What Car, RV, Or Motorcycle Do I Bring Into Mexico?

One of the most frequent questions asked by travelers is, “What car, RV, or motorcycle do I bring into Mexico?” Unfortunately, for many infrequent or first-time travelers to Mexico, the obvious is not clear. Moreover, many offerings of well-intentioned advice border on preposterous.

First things first. If the person offering an ‘expert’ opinion doesn’t travel to Mexico, ignore them. People who watch too much TV think they are experts in everything. Sadly, most opinions formed from news and TV shows are false. Instead, these pontifications are rooted in prejudice and misinformation. Whether it’s politics, viruses, or travel safety, count on this fact.

What does this mean? It means that most of what people think they know about Mexico is rubbish. Only trust opinions from people who are not crazy and travel to Mexico often.

Cars That Shouldn’t Go to Mexico

Many popular cars, RVs, and motorcycles in the United States make little to no sense in Mexico. Because it’s easier to begin with the ‘don’ts,’ let’s start with a big one.

Leave your EV vehicles in the US. The simple reason is that there are almost no charging stations outside of Mexico City. Also, if you run into problems on the road, mechanics and spare parts are impossible to find.

Having no charging stations is the same reason to leave hybrid cars in the USA. Since hybrids are not common in Mexico, there are no mechanics or spare parts. In addition, few Mexicans are willing to pay the hefty premium of a hybrid for ‘virtue-signaling.’

Travelers must not bring salvage-title vehicles into Mexico. If your vehicle title or registration says ‘Salvage’ on it, you can not get a TVIP. The TVIP is a Temporary Import Permit to drive your non-Mexico plated vehicle in Mexico legally. Outside of Baja California and the Hassle-Free Zone in Sonora, a TVIP is necessary to drive your vehicle through Mexico.

It would be best if you left exotic cars back in the USA. Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and others are fascinating cars. Unfortunately, they are sold mostly in Mexico City. Like in the US, they are flashy and project wealth. As a traveler in Mexico, this is NOT what you want to display.

Mexican Insurance Store
This car was sure beautiful when it was new. Photo: Alex Simpson

What about my 1986 Olds Cutlass?

Finally, we often hear from people who want to use some junker well over 20 years old to travel Mexico. Bringing junkers comes from a false perception that Mexicans don’t buy or drive newer cars.

A near-end-of-life car is a bad idea for several reasons. Mexico has vast stretches without mobile service. Mexico is also prone to extreme weather. Hermosillo is the hottest city in North America, on average. Conversely, many parts of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, and other states encounter snow and ice. Insuring older cars is also problematic. If your vehicle is over 15 to 20 years old, you can only get liability only insurance. Sure, you’ll cover the other person. But, unfortunately, you’ll be left with nothing in the event of a collision.

Your vehicle must be in excellent running shape with good tires and working air condition and heat.

Send the junkers where they belong… The junkyard.

Carefully Consider These Cars

Luxury cars like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi are much more common throughout Mexico. Still, parts and service is limited to big cities.

As one who has traveled many parts of Mexico in a Mercedes C 350, this next part comes from experience.

Every window washer in cities will target you like a generous patron. Have Ten Peso coins available to hand out regularly. No matter what you answer, military checkpoints will nearly always search your car. It’s rarely more than a few minutes’ delay, but it’s still annoying.

While you’re not a target for theft, crooked cops in small towns may see you as an easy shake-down.

high-quality Mexican car insurance
The Tesla Model S is a great car, but not for Mexico.

The Best Cars for Mexico

The best car to travel through Mexico is fairly easy. Start with this simple test. If I were traveling across the USA, what would be the best car or truck to take? You want a late model car that is fuel-efficient, sturdy, and has reliable air conditioning. In addition, it’s important that it’s well serviced and that the tires are in excellent shape.

Now, certain cars are much more popular in Mexico. Popular cars also come with benefits. There are plenty of parts and mechanics, should you need them. More importantly, you don’t stand out like a rich target. Popular cars and trucks include late-model Chevy Silverados, Ford F-150 trucks, Ford Explorers, and small crossovers. The Nissan Versa, Frontier (NP300), and Sentra are very popular. Toyota RAV-4 and Yaris are very common. Volkswagen’s Jetta (Vento) and Tiguan, along with the Kia Rio, are also seen everywhere.

The Nissan Versa is the best-selling car in Mexico. What Car, RV, Or Motorcycle Do I Bring Into Mexico? High-Quality Mexican Car Insurance

 

The Best RVs to Take to Mexico

RVs are very popular amongst Americans in Baja California and parts of Sonora. That said, if you don’t have a support vehicle, you will find it quite difficult to get through many towns. Consider for a moment the cost of an RV. New RVs start at $130,000 USD. A pre-owned late-model RV costs upwards of USD 70,000. Add fuel, maintenance, and overnight fees to that, and the seeming bargain isn’t much of a bargain.

Also, consider who you’ll be surrounded with at the RV Campground. Because Mexican’s don’t RV, you are surrounded by Gringos. RVs are an obvious sign of rich travelers. Since you’re an easy mark, those that prey on travelers know exactly where you are. This is true anywhere in the world.

Parking your RV at the water’s edge is awesome in Mulege.

RV Alternatives

Alternatively, drive down in a sensible car and stay in hotels along the way. Rent an apartment in one or several cities during your stay. You’ll enjoy the benefits of immersion in the local culture. In addition, you’ll be able to go into town to buy food easily. Finally, you’ll have a much richer stay for a fraction of the cost of bringing an RV. With a car, one can go to nearby towns and attractions with no difficulty.

For many, traveling to Mexico is not about the rich culture. Rather, it’s about good winter weather and seemingly lower costs. If these are your only criteria, you are probably far better served in Florida.

For some, the RV lifestyle is unbeatable. More power to you! There are campgrounds and RV parks serving Gringos throughout Mexico. RV’s are common in Baja California and Sonora until San Carlos/Guaymas. Beyond that, RVs become much more scarce.

One must ask if you embrace the Mexican culture, aren’t you better off being among locals? Either way, Mexicans are glad you’re there, and your visit does support low-end jobs.

At over USD 1M, the Outback-5100 is way too much for anything besides showing off to friends.

Motorcycles

The topic is, “What car, RV, or motorcycle do I bring into Mexico?” We spent all this time talking about Cars, Trucks, and RVs. What about Motorcycles?

In Mexico, you’ll see small-displacement motorcycles throughout cities and towns. These are typically 200cc or less.

Big Bikes are owned and ridden by Mexican Doctors, Lawyers, and Business Owners. In addition, premium brands like BMW, Ducati, and Harley-Davidson are common.

Large bikes are more and more common. BMW and Harley-Davidson have a strong dealer network throughout Mexico. Ducati and KTM are making huge strides in bigger cities. Honda Goldwing and Africa Twins are also popular, but much less so. Triumph is trying to gain a foothold in Mexico. So far, dealers are in major cities like GDL and CDMX.

One will see Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki dealers throughout Mexico, focusing primarily on the small sub-200cc bikes. Parts and techs for the larger bikes are scarce. Also, consider that in Mexico, doctors, lawyers, and business owners ride big bikes. They earn respect on the road. Status is important. They want premium brands. When riding into Mexico, consider the condition of some roadways. Having more suspension travel for errant potholes and topes is important. Adventure-style bikes are best. The BMW GS series, KTM 990, 1190, 1290 series, and Ducati Multistrada suit Mexico very well. The new Harley-Davidson Pan American is also perfect for Mexico.

It’s wise to keep the show bikes and fringe brands in the US. For example, MV Agusta and Aprilla make sexy bikes but lack support in Mexico.

Preparing For a Road Trip to Mexico

Conclusions

Traveling through Mexico by land is very fun and rewarding. Whether by car, truck, RV, or Motorcycle, there’s something for everyone. By now, you should know the answer to “What car, RV, or motorcycle do I bring into Mexico?”

Dismiss those who talk from their backsides. Instead, decide what vehicle you’ll take based on answers to common questions.

  1. What vehicle would I take to travel across the USA? Is it reliable, comfortable, and supported should there be any problem?
  2. Am I taking an RV to save money or because I love the RV lifestyle? Often traveling by RV is significantly more expensive than renting an apartment in the city or cities you wish to stay in.
  3. Am I advertising that I’m a rich traveler in my chosen vehicle? Am I OK with this?

Regardless of how or what you choose to travel in or on, you must have high-quality Mexican Car Insurance. The best and most affordable policies are found at Mexican Insurance Store. Get coverage that’s there when you need it. What Car, RV, Or Motorcycle Do I Bring Into Mexico? High-Quality Mexican Car Insurance

 
 

 

24 Comments. Leave new

  • Hi
    I have traveled to Mexico for years. Your car choice article was pretty good.
    My problem evolves around this years plan to drive girl friends car instead of mine. She wants me to drive still. How will this work with insurance.

  • Just name her and yourself on the policy. If she is lending her car to you, you need a letter of permission from her. Either way, you must have a valid Mexican insurance policy.

  • Going to a different country has distinctive risks and advantages. But anyone can limit the dangers of driving by following some helpful travel tips: observe good travel procedures

  • Mexican car insurance is the basic liability insurance that fulfills the need for mandatory insurance. Should there be an accident, this insurance covers personal claims for injury or damages incurred to any. third-party.

  • Kacey Billings
    December 21, 2021 5:20 pm

    A more costly car doesn’t mean buying expensive Mexican car insurance. There are many alternatives to pay less for this type of insurance.

  • Parthenia Garmon
    December 28, 2021 7:41 pm

    Motorcycle riding is more of balancing your motorcycle on one foot or the other. All riders can perform it and it’s absolutely workable.

  • Drive with confidence. No matter what destinations you want to visit in Mexico, make sure your protection is at work with Mexican car insurance.

  • Even if you have American auto insurance, such won’t cover your car once you are in Mexico. To keep valid coverage while traveling, you should purchase new car insurance for Mexico.

  • Angeline Tyson
    May 3, 2022 6:22 pm

    Risks and headaches happen if you did not buy Mexico car insurance. It is quick and easy now to get a comparatively inexpensive policy from the comfort of your home.

  • Fidelia Steinberg
    May 20, 2022 7:53 pm

    Primarily, the purpose of checkpoints is to control the car, inspect for papers, inspect the people onboard, ammunition, drugs, and unlawful people trafficking.

  • Toccara Honeycutt
    May 26, 2022 6:30 pm

    On average, Mexican car insurance that has full coverage can cost $20.72 each day depending. Each day is less. With that, you can enjoy driving your car in Mexico with less stress and headaches.

  • Allie Clements
    May 27, 2022 10:49 pm

    Motorcycle riding is different from car driving. Motorcycle riding boosts my reflexes. This ride requires my entire body to balance. That’s why I have developed good reflexes and mind alertness.

  • Perry Pedersen
    June 2, 2022 6:24 pm

    I can travel more freely in Mexico because I can speak Spanish. Being able to speak Spanish, enhances my overall comfort and ease of interacting with Mexican locals.

  • Shonna Henning
    June 14, 2022 7:14 pm

    A valuable Mexican auto insurance policy can deal with repairs, replacements, and towing. Such insurance also covers the damage cost incurred by a third party.

  • Hayden Chin
    June 20, 2022 6:37 pm

    The importance of buying travel health insurance becomes more significant as health concerns can arise anywhere while traveling. Remember, it’s not always safe to travel, even to the well-vaccinated person.

  • hello, i have a 1999 emergency vehicle that i use to pull my travel trailer. its basically a chevrolet silverado 3500 with a big box on the bed. will i have any problems insuring it or bringing it into mexico? thank you for any suggestions, advice, etc.

  • Call us @ 888-800-9988. Yes, we can insure it.

  • Magnolia Boss
    July 15, 2022 6:44 pm

    Driving with Mexican auto insurance embraces opportunities to experience the exquisiteness of Mexico. Many stunning places and stuff will help me remember Mexico for the rest of my life.

  • Jenette Davila
    July 24, 2022 6:42 pm

    The options and prices of Mexican car insurance vary depending on where you buy it from. Choose a provider that has been operating for years and has good credibility and reliability.

  • Harriett Joy
    August 3, 2022 8:31 pm

    Mexico’s Ensenada celebration is a big event for both locals and foreign nationals. So if you’re craving for a huge entertainment, it’s worth including Ensenada in your itinerary.

  • Inspect your spare tire to know if the pressure is still okay and has no visible problems. You can do a moment of checkup when the month starts.

  • Lajuana Burgos
    September 7, 2022 6:16 pm

    If highway conditions tend to damage your car, then Mexican auto insurance is able to resolve the issue. By filing claim, you can be sure your car’s damages will be dealt with.

  • Being ready is having all the things you need before driving. Pack some of these before you head off: underwear for each day, evening dress, shorts, shirts, sweater, running shoes, long pants.

  • Great are the destinations for beach weddings in Mexico. Imagine your special day on a sun-drenched beach with stunning waves and soothing sound of the sea. Perfect!

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