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Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
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Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
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For Baja, Diesel or Gas?
Lots of opinions on this board - so many that it is confusing.
Toyota, Ford, Dodge, GMC/Chevy, Hummer, whatever make I am forgetting, what do you think?
Price is not an issue; what would you want to drive on the regular roads (Highway 1) and the back roads without a serious 45-degree plus climbing
challenge.
And, yes I know that many of you customize your trucks because you really want to get out there, I am just asking about how to shop for a reasonably
reliable, off-the-shelf vehicle.
[Edited on 2-2-2010 by Gypsy Jan]
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 19934
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
Price is not an issue; |
Skip the pick up trucks, and get an SUV. Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser with full luxury package.
But if on a budget -- get a Toyota 4Runner.
New US diesel vehicles won't work very well with most mexican diesel, so stick with gasoline.
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
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We have dealt so well with the diesel issue, I am surprised that the goat would bring it up again. If you need a truck, a diesel is a great option,
the engines last longer, they pull more, have more torque, get better mileage, and let you pretend that you are a "real trucker". If you need a truck
then by all means look carefully at the diesel model.
Fords are great riding, very comfortable, and drive like a passenger car, but the engine just does not hold up for a high mileage situation as well
as the Cummins Diesel that comes on the Dodge. The Chevrolet just does not stand up to the high mileage as well as the Dodge and even though they
have done a lot of advertising about the Allison Transmission, they do not hold up well to pulling very heavy 5th wheels or horse trailers for high
mileage.
It is too bad that the Toyota diesel, which is available in Europe and Australia is not available here because it seems to be the high mileage king
of the world.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Toyota FJ
Was at the Reno Auto Show this last weekend and saw what appeared to be a production Toyota FJ Cruiser convertable. The top over the back seat and
cargo area folds down......sweet looking ride.
[Edited on 2-2-2010 by bajaguy]
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Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
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Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
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Nomads Give Good Advice
Thanks, y'all. I know that I am revisiting old terrtior, but there are so many new vehicles coming onto the market and I am grateful for your wisdom
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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BooJumMan
Senior Nomad
Posts: 919
Registered: 8-11-2007
Location: San Diego
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I am totally Toyota biased.
The 2010 Toyota 4runners are nice, but larger than previous years. They only have an option for a 4.0L V6. I have heard these engines push out enough
power though. They do come with an optional rear differential locker which gives you unbelievable traction, and what the real offroad guys have. This
goes for the same with the Tacoma.
Tundra's are obviously bigger with the V8 options.
If your doing hauling and have large loads you'd probably want to look into Dodge or Chevy. But, you do not have the reliability of a Toyota.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65286
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BooJumMan
I am totally Toyota biased.
The 2010 Toyota 4runners are nice, but larger than previous years. They only have an option for a 4.0L V6. I have heard these engines push out enough
power though. They do come with an optional rear differential locker which gives you unbelievable traction, and what the real offroad guys have. This
goes for the same with the Tacoma.
Tundra's are obviously bigger with the V8 options.
If your doing hauling and have large loads you'd probably want to look into Dodge or Chevy. But, you do not have the reliability of a Toyota.
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There is even more, besides the rear locker there is also 'A-TRAC' (Active Traction Control) that works on all four tires... I have it on my Tacoma...
It is a limited slip system in Low Range 4WD that is pretty close to lockers front and rear. First introduced on the FJ Cruiser and Lexus SUVs, A-TRAC
will amaze you! You may not need to use the rear locker with A-TRAC available.
In High Range 4WD (where you do 90%+ of your four wheeling), there is 'TRAC' (Traction Control) limited slip front and rear and gives you true 4WD,
not just one in the front and one in the rear working. It prevents you from getting stuck by diverting power away from any tire that begins to loose
traction, so it just doesn't spin a grave hole for your vehicle.
You can also turn off the limited slip system if you want to let your tires spin... If you feel the need to do doughnuts in the snow or mud... !
The 4.0 V-6 has plenty of power at close to 250 horses and still give you around 20 mpg highway... for the 4Runner.
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bill erhardt
Super Nomad
Posts: 1376
Registered: 4-2-2005
Location: Loreto, BCS
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Jan......Here is a link to a comprehensive and informative recent thread on The Hull Truth on the pros and cons of diesel versus gasoline powered
trucks. http://www.thehulltruth.com/trucks-trailers/260925-disadvant... I live full time on Baja and more than half the miles I put on my truck are
towing a boat. I had been considering buying a Tundra diesel if/when one is introduced in the States, but have reconsidered after reading this
thread.
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 19934
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Pescador
We have dealt so well with the diesel issue, I am surprised that the goat would bring it up again. If you need a truck, a diesel is a great
option,... |
you probably can get low sulfur diesel in baja, but will find it very hard to get ultra low sulfur diesel in baja. new gringo trucks require ultra
low sulfur diesel, which ain't reliably available in baja.
if you want to keep the car in baja full time, perhaps best to buy the car in baja,... if car is to spend it's entire life in baja, US market diesel
truck or diesel passenger car doesn't seem like prudent choice -- you probably won't even be able to get parts for it in baja w/o long wait.
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
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Gypsy Jan,
What is your intended use for the vehicle? Do you intend to tow? If you're not planning on towing anything I would'nt even consider a diesel for
Baja.
If you are planning towing something in excess of 6,000#'s you may want to consider a diesel. More weight than that then the advantage of a diesel
starts to make sense. The ULSD availability in Baja is still a concern for the current model diesels though. The long term effects of running non
ULSD in the newer models hasn't played out yet.
Ken
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captain4tuna
Nomad
Posts: 201
Registered: 9-3-2009
Location: Southern CA and BCS
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I have an 03 F250 7.8 Liter Diesel . We ran it quite a bit last year on and off road and no problemo. We did filter the fuel though.
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4848
Registered: 9-27-2006
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| Quote: | Originally posted by captain4tuna
I have an 03 F250 7.8 Liter Diesel . We ran it quite a bit last year on and off road and no problemo. We did filter the fuel though.
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I have a 97 F250 7.3 that I have ran in Baja since new with zero fuel issues. The issue I brought up in my post is concerning the current diesels
requiring the ULSD. A topic that has been discussed in depth in prior threads. A few Nomads have been running current models on the non ULSD and
have not had problems so far. As I mentioned long term consquences of running the non spec diesel has yet to play out.
I ran my power stroke with a 10' Lance on it for 11 years by the way. Great combination!
Ken
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Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
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Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
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Many Thanks
For your thoughtful and detailed replies.
As some of you have commented, this is a very well-discussed subject in the past, but I am not knowledgeable at all about what are the best vehicle
choices and when the kids ask you for your opinion, I try to fake it as best I can.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
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805gregg
Super Nomad
Posts: 1344
Registered: 5-21-2006
Location: Ojai, Ca
Member Is Offline
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Buy a 2001 Dodge diesel, just read of an owner that used his for work and recently turned over 1.4 million miles on the original engine, transmission
and rear end. At your replacement rate DK you would need 14 Toyotas. Just saw a bumper sticker today " Keep you death trap Toyota away from me" funny
how fast people realize whats up. Just saw on National TV Steve Wozniak of Apple computers quoted on air as saying the gas pedal sticking is BS, he
has a Prius, not a recalled vehicle, and his car has accelerated without his input more than once. Their is a deeper flaw. Toyota sales down 16% Ford
up 25%. Wait before you buy a Toyota.
[Edited on 2-3-2010 by 805gregg]
[Edited on 2-3-2010 by 805gregg]
[Edited on 2-3-2010 by 805gregg]
[Edited on 2-3-2010 by 805gregg]
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Mike99km
Nomad
Posts: 178
Registered: 5-23-2007
Location: San Dimas and ? in baja
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Both are good. With the computers and all,finding a somebody to repair a major problem will be hard ether way. If you haul or run lots of miles go
Diesel much more cost effective in the long run. Do the math as to which would be cheaper to run for you. If you're driving less than 1500 miles or
less the gas is most likely cheaper.
My current truck is gas because I get's about 10000 miles per year, the gas was cheaper for me.
Good Luck,
Mike
[Edited on 2-3-2010 by Mike99km]
You live the life you settle for.
"Never teach a pig to sing it frustrates you and annoys the pig" - W. C. Fields.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65286
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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To help, I deleted three posts that were too pro Toyota for some!
As for the question... Gas is sure more common to find than diesel, but diesel is widley available, none-the-less.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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From the little bit I have read, THERE ISNT A GOOD AMERICAN DIESEL TRUCK BEING PRODUCED RIGHT NOW, ESPECIALLY WITH THE NEW DODGES AND FORDS.
If you want diesel, go find a low mileage Ford or Dodge around year 2001. Most any of the minor issues with these vehicles have probably already been
rectified by former owners.
I agree with TDK's thumbnail formula for deciding if you NEED diesel, based on towing weight. The large gas powered trucks have improved in mileage
substantially in the last 10 years, IF you're not towing anything heavy.
If not really towing anything, the Toyotas have to be strongly considered based on their incredible reliability; SUV or truck, recall notwithstanding.
BTW, after many years of cheap diesel in Mexico, it is now more expensive than Magna Sin over here on the mainland.
[Edited on 2-3-2010 by Hook]
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ElFaro
Nomad
Posts: 231
Registered: 9-16-2007
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Some points to consider choosing diesel vs gas...
If it were me I would consider all the driving conditions I might find myself in...especially with the recent bridge washouts and flooded back country
roads that may strand people and towns for several days.
Even though gas may be more plentiful it is also in greater demand due to the higher gas to diesel vehicle ratio. If the gas tankers get delayed
enough then the gas supply runs out B4 the diesel supply. Also I prefer diesel to gas at filling stations. There are always lines at the gas pumps
but not as much as at the diesel pumps.
For me a diesel Toyota Land Cruiser or diesel Mercedes UNIMOG would be nice but both are hard to come by. I own a 2001 Dodge 3/4 ton w/ Cummins 2wd.
It has the 3.70 rear end with limitd slip diff. My diesel mileage is 21-22 mpg empty...around 15 mpg towing. I also own a 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser
FJ-60 gas version.
Stay away from Land Rovers...noisy and junk...expensive to get parts for. Small Toyota Tacoma trucks are a popular high theft item.
If you go gas consider a Toyota FJ Cruiser w/ the 5 spd auto or 6 spd manual tranny.
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Doug/Vamonos
Nomad
Posts: 418
Registered: 6-19-2006
Location: Bahia de los Angeles
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My current truck is an 05 F-250 Diesel 4x4. I'm a mechanical person and always have been, but the modern diesels are so freaking sophisticated, large,
heavy, and jam-packed under the hood that there is NOTHING I could imagine doing to it besides basic maintenance (oil, filters, batteries). That is a
problem if you can't rely on a local dealer. If that thing dies on a Baja road I am screwed. I wouldn't know where to start...
But, I don't pay any attention to the naysayers about the 6.0 Powerstrokes. I've had two and they've been completely reliable for me (and my friends).
And they tow my boats and camper without any issues. Love them. And the 5R110 trans is outstanding - for me.
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
Member Is Offline
Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by 805gregg
Just saw on National TV Steve Wozniak of Apple computers quoted on air as saying the gas pedal sticking is BS, he has a Precis, not a recalled
vehicle, and his car has accelerated without his input more than once. Their is a deeper flaw. Toyota sales down 16% Ford up 25%. Wait before you buy
a Toyota.
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Yes, it's beginning to look like the gas pedal "fix" isnt the real problem. It's in Toyota's electronic fuel control system; there might be
electromagnetic interference from the system that is affecting the electronic gas pedal assembly. Quite possibly the gas pedal "fix" is no more than
shielding of a component.
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