deportes
Nomad
Posts: 153
Registered: 4-24-2011
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Hello Nomads
Hi, Thank's to the forum for the interesting topics of info that I have read during the last couple of weeks. I am going to start travelling to baja
from the SFco bay area for future vacations and hopefully after retirement for longer periods.
I have a question regarding the best vehicle to acquire, I am thinking of pulling a 24ft 5th wheeler that my neighbor is giving away. Nothing fancy so
no worries. I have been looking at diesel 4x4 extended cabs, 5 speed manual trucks not newer than 97 due to new smog requirements in CA. What is your
reccomendation, I am a gas engine mechanic. I know little about diesel's. I went to high school in Mex DF many years ago. Hope to see you Nomads in
Baja soon!
Thanks.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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..."I am a gas engine mechanic".
Stick with a gas engine! Hell....you are lucky to have such knowledge.....and it'll come in handy often.
Extended cabs a BIG plus...I have that. Kids love it. Dogs Love it.
Four wheel drive...my BIG mistake of not having that. Dont leave home without it!
Buying used trucks...www.carmax.com The only way to buy a used car!!!!!! I say that again!!!!!!!!! You can buy from any city with carmax too.
Oh...welcome to the BN's
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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deportes
Nomad
Posts: 153
Registered: 4-24-2011
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Thanks for your reply, I am glad you mentioned 4 wheel drive as being a good thing to have. The only reason I am thinking about diesels is because of
the better gas mileage. It has to be at least an extended cab for reclining issues plus kids and dogs.
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BajaGringo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3922
Registered: 8-24-2006
Location: La Chorera
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Mood: Let's have a BBQ!
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I have found that late 80's to 90's Ford, Chevy and Jeep trucks/SUV's seem to be the easiest to find parts/service for just about anywhere down here.
4x4 is an almost must have...
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deportes
Nomad
Posts: 153
Registered: 4-24-2011
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Excellent info, thanks.
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krafty
Super Nomad
Posts: 1052
Registered: 8-23-2010
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Fuel quite a bit cheaper down here in MX so go for the gas, not the diesel!
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13237
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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krafty and others are giving you good advice - go for gas. Diesel is sometimes impossible to get.
Welcome to BajaNomads !!
what sports are you into ? fishing ? kiting ? windsurfing ? surfing ?
[Edited on 4-25-2011 by BajaBlanca]
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LancairDriver
Super Nomad
Posts: 1603
Registered: 2-22-2008
Location: On the Road
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Welcome to Nomads
With the price of Diesel running much higher than premium gas for some time now in the US, and no end in sight, there is no longer much justification
for buying a diesel rig.(I am sorry I did) Good advise has been given here...go with gas 4wd.
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deportes
Nomad
Posts: 153
Registered: 4-24-2011
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Thanks all for your reply's, I am considering a gas truck now! I would also like to travel up and down the west coast from Canada to Baja. I was
considering the diesel due to better gas mileage. I dive for abalone in northern ca, play tennis and ride mountain bikes. Love fishing and hicking. I
play bocce and drink lots of wine while at it! Getting close to retirement and would like to start traveling with a fifth wheel.
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805gregg
Super Nomad
Posts: 1344
Registered: 5-21-2006
Location: Ojai, Ca
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Just a thought, rent don't own in Mexico, then it's simple to leave when it gets too f'ed up.
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castaway$
Senior Nomad
Posts: 742
Registered: 7-31-2007
Location: Gold Hill, Oregon
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Mood: Fish on!
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Gotta disagree with some of the remarks. Diesel is cheaper in mex than gas and I haven't had any problem finding diesel accept the really small (but
very cool) places like Asuncion. Diesel motors will last waaaaaay longer than a gas engine and they have a lot more power for towing which you will
probably need if the 5th wheel is older because it's probably very heavy. Mechanics can be found, and good mechanics at that, you may have trouble
with parts but that is true if you buy a newer gas engine truck. Finally, and I'm sure there will be plenty of disagreement, but I think you are less
likley to have a diesel truck stolen because very few mexicans drive them and it would be easily spotted.
Live Indubiously!
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deportes
Nomad
Posts: 153
Registered: 4-24-2011
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Very interesting points!
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13049
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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welcome to NOmads paisano...check your U2U mailbox in the right upper corner under log in...glad to have you aboard
you can usually get deisel here either from the gas station or last resort, the coop will sell it to ya.
[Edited on 4-25-2011 by shari]
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13237
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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deportes !!!! you sure are into sports !!!! way to go !! I may have to hit you up for mountain bike replacement parts, if yu happen to have any
hanging around !! we have a vry new but very active bike club that is doing great but parts are vry hard to find in these remote villages we live in.
hope your trips down the coast are fabulous ....
come visit all of us on the pacific coast sometime !!
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Bajamatic
Senior Nomad
Posts: 571
Registered: 8-31-2006
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no rebuttal on the gas/diesel discussion?? Very interested in hearing more.
That doesn't qualify as a hijack does it?
yuletide
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J.P.
Super Nomad
Posts: 1673
Registered: 7-8-2010
Location: Punta Banda
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Mood: Easy Does It
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I have a 1995 Nissan 4x4 with 130,000 miles on it it will go anywhere I agree a 4x4 is a must have down here.
My town car is a Suburban 4x4 you can redily find parts for either one in Baja. when i first moved here we had a Subaru it was a good car but hated to
take it to states for service
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13237
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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oh oh ... please get back to diesel vs gas so I dont get in trouble again
I always thought i was a fast learner but age must be getting to me ...
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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the debate is endless. the newer vehicles (1995 and up) will last for 200,000 miles easily if maintained somewhat religiously. and if you are going to
some out of the way places you better maintain it. diesel or gas is a preference nowdays unless you need to tow regularly. that is the only "reason"
to get a diesel. in terms of longevity, with the higher cost of diesel fuel the truck better last and extra decade to make paying the difference
worthwhile.
my 2003 4x4 tundra has 114,800 miles and runs like it was new. i plan on having it until forever, or i win the lottery, whatever comes first!
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13237
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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thanks woody !
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estebanis
Nomad
Posts: 279
Registered: 11-11-2002
Location: Stuck North of the Border. They won\'t pay me
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| Quote: |
my 2003 4x4 tundra has 114,800 miles and runs like it was new. i plan on having it until forever, or i win the lottery, whatever comes first! |
Or God forbide you wreck it! I am planning the same for my 2002 4x4 Tundra. I had a really good Mercedes Benz 300SDL that I was gonna drive forever
until I smashed it up...
Esteban
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