bullfrog said:
"My wife shares a lot in common with the poster."
Bullfrog,
As much as I've appreciated the tips/advice given in this thread,
I take great exception to being compared to your wife. I am not
a thing like her!
Since the 1960's I have owned a series of three VW Westfalias, two
aircooled & my current water boxer. Over the many decades I have
driven, usually alone, into Mexico & as far as Guatemala. I managed
to do this successfully by understanding my vehicle's needs & limits.
I never hit the road unless my VW was in tip top shape. I lways carry
a full complement of spares & hoses, along with the Bentley repair
manual, for when I need to translate/supervise repairs. My Spanish
includes a good working auto vocabulary & an understanding of how to
deal with the culture of Mexican repair shops. I carry good quality basic
tools, along with flares, a good tow strap, etc for roadside emergencies---
of which there were none!
Yes, my three VW's cost plenty to keep in good, dependable running order.
But that is how I kept them. I have made literally dozens of long trips
south of the border, which should speak volumes.
HRD by now knows me well enough, I think, to offer sensible advice & help
in my truck decision, trusting I will weigh the matter carefully & make
the right decision for myself.
Charlotte
