fjwagon
SILVER Star
Nice thread, i have always wanted travel in SA in a 45 but all that changed after getting married, etc. Anyhow, I have driven my fj40 in Mexico 15 years ago. I would not dare go now with the Narco episodes they have now. They will charge you a fee as you drive into Mexico, sometimes they will take your vehicle from you. Anyhow, I was pulled by the federales. They wanted to see the 40. Lol. I was lucky that was all they wanted. I travel 12 hours into Mexico. Some of the highways were terrible. On one curve I most did not make it. Take the toll road if you have an option. The trip was a success the only issue I had was the headlights stop working on the back and by then was already 2 hours in Texas. Reseated some connectors and fuses and they started working agian.
I have purchased several Land Cruisers here in the states. Its hard to take what you need when you fly there. So I usually take the minimum tools and hard to find items. Tape to seal the doors(seals dry rotted)incase its too cold or rainy, Tow strap, flashing emergency lights gloves,, etc., all can be purchased. Or least make list of what will be and purchase them when you there. Be prepared. If you really feel uncomfortable get a triple A membership. If out of the country may consider buying insurance. And for the 5,000 I would rebuild the alternator and starter, belts, hoses etc.
I will say bribes are common, they want certain documents. On one trip to Monterey they wanted a carfax. Yes a carfax. I sat there for a couple of hours until they gave up and gave me the proper documentation needed to drive in Mexico or at least that how I felt. I usually scan whatever documents I have in my possession before I travel send it to my email just incase they get lost. I also take pictures of the documents on my phone. Make extra copies and get them notarized. They usually want copies so then you end up in another line just copies and back to the original line.
I will say your best way to travel is find good friends you can trust. They know the best places for most everyday things if not they know someone. And not all taxis are equal, keep your possessions out sight. Always ask questions about the area when you get to your destination before you leave the airport....especially if it is dark outside. Stuff happens.
Follow you locals advise about the do's and don'tsile traveling thier area. It may not if you don't listen but better to be safe than sorry. Have fun, be smart, and in general most people are good people.
I have purchased several Land Cruisers here in the states. Its hard to take what you need when you fly there. So I usually take the minimum tools and hard to find items. Tape to seal the doors(seals dry rotted)incase its too cold or rainy, Tow strap, flashing emergency lights gloves,, etc., all can be purchased. Or least make list of what will be and purchase them when you there. Be prepared. If you really feel uncomfortable get a triple A membership. If out of the country may consider buying insurance. And for the 5,000 I would rebuild the alternator and starter, belts, hoses etc.
I will say bribes are common, they want certain documents. On one trip to Monterey they wanted a carfax. Yes a carfax. I sat there for a couple of hours until they gave up and gave me the proper documentation needed to drive in Mexico or at least that how I felt. I usually scan whatever documents I have in my possession before I travel send it to my email just incase they get lost. I also take pictures of the documents on my phone. Make extra copies and get them notarized. They usually want copies so then you end up in another line just copies and back to the original line.
I will say your best way to travel is find good friends you can trust. They know the best places for most everyday things if not they know someone. And not all taxis are equal, keep your possessions out sight. Always ask questions about the area when you get to your destination before you leave the airport....especially if it is dark outside. Stuff happens.
Follow you locals advise about the do's and don'tsile traveling thier area. It may not if you don't listen but better to be safe than sorry. Have fun, be smart, and in general most people are good people.
