BajaNomad - SUV, if you had the choice...

SUV, if you had the choice...

BajaLuna - 8-30-2013 at 11:36 AM

We are buying a used SUV to keep down in Chula Vista for future trips down to Bahia Asuncion. It's a long waysss to keep driving back and forth from WA State down there, when the Hubs is not retired yet, eats up a lot of vacation time we could be sitting on the beach drinking margaritas! We are thinking along the lines of something like a Jeep Cherokee. What I am wondering is...how easy is it to get parts for a Jeep down there, I am thinking fairly well, but maybe I'm wrong? What other SUV 4-wheel drives do you recommend that parts are easy to acquire down in Baja? yet won't cost an arm and a leg, Toyota or Subaru would be great but YIKES....and this is just a car to use part time in Baja so don't want to spend an arm and a leg.

Jeep Cherokee?
Small Chevy Blazer?
Ford Explorer?
???

thanks in advance for your input!!

bajachris - 8-30-2013 at 11:37 AM

Toyota Tacoma

DENNIS - 8-30-2013 at 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaLuna
What I am wondering is...how easy is it to get parts for a Jeep down there, I am thinking fairly well, but maybe I'm wrong?

You aren't wrong. Jeeps are a "dime a dozen" down here. Parts, new or yonke, are no problem, nor is mechanical expertise.

DENNIS - 8-30-2013 at 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajachris
Toyota Tacoma

Now, that may be more of a problem since they arn't near as common as Jeeps.

Udo - 8-30-2013 at 11:52 AM

I'm a Toyota person.
We currently have an FJ Cruiser.

There are a lot of Jeep Cherokees in Baja, but there are many more Tacomas.

BajaLuna - 8-30-2013 at 11:56 AM

Well that's good to know, Dennis!

Toyota would be our first choice, but OUCH they are pricey. Of course their reliability is why, eh!

By the way, thanks Dennis for the hook up for SavOn storage for storing a car, that's going to work out real well for us!

DENNIS - 8-30-2013 at 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaLuna
Well that's good to know, Dennis!

Toyota would be our first choice, but OUCH they are pricey. Of course their reliability is why, eh!

By the way, thanks Dennis for the hook up for SavOn storage for storing a car, that's going to work out real well for us!

Glad it helped. You can get your mail sent there as well, if we didn't mention that before. We have a large mail group in Punta Banda that cooperates on bringing it from Sav-On to PB.

BajaLuna - 8-30-2013 at 12:07 PM

I did not know we could also get our mail there too, that sounds great.... and we would be willing as well to bring mail down for people!

I was checking into private mailbox places just yesterday, and was thinking of the UPS on telegraph canyon road, but now I'll check into keeping it all in one place, much more simple that way! Do they also accept packages and hold them?

monoloco - 8-30-2013 at 12:12 PM

Those Cherokees are gas hogs and not that reliable. If you plan on doing any serious 4 wheeling, I'd recommend a 4 cylinder Forerunner or Pathfinder. We have an 03 Honda CRV that has been unbelievably reliable, the original brakes lasted 92000 mi, Although it's all wheel drive, I wouldn't recommend it for serious four wheeling, but it would be a great car for the commute, if you need more room the Honda Elements are cavernous, Rav 4's hold up well also.

DENNIS - 8-30-2013 at 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaLuna
Do they also accept packages and hold them?

Yes, they do. Participation in the PB Mail Group will however require belonging to it. If you want to pursue this, let me know and I'll look into it. There is no charge....just a willingness to cooperate. By that, I mean....in the past, there have been members who thought they could furnish a house through the mail, and.......well, you get the picture, I'm sure.

BajaLuna - 8-30-2013 at 12:27 PM

WHAT??? What kind of group is this anyways LOL. You mean I CAN'T furnish a whole house through the mail and expect people to pick it all up for me and bring it to Baja, LOL!

Actually we aren't bringing down a whole lot, we bought the place furnished, but there is some stuff we need to bring down now with us and also I'm sure in the future I'll be sending down some boxes there whenever we anticipate a trip down and can pick them up in CV. And segundos will be our friend too!

It's good to know we can do everything in one place at SavOn.

BajaLuna - 8-30-2013 at 12:43 PM

Monoloco, I get ya about the gas guzzler, we are thinking of just a 6 cyl Jeep, somewhat less gas.

We need something bigger than a CRV or RAV, we have 2 Grandchildren and another on the way next month...and all their gear too. For such little people it's amazing how much gear ya need for kids LOL!

A forerunner is what was at the top of our list and we're still not wanting to dismiss it all together, depends if we can find a good deal on one.

comitan - 8-30-2013 at 01:06 PM

chevy astro AWD, 99 or newer, cheap, dependable, parts no problem, before I bought mine on a trip from Cabo to La Paz counted 31, that did it for me.

Curt63 - 8-30-2013 at 01:11 PM

Toyota 4Runner!

weebray - 8-30-2013 at 01:13 PM

The J in Jeep is for JUNK. The only reason there are a bunch of them here is because they are cheap, as in cheeep in all ways. As a 45+ yr. retired mechanic I can honestly recommend Toyota, Honda or Nissan and in that order. You fill in the model. We drive an on demand 4X Honda Element here in the Baja - anywhere. This being said there is going to be at least one someone that is going to tell you that they have 300K + on their Jeep and have only had to change the oil once in awhile.

Wally - 8-30-2013 at 01:18 PM

Not mine but keep your eyes open for something like it. Run forever...

http://bajasur.en.craigslist.com.mx/cto/4026747820.html

mojo_norte - 8-30-2013 at 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Curt63
Toyota 4Runner!

$$ - same as Tacoma

mojo_norte - 8-30-2013 at 01:28 PM

The older Cherokees with the 6 cylinder engines are good. Weak points are the Auto Transmissions - go for a manual.. 15-20 MPG?
I'd go for a late 80's - 90's Ford Bronco w/ a FI 302 V8 and a 5 speed manual.

monoloco - 8-30-2013 at 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaLuna
Monoloco, I get ya about the gas guzzler, we are thinking of just a 6 cyl Jeep, somewhat less gas.

We need something bigger than a CRV or RAV, we have 2 Grandchildren and another on the way next month...and all their gear too. For such little people it's amazing how much gear ya need for kids LOL!

A forerunner is what was at the top of our list and we're still not wanting to dismiss it all together, depends if we can find a good deal on one.

Whatever you save by buying a Jeep you'll spend in fuel and mechanics. We have a close friend who has a Cherokee and it is in the shop constantly. The older 4.0 straight sixes are more reliable but the bodies are rust buckets. If you want an inexpensive rig look for a late 80's-early 90's Forerunner.

Mula - 8-30-2013 at 01:35 PM

No Subaru dealers or parts I have ever seen here.
And only ever seen 1 Subaru here - ran til the transmission went out. . . Now dead in Mulege.

Best bet is a 4 Runner - might cost more, but in the long run. . . your best bet. Safety, reliability, fuel economy and repair-ability. . . .

Also lots of Fords here.

Bob and Susan - 8-30-2013 at 02:16 PM

since you are leaving the car in the usa then parts are not an issue
repairs can always be done north of the border

reliability is what you want

it's quite a drive from the border to Bahia Asuncion and back
you don't want something that will break on the way down or up

you really don't need an off-road gas guzzler
you need economy and reliabilty

flights from washington to san diego aren't cheap
and storage in the usa isn't either

example: I have a newer Versa...$80usa to the border
a cheap "throw away" car

Russ - 8-30-2013 at 02:32 PM

I'm partial to the Explorer. It's a smooth ride, pretty dependable if you do the restore after buying it used. Not a sand rig but handles dirt and rocky roads well.
After I rolled the '98 I just bought a '04 V8 and really like it so far. Looking forward to returning to Punta Chivato mid month. The Explorer has a lot of room to haul stuff or camp in.

grace59 - 8-30-2013 at 03:26 PM

Get something reliable....like a Toyota...and you won't need to worry about parts! :lol:

I have an Toyota F J Cruiser that I love. It is reliable and good for highway and off-roading. BTW, I live in Washington also...and have a home in San Felipe. Have made multiple trips back and forth in the FJ. As for flights to San Diego...at time they can be expensive..you need to shop around. My husband and I both have Alaska Airlines Credit Cards and that gets us each a 99 dollar companion fair ticket each year which helps. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Heather - 8-30-2013 at 03:43 PM

My baja vehicle is an Isuzu Rodeo. When I first drove it to the tip in 1996 it was the only one in Cabo...since then they are plentiful.

My "taxi rojo" is now retired in San Lucas with my step-son...but it's still running and was very reliable and made at least 15 trips from San Diego to San Lucas...and points between!

walters886 - 8-30-2013 at 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
chevy astro AWD, 99 or newer, cheap, dependable, parts no problem, before I bought mine on a trip from Cabo to La Paz counted 31, that did it for me.

X2. Great topic. The Fetching Mrs. Nina and I have driven our ’99 GMC Safari AWD van (Chevy Astro) all over the continent and it’s always served us faithfully – especially traveling Baja. On planet Walter only one vehicle tops the Astro/Safari AWD van in durability, functionality and dependability and that’s the AWD Ford Aerostar! Oh sure, the Aerostar has got that 1990’s funky, odd wedge shape reminiscent of the Space Shuttle and definitely won’t win any beauty contests. But local’s love ‘em to death. You’ll see a lot of them on the road as many Aerostar’s find their way SOB to live their sunset years. Of course you’ll make a classy statement when arrive at your destination in a fancy pants SUV. But the trusty Aerostar seats 7, can carry 4X8 plywood, a Mariachi band and their equipment, a couple of goats, a cooler full of fish and tow a boat at the same time! Ok, maaybe not the goats too, but you get the idea. :lol:

David K - 8-30-2013 at 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by Curt63
Toyota 4Runner!

$$ - same as Tacoma

Umm... an SUV was asked for, and a Tacoma is a mid size pickup. However, the 4 door Tacoma is close to being an SUV with a pickup bed.

Here are The Toyota SUV choices:
4Runner
FJ Cruiser
Sequoia
Land Cruiser
Highlander
RAV4

Besides a Jeep Cherokee or Liberty or Commander
consider a non-off road but AWD SUV like a Subaru Outback wagon or Forester or the already mentioned Honda.

Remember, JEEP is short for:
Just
Empty
Every
Pocket!
:lol:

It is just hard not to love a piece of history, that's all. I had a Cherokee, once...

I have had excellent reliability from all Japanese brand vehicles and miserable quality from American brands. Ford trucks and Dodge trucks seem to do well, but those aren't SUVs.

[Edited on 8-30-2013 by David K]

Barry A. - 8-30-2013 at 05:03 PM

My 2007 Nissan X-terra "off road" model has been great, but not sure parts are available in Mexico--------it averages about 17 miles per gallon w/6 cyl-------it is very competant both on, and off, road. No problems, so far, but I did have to beef up the suspension to make it ride really nice and a little taller. (Calmini suspension fore & aft for 2.5 inch lift and stiffer ride)

Barry

David K - 8-30-2013 at 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
My 2007 Nissan X-terra "off road" model has been great, but not sure parts are available in Mexico--------it averages about 17 miles per gallon w/6 cyl-------it is very competant both on, and off, road. No problems, so far, but I did have to beef up the suspension to make it ride really nice and a little taller. (Calmini suspension fore & aft for 2.5 inch lift and stiffer ride)

Barry

I knew you would add that Barry... I just don't see enough Nissans to weigh in on them... I know you love yours and the X-terra is perhaps the only Nissan I would own, if I had a choice. BobH loves his Nissan Frontier pickup, but it is 2WD and so the only other Nomad I know with a Nissan is Whistler, and he is modifying it for Off Road racing or just to withstand Baja, at speed.

I have owned VW, Jeep, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Hyundai, Plymouth, and Toyota. All were good vehicles except the Jeep and the Plymouth... with Toyota being #1 and Subaru a close second... but really almost 0 issues with any of the Asian brands.

joel - 8-30-2013 at 05:19 PM

I am a fan of the 97 to 2001 Ford Expedition. I have two. They are very cheap, parts are everywhere (most are same as F150) and reliable. I think it has to be one of the most common part systems in Baja.

They take a fair amount of gas, but I'm only in Baja 1 to 2 months a year. It would take a very long time to pay for the premium you'll pay for a more fuel efficient car like a 4runner at this point.

Barry A. - 8-30-2013 at 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

I believe the Nissan Frontier and the X-terra are built on the same frame. My X-wife has had a 4x4 Frontier forever, and loves it.

It's a stiff frame, so the rear locker is REALLY an added plus as you can get in trouble fast when in a frame-flex situation. (it don't flex well) :lol:

Barry

David K - 8-30-2013 at 05:43 PM

X-wife ? Does she know that's how you call her? LOL

rts551 - 8-30-2013 at 06:06 PM

As you can see, everyone has their favorite. No one talks about the broken frames on a toyota coming out of Gonzaga, or a transmission on a ford in Catavina, or a turbo on a GMC in Nuevo Rosarito.

You don't mention $$$ limits. I would look at what cars (numerous) that fit you price range and then find out what is not recommended (maybe Consumer Reports or another source of research information). Then make your choice based on best bang for the buck. That will eliminate the "my car is the best car" syndrome.

Barry A. - 8-30-2013 at 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
X-wife ? Does she know that's how you call her? LOL

Nope, and don't you tell her.

B

tjsue - 8-30-2013 at 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
chevy astro AWD, 99 or newer, cheap, dependable, parts no problem, before I bought mine on a trip from Cabo to La Paz counted 31, that did it for me.

Chevy Astros are great, but she specified SUV, not van. I have a 94 Astro that runs great, it serves me well. But most of my friends don't understand why I drive a van, they keep telling me to trade it in on a little car.

Bob and Susan - 8-31-2013 at 07:43 AM

do the math...

a car that get 15mpg will cost about $4650 in fuel for 10 trips up and down

a car that get 40mpg will cost about $1750 in fuel for 10 trips up and down

the difference is $2900 usa

think about that...
burning fuel is just like burning cash

...for me...
getting a newer and a little more expensive car
will pay for it's self in 25 trips to the north and back
in just fuel savings
i'm on trip 10
only 15 more to go

[Edited on 8-31-2013 by Bob and Susan]

mojo_norte - 8-31-2013 at 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
do the math...

a car that get 15mpg will cost about $4650 in fuel for 10 trips up and down

a car that get 40mpg will cost about $1750 in fuel for 10 trips up and down

the difference is $2900 usa

think about that...
burning fuel is just like burning cash

...for me...
getting a newer and a little more expensive car
will pay for it's self in 25 trips to the north and back
in just fuel savings
i'm on trip 10
only 15 more to go

[Edited on 8-31-2013 by Bob and Susan]

What SUV gets 40 MPG?

weebray - 8-31-2013 at 08:33 AM

The review of the F150/Ford Exploder by Top Gear ------ Rubbish! Gotta love the candor of the Brits.

Bob and Susan - 8-31-2013 at 08:34 AM

maybe they should go "out of the box"

why do you need an suv when there are "hatchbacks"

mojo_norte - 8-31-2013 at 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
maybe they should go "out of the box"

why do you need an suv when there are "hatchbacks"

I think they specified an SUV that doesn't cost an Arm and Legs. Most Nomads want a durable vehicle for utility and one that won't fall apart when driven on Baja roads . The problem with cars made for the highway is they don't like being driven on bad roads and complain - so increased maintenance cost and depreciation as they fall apart at rapid rate.

willyAirstream - 8-31-2013 at 09:02 AM

1st choice...4runner
2nd.....Aerostar, [ Walter, I have no problem getting the goats and the dogs in there.] Great mileage, great camping base, parts are easy to find.
I also drive a willys with a Jeep Wagoneer drive line. Parts are everywhere. Gas mileage is only 15, less with usa gas.

desertcpl - 8-31-2013 at 09:16 AM

as you can see options are wide spread

one thing you need to consider when buying a used vehicle

is where are you going register it,,if you do decide to keep it in CV you will have to consider Smog laws in Calif

here in Yuma we have none

my bet for you on a SUV in what you are saying with bringing Grandkids down you will more than likely need more room
I would go with a Jeep Cherokee

Bubba - 8-31-2013 at 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by Curt63
Toyota 4Runner!

$$ - same as Tacoma

These vehicles are more expensive for a reason, I've owned 5 of them and never a problem with any of them.

Toyota Fan

skippermike - 9-1-2013 at 10:49 AM

We drive a 2008 Tacoma 4wd Long Bed Crew Cab - I second earlier comments on reliability being very important.
It has been to a lot of Baja very successfully, including many miles on Baja race courses.
I know the question was for an SUV, but a 4door Tacoma is more-or-less the same as a 4Runner for passenger comfort, plus it can have a 5 foot bed or 6' bed for hauling stuff around.
I'd suggest a 2nd gen - 2005 plus - if there is any option for the $$$.
You wouldn't go wrong with a 4Runner, either - I'd just rather the truck.
Good luck.

mulegemichael - 9-1-2013 at 10:57 AM

Hands down; 4runner!!...we have two, one of which we leave in mexico most of the time...THE most reliable rigs we have ever owned!!...one of them is an 8 cylinder and one a 6 cyl...really no noticeable difference except a few miles per gallon....there's just no way you can beat these rigs!!!

monoloco - 9-1-2013 at 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegemichael
Hands down; 4runner!!...we have two, one of which we leave in mexico most of the time...THE most reliable rigs we have ever owned!!...one of them is an 8 cylinder and one a 6 cyl...really no noticeable difference except a few miles per gallon....there's just no way you can beat these rigs!!!

I didn't know that they made an 8 cylinder 4runner.

wessongroup - 9-1-2013 at 11:45 AM

Used this guy when down... $1,700 and gets 18-20 mpg at 55 mph ... only thing added on after purchase ... new shocks .. and a new "head unit" with USB for my iPod .. worked and still does (the Bronco) .. starts like a Ford with a "pull choke" every time :biggrin:

All cleanup and no place to go ...

Barry A. - 9-1-2013 at 11:50 AM

Very nice, Wiley. What year is it?

You can tell that somebody (you?) loves that vehicle.

Barry

4Runner v8

skippermike - 9-1-2013 at 11:50 AM

Yup, up until 2009 they offered a Limited package with the 4.7L v8 - not a lot more HP, but more CI, good for towing and extra guts.
If I had the $$$, I'd get one and put an ICON Stage 2 or 3 off road suspension package on it, with 17" Toyo A/T2 tires, etc. = a great off road truck!
My Tacoma could retire to be a DD.
Oh well - money spent elsewhere on 2 college tuitions and 2 marriages - though not regretted!

wessongroup - 9-1-2013 at 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Very nice, Wiley. What year is it?

You can tell that somebody (you?) loves that vehicle.

Barry

1986 EB with 217,000 on the 302 ....... still a fun ride and can take a beating IMHO

and can pass smog here in CA :biggrin:

[Edited on 9-1-2013 by wessongroup]

chuckie - 9-1-2013 at 12:48 PM

I dunnowhy you need an SUV, unless you plan on exploring...I have an Astrovan AWD But almost anything will make the trip from Kalifornia to Ascuncion...Friend of mine comes to visit in his Cadillac every other year or so....Toyota anything is a good choice, but dont drink the koolaid that makes you a fanatic...(usually supplied by the Toyota dealer, in a Pacifico bottle)....

bajafam - 9-1-2013 at 02:43 PM

We have had two 91 Explorers make the trips back and forth for years. Just upgraded to an 89 Suburban because we needed the space for our growing fam. I loved the Explorers, and they are easy to find parts for. We lost the transmission outside of Jesus Maria a year or so ago, and were fortunate to get a tow back into town and the mechanic there popped a 2WD tranny from a yonke pickup truck and we were back in action in less than 24 hours

So far so good with the Burbie, but it's only her maiden Baja voyage....

mulegemichael - 9-1-2013 at 03:16 PM

skippermike; that is EXACTLY the package we have on our mexico 4 runner....whatta machine!....it's a 2004 and has never ever failed us in some really adverse conditions....like going across to san juanico from mulege and back after jimena a few years ago...literally; NO ROAD!

hdn2mx - 9-1-2013 at 03:39 PM

It's funny no one mentioned the Isuzu Trooper. I've had 2 down there so far over the last 10-12 years. Both of mine were 1991. Good gas milege, pleanty of room for people or equipment. Plus a great off road vehicle. I use mine for surfing iand it does well in the sand, just air down the tires. You can find them used and they are typically cheeper than Toyota 4 Runners. Dont get me wrong, I love Toyotas as well, just saying....

Barry A. - 9-1-2013 at 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hdn2mx
It's funny no one mentioned the Isuzu Trooper. I've had 2 down there so far over the last 10-12 years. Both of mine were 1991. Good gas milege, pleanty of room for people or equipment. Plus a great off road vehicle. I use mine for surfing iand it does well in the sand, just air down the tires. You can find them used and they are typically cheeper than Toyota 4 Runners. Dont get me wrong, I love Toyotas as well, just saying....

I have a '89 Trooper 4 cyl stick, but since over 20 yrs old it is kinda hard to find parts for them anymore. Great vehicle, but old now, and iffy for reliability. I do love it, tho.

Barry

durrelllrobert - 9-1-2013 at 07:04 PM

I love my gas guzzling 2002 Yukon that has 260,000 miles on it.
I'd buy something smaller but can't afford it. :lol:

BajaLuna - 9-6-2013 at 10:11 AM

thanks everyone for your feedback! Lots of good info you have shared!!

EEEvil Ess You Vee

EdZeranski - 9-6-2013 at 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte
The older Cherokees with the 6 cylinder engines are good. Weak points are the Auto Transmissions - go for a manual.. 15-20 MPG?
I'd go for a late 80's - 90's Ford Bronco w/ a FI 302 V8 and a 5 speed manual.

My brother in the mechanic/heavy equipment business for 35 + years really likes the Cherokees with the 6cyl and manual tranny but takes the auto x mission models too. Right now he has 4 of them for wife, son, self, and a back up for visiting family members. He says that 6 is one of the better engines ever built. Roger has mapped out all the sensors and grounds that cause reliability problems so when he picks up a used vehicle he can run a diagnostic check, take care of what might be iffy, then away he goes. So...If you can find one of those Jeeps at a decent price pick it up. Toyota ForeRunners are great!! I'm still driving a 1994 Grand Cherokee V8 as a UTILITY vehicle but have a 2005 Forerunner we take to Baja.
The Toyota sure is more comfortable on a long drive!! It can wallow its way through lots places I should have had better sense than try. I'm not sure if Roger did a spread sheet on the Jeep grounds or sensor spec/resistances but if I can get the list I'll post it as a troubleshooting aid.

EdZ KG6UTS
Baja in October!!!

Ess U VEE

EdZeranski - 9-6-2013 at 10:54 AM

Quote:

I didn't know that they made an 8 cylinder 4runner.

Our Fore Runner, 2005, with the V8 has been a great vehicle. A bit pricey when new but looking back well worth it and still at 100 and a grunch thousand mile runs like new. It has the guts to pull trailers. Now running Bridgestone tires and gas shocks.

EdZ KG6UTS

Hook - 9-8-2013 at 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
maybe they should go "out of the box"

why do you need an suv when there are "hatchbacks"

A hatchback that gets 40 mpg is gonna be the size of a postage stamp. The hatchback will be convenient for putting groceries back there but that's about all it would carry.

Reality, Bob, reality.................

I'd go 2005 four door Tacoma and if you really want it to be like an SUV, put a shell on the back. I think they made a 4 cylinder option that year; go with that for mileage, assuming you arent towing anything over 2.5k or so, for long periods.

bajaguy - 9-8-2013 at 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
maybe they should go "out of the box"

why do you need an suv when there are "hatchbacks"

We need something bigger than a CRV or RAV, we have 2 Grandchildren and another on the way next month...and all their gear too. For such little people it's amazing how much gear ya need for kids LOL!

Roof rack

bajaguy - 9-8-2013 at 07:59 AM

Two suggestions.......

Whatever you get, make sure it has, or you can put a roof rack on it. We have a basket type and it can hold a lot of stuff.

Also look at a "hitch hauler".......a basket/platform that goes into your trailer hitch....again, it can hold a lot of stuff, frees up room on the inside

wessongroup - 9-8-2013 at 08:01 AM

EdZeranski .... really like your brothers approach .... its the way to go IMHO

Bob and Susan - 9-8-2013 at 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
maybe they should go "out of the box"
why do you need an suv when there are "hatchbacks"

We need something bigger than a CRV or RAV, we have 2 Grandchildren and another on the way next month...and all their gear too. For such little people it's amazing how much gear ya need for kids LOL!

with children in the mix...safety would be a concern too
they don't have a choice what you drive

you still haven't stated us a budget$$$

remember you are only driving up and down to YOUR house...not on a camping trip in the "backwoods"

David K - 9-8-2013 at 09:40 AM

With a good 4WD you could go out to the 'boonbocks' and show your grandkids more Baja!

David K - 9-8-2013 at 09:42 AM

With a good 4WD you could go out to the 'boonbocks' and show your grandkids more Baja!

Unimog!

Gypsy Jan - 9-8-2013 at 11:12 AM

Here's a link to a dedicated website with a Baja trip report: http://www.unimogwherehaus.com/travel_baja1.html

[Edited on 9-8-2013 by Gypsy Jan]

bajaguy - 9-8-2013 at 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaLuna
We are buying a used SUV.

Do you really need a SUV???. If you are just looking to haul things/people, I would suggest a 4 door pickup and if necessary throw on an inexpensive camper shell....doesn't have to be 4WD, does it???