I'm thinking of driving down there myself this Christmas, but feeling a lot of trepidation about potential car trouble, and the drug war violence spilling over to tourists. Does anyone have advice or suggestions? Thanks, Thoi
Make sure to OK the "No Deductable Car Rental Insurance" and hopefully the friend can speak Español, and knows how to shoot!!! You can pick up a Navy Seal in San Diego, it's on the way!!
The best answer is "would you be fine if the car broke down?" The drug war violence is going to have the same effect on you regardless of what car you drive (although your risk is probably higher if you have a nice car).
Be sure to check with your insurance agent! Most insurance will not cover your car if you drive in Mexico. Also, if you have an accident, the other driver will most likely not have insurance if they are to blame. I personally would not take my own car to Mexico, no matter what kind it was. If you rent a car, be sure to verify insurance applies in Mexico.
The biggest danger is not from the drug cartels. They have no interest in you. #1 danger is driving at night, crashes caused by sleepy truckers or animals in the road. Avoid that and you are pretty much OK. Assuming you are taking the toll road, you will have no issues with fuel. And if you do break down, there are official Green Angels that patrol the road and help stranded motorist, for no fee since it is covered by the tolls you pay. Watch out for the dips in the roads where streams cross (there are warning signs) because you may find a cow or horse there! Camping on the beach is safe just off the highway past Mulege! Stop to eat as you cross from west to easy across the peninsula at any Ranchero with a small sign out. Even if you don't speak Spanish. I don't, I did, and it was a fantastic experience. Have fun!
I drove down Baja a few years ago in a camper. The road was tricky, narrow and you have to be careful of the trucks, they sometimes take more than thier share of the road. Pay attention to the insurance advice. Listen and cooperate with the soldiers, and/or any police you run into. As suggested any smattering of Spanish is a big asset, someone fluent is better! Drink only bottled water, NO ICE !!!. If you don't mind Poverty abounds. I do, but being adventures I'd do it again. We found all the seaside shore communities safe for camping, still, don't camp by yourself. Find a place where natives live or Amercans are camping out in thier RV's As for the Prius, if you have faith in it here, it should be fine driving in Mexico. Get out of Tijuana, immediately. If you know any Mexicans, at work, etc ask them.
Don't forget to get a Tourist Card (FM-T). If entering San Ysidro, you can get it at point of entry. PAy about $20 at the bank. Immigration office and bank open there 24/7. Don't forget your passport. Needed to get back these days. Well, as far as ice, I do get ice. Reputable groceries have sterilized ice as well as better restaurants. And I ain't havin a margarita without ice anyway! Good advice to just be friendly to the Federales. Sometimes, when it is really hot, I offer them a cool beverage after they are finished with their questions and inspection. They have never declined and give a beaming smile. You can get the insurance just before entering Mexico, or on line from Baja Bound or similar. I buy from them, even tho my insurance does cover me already, because liability insurance will not be recognized down there and you may be detained waiting for insurance proof when you really want to be in a US hospital etc. But I don't get full coverage since my insurance here will pay for my vehicle.
Good advice in the replies. See also Driving in Mexico | Planeta and similar. Magnasin fuel worked fine in my Prius. A real spare tire (as opposed to the donut) might be wise, because you are not supposed to drive long and fast on the donut and it's hard to predict the availability of a suitable replacement tire. Not that you'll get a flat...
I go down three times a year in my 2003 Chevy Silverado with 240k miles on it. I go for the SCORE races and have a blast, never had an issue. I've had alot of mechanical issues in baja from pushing a vehicle to its limits offroad and always made it back. The people down there are very helpful. Stay away from the border towns, on both sides of the border and you are fine. You wont find regular gas down there, just diesel and unleaded. It will be cheaper than in San Diego. From last months Baja 1000 race, gas was around $2.30/gal vs 3.00 in San Diego.
Bob64, I forgot that the spare tire well was not resized in the newer prius (when the tire size was). A typical cure is to partially deflate the full-size spare. Of course this means you also need to have a reliable inflator on board, but such a thing is sensible to carry on any long trip.
