Driving in Mexico - OK or terrible?
 

The folks (actually, the outlaws) are moving back to Canada from Belize within the next couple of weeks. I've been asked if I was to accompany Dad for the trip (Mom just has surgery and isn't feeling quite up to it yet, and we don't want him to be alone.)

The trip would involve driving the total length of Mexico to make it to Texas in a 98 Accord.

I've never been to Mexico, and to be blunt I have no real desire to either. However, it's kind of unavoidable short of shipping or abandoning the car down there or giving it to the new owners.

Question is this: I've heard some horror stories about driving through Mexico. Everything from corrupt officials (cops, border guards), roadblocks by policia and military who help themselves to yourself (or open to bribes) and to citizen who see foreigners and aim for their cars to get pay offs.

Any truth to it? Should it be something we should blast through as fast as possible to make it to Texas or "relatively" take our time and enjoy the sights?

Was the Accord originally from the US, otherwise he may have some issues getting it inspected and licensed in Texas.

I would not do the drive.

My sister-in-law's father was robbed and left on the side the highway. He is hispanic, a retired fire chief, and had travelled through Mexico before. He was by himself on a photography trip.

This was about 10 years ago....and ironically, he was driving a 4Runner.

If you do have to do it, I would plan your route on well travelled roads, and only drive in daylight.

I've only gone into cities over the border just a few miles, so I don't know what rural Mexico is like. In the cities, I never encountered any problems with the people, but it was clear that the government didn't put a lot of money into road maintenance. Many of the asphalt roads had really deep wheel ruts in them, and a lot of road signs were faded and weatherbeaten. We're really spoiled here in the U.S. with millions of miles of nice, flat roads and clean, reflective signage! The experience did put things in perspective a little bit.

We're used to a very consistent experience along any interstate highway... good road, a McDonald's and a name-brand gas station at the next exit, cell phone coverage, and a bunch of decent hotels around any fair-sized metropolitan area. That may not be so in other parts of the world. In light of the unknowns, I'd sell the car and just fly back to Canada. If something bad were to happen to a family member, the value of a 98 Accord would be nothing in comparison.

We're ending in Canada, not Texas. Just going through Texas on the way north. :)

Pretty much everything I've heard so far (I posted this in another forum too) is overwhelmingly negative.

I'd appreciate anymore info if there is some relavent input.

Driving to Monterrey
 

I live in Texas and have quite a few friends that live in Monterrey. For one spring break I thought I could just drive down there since it's so close but my Mexican friends HIGHLY discouraged driving. They make the drive all the time but they all agree that it's very unsafe for foreigners. They didn't have tell me twice. $220 and a direct round-trip flight later I'm safe and sound. Don't do it.

Just sell the car, its not worth it. What happens when the 10 year old car gets stolen with everything in it, including your wallet and cell phone, halfway through the country?

I have HEARD some pretty bad things, but never experienced any.
I would be very wary...... probably just buy the plane ticket if it were me :-)
But I DO WANT to go to mex, and travel the coast, there are more miles of empty uncrowded surf there than nearly anywhere in Central/N. America.... but that is a different kind of trip all together(based on fun!).

If I were you I would be dreading the actual drive more than dealing with any locals. The police will want your $, and will most likely have to be bargained with..... :bigok:

smuggle a pistol on the journey. :artist:

A friend on mine did Texas to the canal and back a few years ago:
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/fo...hreadid=153528

A bunch of us are planing on riding our bikes from SF to La Rebera (Southern tip of Baja) this February.

You have to be careful but it is not total anarchy. I felt safer the last time I was in Tijuana than I did in New Orleans this week

That is the best way to end up in a Mexican jail. Worst advice ever, guns are illegal.

I live in Arizona, about 100 miles from the boarder. I go down to Mexico every year for a vacation. The problems I usually face is when crossing the border they ask you if you have any food or drink in the car, the first time I went down I told then that I did. The officer took the food from me and as I was pulling away he started eating it. If you do bring food don't tell them. If you do get in to a situation it is very easy to bribe the officers. If you know a bit of Spanish it can help you significantly. Good luck!

What about tazers? Oh, and it was a joke, btw. you meen you dont carry your pistol everywhere?? uuuhhhhhhhh....... :bigok:

I'm sure you discussed with your Dad. What was his opinion?

Don't do it!

Koz

Re: Driving in Mexico - OK or terrible?
 

I am a white Texan. my white wife and I have traviled extensive through Mexico. I would recomend avoiding Mexico City and Guadalahara.

Stay on the toll roads! they are faster and safer!
NEVER DRIVE IN THE DARK!!!!!!
you need to be home by dark. if it is getting dark, find a place to stay. 1. you can run into big animals in the dark and 2. freaks come out at night!
DO NOT BREAK THIS RULE! EVER UNDER ANY REASION NEVER NEVER NEVER DRIVE IN THE DARK!
you can drive off a cliff, into an animal, have a flat and get robbed. on and on. never! I mean it! NEVER DRIVE IN THE DARK!

carry spare tire that can go a long way. I recomend a full size spare if you can get one. some places are far from help. the roads in some places are very bad. nothing like here. you may go 40 miles on a road that looks like a bomb field!

do not take a gun! guns are banned in mexico and being caught with one is a big deal. they will stop you on regular places and search your car. they are looking for dope and guns. don't take either.

Eat the grilled chicken! it is the best in the world. there are little mom and pop places everywhere and they sell Pollo Esado. get some! don't worry you won't get sick.... my wife and I ate a pile of it and we are living proof that you dont get sick.

The law down there is not all bad but there are some. It is best to obay the laws and to avoid at all cost if possiable. If you are pressured to pay a "fine or special ticket" do it, it will make things move faster.

Don't flash money! that will get you in a bind fast. the money there is colored so you can tell from a distance what it is, so be low key when getting out money & keep your wallet in your front pocket. keep only small bills so you don't have to always get change.

over all, the people there are nice. they will help when they can but, just like here there are bad apples. you need to know what to look for signs to watch for. You need to study as much as you can about the safety of tourest.

always check the door handles on the inside of a taxi before you get in. they will disable them and then pull into a back allie and you get robbed.

spread your money out. don't keep it all in one place so if you get robbed you don't loose all your money.

take tools if you know how to use them. and a tow strap. you never know.