982 when I purchased my first Toyota Pick Up, bought it new, put 282K "hard miles" on it, worked construction and owned a firewood lot in Big Bear, you can imagine what it went through. I bought a Tacoma the first year they were made in 1995 and then again 1997 and owned it until 2010 when I decided it was time to "treat" myself and buy a new 2010 Tacoma. Keep in mind the 1997 Tacoma was worked relatively hard but not like my previous trucks but the only thing I did to that truck was bring it in for routine maintenance, put tires on it 3 times and a battery twice. I believed in Tacoma's so much that I bought my 2010 without a test drive. It was fine for the first 3-5k miles but started to rattle and squeak, (without ever 4x4 it) the brakes started to squeall, still do, my cigarette lighter, sterio, basically the console shorted out twice, the fabric on the seat is starting to wear etc. I brought the truck back to the dealer and they repaired/replaced what was obviously wrong but still won't address other issues such as the brakes, squeaks etc. I was sitting at a red light the other morning and the same Tacoma pulled up next to me, same issue, squelling brakes. I rolled down my window, he has the same issues and so do many other people. Don't get me wrong, I suppose they're still a decent vehicle but I expect more than decent when I spend 40k. I lived and died by Tacoma's until now and yes, I have a 30 yr history with Toyota. I actually wish I still had the 97 Tacoma but sold it to my roomate for 5k when I was offered 7k but she was in a bind and needed very reliable transportation, she puts 200 miles a day on this truck and still thanks me every time I see her...

To the original poster, do your homework, the older 4runners and tacomas are worth it if you find the right vehicle, just remember if it sounds to good to be true than it most likely is. Check records if you can, make sure the timing belt was changed, the old one's were teflon, they stretched. Good luck in your search.

David K - 11-16-2012 at 05:40 PM

Sorry you got a lemon! No way should you have to put up with any problems like that!

How close was your Tacoma to mine?:

My Tacoma is a 2010 Double Cab, 4WD Off Road TRD, obtained in Dec. 2009, manufactured at Toyota de Baja California and sold at Toyota Carlsbad.

It has been absolutely wonderful and with the new traction systems, a far superior off road machine to my two earlier Tacomas (and I thought they were great).

With the terrible economy, I don't have as many miles on this truck as I did on the other two after almost 3 years... my truck is my only vehicle and must serve me for my irrigation business and trips to the desert and Baja for fun. I have 45,000 miles on my 2010 now. The ONLY issue, fixed under warranty was a tiny tranny drip when it was brand new and a clicking sound from the fan blower motor.. both fixed.

My 2005 (Double Cab 4WD Off Road) had brake noise on the first pads, ABS break issues on slippery roads, a spiral/ clock spring cable fail, and too soft rear springs... but the positives outweighed those negatives. 102,000 miles in 4+ years.

My 2001 (Xtra cab, 4WD, Off Road) was perfect... 136,000 miles in 5 years, no problems.

[Edited on 11-17-2012 by David K]

tech vs strong/relieable

captkw - 11-16-2012 at 05:58 PM

Its a fact that the newer trucks/stereos/houses have alot of cool new features..but and thats a big butt (lol) we are giving up really well built for the new techs !! facing newer designs and economys a lot of stuff being made today will not hold up (muy duro)..as mech/electrical specialist my entire life and can say with without blinking a eye ,, things are being made cheaper and cheaper !! cars/trucks will soon be disposable faster than ever !!! just pointing out what I see in my line of work !! K&T :cool:

and for the record: toys rock !!

Dianamo - 11-16-2012 at 08:14 PM

loved reading this thread....!

Couldn't resist.....

bajaguy - 11-16-2012 at 08:35 PM

What is the CHEAPEST and most reliable vehicle to buy, own and maintain for long term travel throughout Baja, mainland Mexico, ...

Hmmmmmmmmmm, don't think one exists :lol:

Hook - 11-16-2012 at 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc

The new motor home of choice is a full size 1/2 ton with pop-top.

You know, that is REALLY probably the way to go, though it probably wouldnt satisfy the OP criteria of a cheap vehicle.

But you could go ANYWHERE in a rig like if it had 4x4. Almost no clearance issues. Almost instantaneous setup of a place to eat, kitchen, place to sleep, place for when mother nature calls, place to shower (although usually those are outside on pop-ups).

It really does get to be a drag to have to pull everything out of your truck bed/SUV everytime you want to lay down in privacy or make camp. At least it does on any trip longer than, say, two weeks. And that constitutes long term, which is another goal of the OP.

OP=1st post

captkw - 11-16-2012 at 09:39 PM

Bubba - 11-17-2012 at 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Sorry you got a lemon! No way should you have to put up with any problems like that!

How close was your Tacoma to mine?:

My Tacoma is a 2010 Double Cab, 4WD Off Road TRD, obtained in Dec. 2009, manufactured at Toyota de Baja California and sold at Toyota Carlsbad.

It has been absolutely wonderful and with the new traction systems, a far superior off road machine to my two earlier Tacomas (and I thought they were great).

With the terrible economy, I don't have as many miles on this truck as I did on the other two after almost 3 years... my truck is my only vehicle and must serve me for my irrigation business and trips to the desert and Baja for fun. I have 45,000 miles on my 2010 now. The ONLY issue, fixed under warranty was a tiny tranny drip when it was brand new and a clicking sound from the fan blower motor.. both fixed.

My 2005 (Double Cab 4WD Off Road) had brake noise on the first pads, ABS break issues on slippery roads, a spiral/ clock spring cable fail, and too soft rear springs... but the positives outweighed those negatives. 102,000 miles in 4+ years.

My 2001 (Xtra cab, 4WD, Off Road) was perfect... 136,000 miles in 5 years, no problems.

[Edited on 11-17-2012 by David K]

David,

My Tacoma is almost identical to yours except it's the extra cab, not the double cab. Mine was also manufactured at Toyota De Baja and I had it shipped to the dealer here in Pismo because it was the only one like it left in Ca. The dealer originally quoted me $200 shipping fee but waived it. Mine just turned 25,000 miles, still new and I get alot of compliments on it's looks. I don't believe I'm the only one that got a Lemon, as I said, I've been sitting at a red light and had other Tacoma's pull beside me with the same issues. Are they major?, not really, I suppose I expected more after owning these vehicles for 30 yrs, maybe I got spoiled? I still stand by Toyota and will most likely buy another if/when I'm ready. I'm glad to hear your's is performing the way they should and wish you continued success with it.

David K - 11-17-2012 at 10:59 AM

Thanks... but still no excuse for the number of problems you had... and I invite you to join the Tacoma owners forum and perhaps see if your issues are as rare as I think or more common than I heard: http://tacomaworld.com (I am 'David K' there, as well)... Some other Tacoma driving Baja Nomads are also members at Tacoma World

Bubba - 11-17-2012 at 11:10 AM

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Thanks... but still no excuse for the number of problems you had... and I invite you to join the Tacoma owners forum and perhaps see if your issues are as rare as I think or more common than I heard: http://tacomaworld.com (I am 'David K' there, as well)... Some other Tacoma driving Baja Nomads are also members at Tacoma World

David K - 11-17-2012 at 11:19 AM

Pismo Beach is a POPULAR place for Tacoma Word members... Lot's of meets there to four wheel in the dunes and on the beach.

Bubba - 11-17-2012 at 12:26 PM

Yes, I used to take my 97' there all the time, haven't had this one out there yet, I just don't care for the clean up of the under carriage etc from the salt, I'm kinda anal with my boats and trucks. When I bought this Tacoma they were so popular that it was the only vehicle Toyota made without 0% financing. My credit score is over 800 and the best they would do was 5.1%. I even left the dealer the first time and said I would buy it on the spot if they would do the 0%, just call me, they never called so I did.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Pismo Beach is a POPULAR place for Tacoma Word members... Lot's of meets there to four wheel in the dunes and on the beach.

magentawave - 11-17-2012 at 12:50 PM

Yes, Sprinters are reeeeeeally nice but don't fit into the CHEAP category, plus, they are too "rich gringo" like which could be an invitation for ripoffs.

Quote:

Originally posted by El Jefe
Van. I like a van. If I was looking for a vehicle for an extended surf trip I'd go with a used Dodge Sprinter diesel. Put a locking rear end in it and away you go. Stand up interior room. Put a bed in the back with LOTS of room underneath for storage. Boards inside lashed to the roof.
Pull over to the side of the road in a safe place and go to sleep. No setup. No fuss. And I like the idea of the little moto for exploring etc.

Keep it simple. Guys I know with those Sportsmobiles won't take them off road for fear of tearing up their fancy interiors. And they cost way too much anyway. Same for even an older cheap moho. You will find the cabinets falling apart on the first washboard you come to. Hit that pothole and everything comes flying out of the upper cabinet. Keep your stuff packed in plastic boxes under the bed where it can't fly around.

[Edited on 11-16-2012 by El Jefe]

magentawave - 11-17-2012 at 12:55 PM

Pulling stuff out to camp is okay if I'm staying in an area for a while, but I agree 100% that having to set up and de-set up is a drag when having to make trips into town to get supplies or when you're on the move a lot. Thats why I was kind of thinking of a Toyota motorhome.

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc

The new motor home of choice is a full size 1/2 ton with pop-top.

magentawave - 11-17-2012 at 01:11 PM

I have lots of questions about towing a trailer with your 22R and 4Runner please...

1) Do you know what the total weight of the trailer was including all the stuff you packed into it?

2) Did you upgrade anything on the pickup or the 4Runner to handle towing the trailer? Bigger radiator? Transmission cooler??

3) What was it like towing on those long gnarly wash board roads?

4) Why did you prefer the older Toyota pickup over the 4Runner?

5) Did you ever find yourself thinking: "Oh man, I wish we had everything in one vehicle instead of towing a trailer!"

6) Did you have a propane fridge or cooler with ice?

7) Would you still consider towing a trailer if you were traveling in Baja, mainland Mexico, and Central America?

8) Do you remember the difference for the MPG when towing?

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally posted by dean miller
We toured Baja with an old Toyota with a 22R engine for many years. It was repaced by a later model 4 Fourunner. I preferred the earlier Toyota ..

Our trailer was small 13 foot "Roust a bout trailer." It was one of the sleepers which over built and never sold well. In an 8X10 space we had all the comforts of home. Sink, Stove, Heater, Bath, Bed, Lighing, Storage...Just don't make them like the "Roust a bout" any more...

First mod to the "Roust a bout" was to seal the joints of the trailer with caulking and spray generous amounts of undercoating on all the joint areas. The tires needed replacement so 3 size over size tires, requiring the wheel wells to be cut out and rubber "eye" lashes be installed. Then the 3 leaf springs broke, so replaced in Mexico with 6 leaf high arch springs. After 10 years of hard useage they broke, so replaced the entire spring system with all new components which were tac welded in place.

The interior items the toilet, the water system was replaced by marine grade items, the lighting was converted to florescent 6-12 volt and 3-110 (just in case)all the lighting was also supplemented by three solar panels.

The single propane tank was replaced by two tanks and the single battery was to be replaced "when I got around to it" high above the back bumper I welded a mesh rack 2feet by ten feet which held a jack, Jerry cans for water and gasoline,supplies etc etc etc...

This trailer went were ever we wanted to pull it..on the concrete or where the concrete ends.

It would not be economical feasible for a US manufacture to market an off road trailer, there is just no market for one. The US has insidiously become a nation of RV parks and concrete. So we made our own.

sdm

chippy - 11-17-2012 at 01:26 PM

The 80s diesel Suburbans with the 6.2 N/A motor worked/works great for me. Lotsa trips to Costa Rica and Panama from Cali. 17/19 mpg. I still own an 1984 with 330,000 miles and running strong. Its no speed demon. You can pack alot of stuff in and on top of with room to sleep inside if need be. Plenty of them in Central America so parts are not a problem.

towing anything!!

captkw - 11-17-2012 at 01:44 PM

Its makes a world of change to tow..dont tow unless you willing to deal with a whole nother realm !! K&T Remember KISS.........

805gregg - 11-17-2012 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Gaucho
I HAD a Ford Ranger truck and it was a pile! Toyota for sure.

Quote:

My 2001 had the 3.4 V-6 and the '05 and '10 have the 4.0 V-6... both were fantastic engines and never a bit of problem... total between the three, about 300,000 miles... never a drop of oil on the ground either

David you sell your trucks at 100,000 miles, a Yugo can go that distance, it's the after 100,000 miles that makes a statement. My 2000 Dodge has 350,000 and is still going strong, original auto trans and Cummins, can't a good diesel.

Before getting my '01 Tacoma, I did shop for a Ford Ranger... oh, I am SOOOO glad I got the Toyota... Our son has a 4WD Ranger and it is a miracle when the 4WD works or there aren't other issues.

Hook - 11-17-2012 at 07:11 PM

Who said anything about the engines in the Rangers? It was every thing else, especially the trannys. Check out older issues of Consumer's Reports buying guides.

David K - 11-18-2012 at 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg

David you sell your trucks at 100,000 miles, a Yugo can go that distance, it's the after 100,000 miles that makes a statement. My 2000 Dodge has 350,000 and is still going strong, original auto trans and Cummins, can't a good diesel.

You buried your reply inside of my quote, so I didn't discover it until now...

Tacoma #1 had 136,000 miles on it in almost 5 years.
Tacoma #2 had 102,000 miles on it in a little over 4 years.
Tacoma #3 has 45,000 miles on it so far at almost 3 years.

Toyotas are just 'warming up' at 100,000 miles!

#1 was a 2 door 'xtra cab' and only had room for two adults and two small kids for any distance... my kids out-grew it.

#2 (and #3) was a four door, second generation (bigger overall) Tacoma. room for 4 adults comfortably, and 5 if needed.

The trucks are on a 5 year lease (as they are used for both business and pleasure)... Toyota does not add any penalty for exceeding the annual 12,000 mile lease mileage if you trade for another Toyota... and since Toyotas last so long, the mileage deduction is not severe on dropping the value of the truck at the time of the trade in.

When I traded in my 2005 for the 2010, I didn't have to pay one cent, and the only change was $20 increase in the lease payment. Leasing is awesome if you cannot afford the payments of a purchase (don't have a large down payment), you want to deduct the entire cost of the truck from your business tax, and you want to have a new truck every 5 years or less. It was the only way I could get safe, reliable vehicles for my family and business.

Now, the negatives of leasing is that you don't want to do any major modifications, specially if they cannot be removed and used on the next truck (as I did with my light bar). Also, if you like the truck so much, that you want to keep it, then it will cost you more overall to have leased it for up to 5 years then purchase it... with a few more years worth of payments added.

El Jefe - 11-18-2012 at 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by magentawave
Yes, Sprinters are reeeeeeally nice but don't fit into the CHEAP category, plus, they are too "rich gringo" like which could be an invitation for ripoffs.

OK, so substitute Ford or Chevy or Dodge for Sprinter in my post and you have the same thing only much cheaper. With the rear locker in my old Ford Econoline and BFGs aired down I could get just about anywhere I wanted. Yes, sometimes I wanted to camp just "over there" and had to settle for "right here" because it looked too soft over there. Fuel mpg is not as good as a toyota maybe, but utility is way better. More carrying capacity for your toys, room for a nice big comfy place to sleep out of the elements etc. People along the road may try to flag you down thinking you are the collectivo bus, but hey you will look like a local for sure.

mojo_norte - 11-18-2012 at 07:41 PM

Quote:

I second this. Ford made this engine up until the mid 90's. mostly in the the F150's (PU's) E150 (Vans). Lots of torque. 4X4 is nice but the 2wd with the 4 speed with the granny low crawler gear will get you most places . High teens in gas mileage. Toyota's are great but $$ for anything decent. I have both.

Ateo - 11-18-2012 at 07:49 PM

This could end up being a 98 page topic.

Terry28 - 11-18-2012 at 08:04 PM

Good!!! The "Turtle thread" could use some competition..

Ateo - 11-18-2012 at 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Terry28
Good!!! The "Turtle thread" could use some competition..

I AGREE. =)

This is a topic worth discussing as it is the foundation of most of our trips -- the vehicle!

pappy - 11-19-2012 at 09:04 AM

i have had 3 trucks in my driving lifetime-all chevys(1964, 1985 and 2001) with small block v-8's, manual trannies, 4x4. reliable, economical. parts are readily available.

desertcpl - 11-19-2012 at 09:30 AM

Pappy

I agree keep it simple and easy to fix is the way to go

and I dont care if its a Ford, Chevy or Dodge they all can work

for get about all the bells and whistles, when your broke down in bum F... some place, and you open the hood and you cant even see the engine, you can get that sinking feeling real fast

sorry Dk I left out Toyota, didnt mean to

David K - 11-19-2012 at 10:03 AM

No worries... more Nomads who actually drive in Baja seem have Toyotas than other brands (specially pick up owners). It was all the Nomads who had Toyotas before me, that helped convince me to go Toyota (specially Neal Johns).

Seems Ford and Dodge/ Ram is next, with diesels being popular.

No longer in the pick up truck business (that may soon change), but Jeep is probably the next popular Baja vehicle with Nomads.

monoloco - 11-19-2012 at 10:29 AM

DK, You should be getting some compensation from Toyota. :lol:

They do make good trucks , but for driving all the time in Baja I think I would prefer an older model for simplicity's sake. I have some friends in Todos Santos who bought a brand new 2009 Tacoma, and they have been having problems with body panels coming loose and parts falling off from the rough roads, they also busted a leaf spring.

desertcpl - 11-19-2012 at 11:04 AM

DK

for your info,, here is my ride 07 Tacoma TRD,

but I would if I was living in Baja, I would think my daily driver would be some thing simple, the older Toy's are very popular

[Edited on 11-19-2012 by desertcpl]

David K - 11-19-2012 at 06:06 PM

More than once, on a rough dirt road, a ranchero in sometimes in an older Toyota truck would stop as he passed where I was taking a break, look at my Tacoma, and then say "Toyota... Numero Uno"... Another time, when asking about road conditions ahead at a ranch... I would be told that the road is "muy, muy malo"... but then added: "no problema con Toyota" :light:

VIVA BAJA... VIVA TOYOTA... Built in Baja for the Baja!

David K - 11-19-2012 at 06:13 PM

Not only can a Tacoma drive UP the infamous Diablo Dropoff in Anza Borrego Desert State Park... but here I am PULLING a 2WD Tacoma (that had no business attempting to)... The group of Jeep owners at the top looking down had just eariler shaken their heads in disbelief as I was hitching up my tow strap to the stuck in a dune 2WD Tacoma... saying it would be impossible for my pickup to pull another up the DropOff!

Here is where I climbed a very steep hill where only one other Tacoma had... and the rest just watched... this was demonstrating Toyota's A-TRAC front and rear locker-like traction system:

[Edited on 11-20-2012 by David K]

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