Hello
I recently purchased a Honda Element LX 2wd for everyday use and travel....has anyone had any experiences traveling to Baja with an Element....any
suggestions or advice would be appreciated....
Gracias JuanDavid K - 6-25-2013 at 08:11 AM
There are enough paved and graded dirt roads to get you around in a passenger car. Just remember that if you do get stuck in sand, do not spin the
tires...
Let the air out to near 10 psi on all four tires, clear away any built up sand from in front of the tires... drive back to solid ground, and refill
the tires with an air pump.
1) Get a good dial tire pressure gauge
2) Get a tire air pump. Plug into cig lighter is slow or clips onto battery is fast.chuckie - 6-25-2013 at 08:12 AM
Shouldnt be any diffrent than any other 2 wd SUV, we looked at one last year, almost bought it...Unless you are into serious off roading?Martyman - 6-25-2013 at 08:13 AM
My friend has a 4 wheel drive element which he takes to baja. Our place is down a 5 mile dirt road and he lanches a boat on the beach with it. It is
the 4 wheel drive model though.bluesnart - 6-25-2013 at 08:32 AM
thanks.....
a follow up question:
I am thinking of traveling to Bahia Asuncion.....would my 2wd Element or any 2wd SUV ok under the road conditions found in and around that area...
Gracias JuanDavid K - 6-25-2013 at 08:49 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by bluesnart
thanks.....
a follow up question:
I am thinking of traveling to Bahia Asuncion.....would my 2wd Element or any 2wd SUV ok under the road conditions found in and around that area...
Gracias Juan
Yes, 90%+ of the area residents only have 2WD... just remember the sand thing I shared as that will be you only issue traveling side roads... other
than trying to go too far off road where the low ground clearance can be an issue.willardguy - 6-25-2013 at 10:10 AM
a couple simple suspension mods and youre good to go!
shari - 6-25-2013 at 10:36 AM
no sweat bluesman.....I have a little Ford Contour I go nearly everywhere in and they are fixing the road as I type...woo hooo....you are overdue for
a visit sir! (bring your instruments)bluesnart - 6-25-2013 at 11:31 AM
Thank you all for your input....especially the photo of the Element.....in fact mine is the exact same color and year....but not 4wd....
thanks shari....and david k....your expert advise is appreciated....
next follow up....i am going to post about the possibility of a caravan heading for Bahia Asuncion in the other section of the forum....if anyone has
any other comments on the Element please feel free....
JuanBAJA.DESERT.RAT - 6-25-2013 at 12:57 PM
Hola bluesnart and welcome to NOMADS,
i bought the element with 4 wheel drive in 2003 when they first came out and have driven round trip to los barriles seven times pulling a wells cargo
enclosed 6' x 8' utility trailer and have been very satisfied with it. mine has about a 9" ground clearance which has been very adequate for all of my
travels in out of the way areas.
in 2004, i put 5,000 miles on it on my first 5 month driving visit just in the east cape area visiting and exploring ( without pulling the trailer )
the so many dirt roads and didn't have any problems at all visiting all the out of the way places.
the only problem that i had and still have is the front pillars are so wide that i have to really take care seeing around them.
the only after market items i put on were a trailer hitch and a transmission cooler.
initially, i got 24 miles per gallon with just one passenger. i never had any problems with gas in mexico using magna sin.
good luck with your element and have a great journey.
BIEN SALUD, DA RATmonoloco - 6-25-2013 at 01:39 PM
Another plus is that there are Honda dealerships now in La Paz and Cabo in the rare case you should need parts or service.bluesnart - 6-26-2013 at 08:00 PM
Deseart Rat and Monoloco
I really do appreciate the input...
Will be looking to caravan down with more experienced baja travelers soon...
