Is it safe to drive with your own car in Mexico?

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henoninwoog

I have driven from the border to Guadalajara many times. The best way is to stay on toll roads, they can be pricey, but they are in good condition, and secure (no robbers as some suggest). There are a lot of American franchises. There are also a lot of OXXO, they are like 7-11, and there are a lot of 7-11 too. Where you can buy all your water, soda, and chips. I suggest you go from Laredo, to Monterrey, do not enter the city, follow directions to Saltillo, never enter the cities you will waste time. From Saltillo go to Matehuala, San Luis Potosi. Here is where the toll road ends, go to Ojuelos, and then to San Juan de los lagos, the toll road starts here again. From there straight to Guadalajara. This city would be a nice stop. And Puerto Vallarta is 3 hours from Guadalajara. Do get some Mexico insurance, you can get that at the border. And you also have to get a permit to drive your car in Mexico. It would be easier to fly, but driving is more fun.
Good luck !!

GEE-GEE

I live in Southern California and have taken my Ford Expedition through Tijuana, and Rosarito 3 different times. I never had any problems. You may want to check with your insurance company to make sure you are covered. I was covered as long as I did not go farther than 50 miles into Mexico.

jamaica_yancy

You will probably be fine, but know that most insurance does not cover you in Mexico. You should buy Mexico auto insurance. You can buy it at the border.

Ifeelgood

I've seen many old American people driving their own cars and trucks in Mexico roads with no problems.
What I recommend you is to know the roads you're going to drive on and drive only on the mainly ones. Avoid driving at nights ,( it would be difficult and dangerous if you have any car problem or you get lost).
Stop only in big cities and rest in well known hotels ( check your map) .
And finally, don't trust too much in roads signs, open well your eyes, reduce your car speed and use your common sense.
Good trip!

Candidus

More and more tourists are finding themselves in a variety of jams, not least of which are auto collision scams. Contact AAA and get insured for your trip. Another problem occurring more frequently is kidnapping for ransom. (Seriously!)

Before making any plans, check out http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings.html .

Good luck with your trip.

Alicia in Cancun

I just drove from the US to Cancun and I am alive and well!

There is a lot of road construction going on in Mexico right now so be prepared to run at a snails pace on occasion.

Be watchful of "topas" Mexican speed humps (or should I say mountains). Many are extremely large...

It is best that you not drive after dark for many reasons. One is animals (hogs, cows, horses, cats, dogs...), there may be sections of the road missing, speed traps and maybe a bandito or two.

Take any toll roads that you can because the road is much better and the speed limit is higher. The tolls can add up to quite a bit of money but it was worth it for me. If you decide not to do the tolls then you will be on "libre" roads which usually goes through the center of town.

Have a great adventure!

Mikld

Yes, but don't drive in Mexico like you drive in Texas. Be very careful. Staged accidents are common to get the "rich gringo's" money. Buy Mexican insurance at the border.

New Dog Owner

It can be done, but the roads are bad, law enforcement is very hit or miss, and you insurance might not cover any accident or theft that occurs there. Also the gas tends to be lower quality, which if you have a highly tuned engine can cause damage, and even if you don;t will probably make you engine knock the whole time. And last but not least, there is the food and water problem. Puerto Vallarta is geared for tourists so this will be taken care of there, but as you go through the back roads of Mexico the dining will almost certainly not be up to U.S. sanitation standards, and you will have to deal with some serious digestive upset. Flying there would be much safer and probably cheaper. A road trip through mexico may seem romantic but in reality I am sure that it will be a major headache under the best of circumstances.

Doom Tints

Drivers in Mexico do not follow the rules that we are used to in the US. They tend to drive rather crazy, so you would need to be paying attention at all times.

Most car insurance companies will not cover you if you have an accident or theft while in Mexico, so you would need to purchase additional insurance.

Sitting at border stations also usually takes several hours.

I don't recommend driving. If you cannot afford to fly, take a bus and rent a car when you reach your destination if you need to.

Laying Low- Tavares Watch 09

Just to add on, the gasoline sold in Mexico isn't the same as here. The octane ratings are different, it is also dirtier, so it can screw up your engine. Better to fly and rent a car and purchase mexican insurance.

Roadrat

I went to college in Mexico, and have driven my car within Mexico a lot with no real problems. The only one came from a corrupt cop in Mexico City who stopped me, asked for $20, and when I hesitated to give it to him, he said, "Well, I can always have a look inside your car. I think I'd probably find some contraband in there."

I gave him a twenty and went on my way. And have had a bad taste in my mouth ever since with regard to Mexico City's cops.

If you drive in Mexico from outside that country. be SURE to buy Mexican insurance at the border. Without it, you'll probably have your car permanently confiscated in the event of even a very minor accident.

Derniemagee

Yes and no. You can buy special insurance before going into Mexico. It might be worth it. It doesn't cost that much. If you don't get the insurance, just make sure to keep your eyes open while driving. You just never know.

purple_haze

yes we have had a 16 hour trip with no problems. People tend to snake others on the desserted roads though.you can drive alot faster over there when not in towns or cities there a very little police officers. But some roads tend to be very narrow.

ricmon87

sometimes. it depends where you are going, and which ways. in some little towns, they advise you to past through them and don't stop because you might get robbed. sometimes that roads won't be good to drive on, and sometimes you have to go through mountain areas, and could be scarry, you could fall off. I would go on a plane.

Zuly

yes but i do not suggest it....

1.) dangerous routes (alot of thieves)
2.) corrupt cops

but in case you do....DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT!!! and always take the routes/highways were this people & civilization....DO NOT TRY TO TAKE A "SHORTCUT" - it can be your worst mistake!
good luck

paydaybutte

very narrow roads- take your bicycle instead

DancingThruTheStorm

Only if you never plan to get out of it.

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