stanburn
Nomad
Posts: 145
Registered: 10-4-2007
Location: Santiago, Colima, MX
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New Vehicles in Mexico
I have been chewing on this for a few days now and with the other situation almost resolved thought it might be time to throw this out.
I don't want to get flamed or irritate anyone, but want to ask an honest question......am I the only one that questions the wisdom of bringing fancy
(newer) vehicles to Mexico when you could come with an older vehicle that could be repaired here? My intention is not to throw stones as I know
everyone works hard for what they have, only whether or not it makes more sense to drive vehicles that can be easily repaired in the country you have
elected to visit.
I know that when I was cruising on the boat I made a decision to buy a Yamaha outboard because parts were readily available in Mexico and now that I
live here full-time I drive a Dodge Caravan because there are a million of them here and I can get it fixed anywhere.
JMHO and YMMV
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Packoderm
Super Nomad
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Registered: 11-7-2002
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I've thought about that. A newer vehicle would be less likely to break down but harder to get parts if it does. Even my '78 VW van would be a pain
because of the fuel injection. I'm seeing fewer beaters being driven by the Mexicans lately. Maybe a mid '80s Toyota PU would be the ticket for your
idea.
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Woooosh
Banned
Posts: 5240
Registered: 1-28-2007
Location: Rosarito Beach
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Mood: Luminescent Waves at Rosarito Beach
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I think any old American car, Volkwagen or Jeep for that matter can live forever down here. The less electronics the better. Lot's of junkyards,
good rebuilt parts and very willing mechanics. Y our boat engine anology is perfect- same thing.
There are some "universal " off-road vehicles although it seems you can be stranded for long periods of time if you don't choose the right one.
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
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Paulclark
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Posts: 359
Registered: 10-13-2008
Location: Castillo de Arena
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Being the owner of new vehicles bought in Mexcio and having talked to others that have done the same I have found that new vehicles, even when bought
here, are difficult to repair and get parts for and the new car dealers are incompetent and do not respect the warranties to the same degree that is
done in Canada and the US. When I buy new again I will not do it in Mexico it will be in the US and I will put up with the licencing issues. If I was
not putting on the miles I would buy used as parts are more readily available for anything over 5 years old, which is the threshold for importing
used.
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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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Not to mention that a ding or scatch is easier to take on an older sled than a bright shiny new one...
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postholedigger
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Registered: 1-6-2008
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Not to mention less appealing to car thieves too...
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
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Mood: Bajatastic
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I think it all depends on your situation.
If you are living in Baja and driving locally, then an older easier to repair car is better.
If you are visiting on occasion, staying mostly on good roads, and driving long distances to and from Baja.. then a more reliable and efficient newer
car would be better than an old beater.
Everyone has a different opinion about it I am sure..
VW, Nissan, Ford, and Dodge seem to be popular cars in Mexico with the locals. They all have factories that produce new cars
on the mainland.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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Mango has it right. (IMHO)
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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well...
we have a 1986 suzuki for town
it burns oil and is gutless
but...
perfect town car
theres nothing better than traveling
in the summer with the top off
for the road NEW NEW NEW
harder to fix here if it breaks but...
way less problems overall
and SAFER!!! 
and the scratches...
well...
that stuff happens everywhere
when you're on the road in the desert miles from town
nothing feels better than a NEW car with new tires
[Edited on 1-13-2009 by Bob and Susan]
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
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I think that part of the allure of living in Mexico is the Robinson Crusoe syndrome and vehicle ownership can be just that. The whole experience of
daily living is done with basically "a wing and a prayer", and we only get into serious problems when we expect differently. On the other side of the
border, we expect instant meals, instant fixes and repairs for everything from out cars to our television sets. I enjoy, for the most part, the
challenge of seeing how I might overcome the obstacles and find creative solutions to problems that I am unaccustomed to facing in more "civilized
climes".
I think Diver did very well in finding solutions and solving his problem and has learned a lot in the process, as well as having made some very good
friends.
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bajabound2005
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2762
Registered: 10-15-2005
Location: Punta Banda, BCN
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Mood: words cannot describe...
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Is Diver still stranded in Mulege?
Friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel.
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flyfishinPam
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Loreto, BCS
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Mood: gone fishin'
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depends on your situation. I live on 4WD roads and drive on dirt way more often than on pavement. So a pickup or 4WD is best for my situation. When
I first came here I decided to never have a new vehicle because it simply doesn't make sense for the way I live. An auto or a machine for that matter
here such as the Yamaha needs to have some consideration into it before being brought down here for practical use. If I need to make a long road trip
I just rent a new vehicle that suits the needs. this is just common sense but to each his own.
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flyfishinPam
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Loreto, BCS
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Mood: gone fishin'
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Paulclark
Being the owner of new vehicles bought in Mexcio and having talked to others that have done the same I have found that new vehicles, even when bought
here, are difficult to repair and get parts for and the new car dealers are incompetent and do not respect the warranties to the same degree that is
done in Canada and the US. When I buy new again I will not do it in Mexico ........ |
excellent commentary thank you!
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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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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajabound2005
Is Diver still stranded in Mulege? |
The Diver family was stranded in El Rosario but they returned home last weekend with the help of Nomads...
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Woooosh
Banned
Posts: 5240
Registered: 1-28-2007
Location: Rosarito Beach
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Mood: Luminescent Waves at Rosarito Beach
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I drive a hybrid SUV. I tried to buy it in Mexico- but they told me they would have to import it from the USA and I would have to pay the import tax
on top of full sticker. This particular SUV is built in Mexico BTW. I do take it the new Ford dealer for service- because they are close and have
nothing else to do all day. They always ask if I can leave it for the whole day so they can do training clinics on it. It's funny and reminds me of
watching workers in Argentina- one guy does the actual work and the other seven just watch because there is nothing else to do.
I did add a timbaburrow (sp?) cow-cacther on the front end right away. Nothing gets respect in la linea like the cowcatcher! The hybrid is
extremely quick from a stop (think electric golf cart) and I can move and change lanes so fast it makes people gasp. It's so much fun I won't let the
wife drive it in line anymore- she is just too crazy and changes lanes like a demon. I even got out one time and walked because I thought she was
going to get me killed. lol
I have it registerd to a UPS Store address in San Diego and insured in Colorado. Both are not smart ideas. Your car's insurance coverage and rate is
dependent on where it is GARAGED, not where the owner lives. I have a home in Colorado so insure it there- my insurance covers me 80 miles into
Mexico. I just haven't managed to get back to Colorado to change the plates. It is tru that insurures can deny any auto claim if the policy was
issued under false pretenses- they do have to refund ALL the premiuums you paid though since they are denying the coverage and the policy was null and
void upon application.
[Edited on 1-13-2009 by Woooosh]
[Edited on 1-13-2009 by Woooosh]
\"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing\"
1961- JFK to Canadian parliament (Edmund Burke)
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaGringo
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajabound2005
Is Diver still stranded in Mulege? |
The Diver family was stranded in El Rosario but they returned home last weekend with the help of Nomads... |
In the US, but not quite home yet---still in Chula Vista waiting for the verdict on the truck.
| Quote: | Originally posted by postholedigger
Not to mention less appealing to car thieves too... |
Not necessarily. In 1999 we had a 1984 Toyota 4x4 Pick-up stolen in Guatemala and it had over 200,000 miles on it. It was stolen because they are
very popular vehicles for working the coffee fincas.
Sometimes the older vehicles are preferred for the same reasons----easier to fix, parts, etc.
Our 2003 Tundra has almost 150,000 on it and it concerns me a little, but there always seems to be a way to solve car problems.
Parts in out-of- the way places are difficult to find even for older cars. When our friend gouged out the oilpan on his older Mustang the local
mechanics used epoxy to repair it, and it was not small gouge.
Just always seems to be a way even if it means towing.
JMHO
Diane
[Edited on 1-13-2009 by jdtrotter]
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
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Just an experience to share.
Not sure where a 1997 F250 Powerstroke fits into the definition of old/new.
Two years ago I thought I needed a fuel filter while in Santa Rosalia. There was none to be found in any of the available outlets.
As it turned out it was an intermittant computer modual malfunction that we were able to limp home with. I fortuneatly had mechanical breakdown
coverage through Geico and they paid the $1,700 bill to replace the part.
If you can afford a new vehicle I would drive it to Baja. I'm keeping my 1997 as its a great truck that has caused me no grief (other than the
above.)
It only has 60,000 miles on it as well.
my 2 cents.
Ken
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