I mayyy be driving from the States to Guatemala. I have a clutch that slips (rarely but it does) and bad rings. The car is really driveable though. What if I stopped on my way to Guatemala (or did it in Guatemala) and got my car fixed - rebuilt bottom end and new clutch?

I've read living in Mexico is about 40-50% cheaper than in the States. The person I know in Guatemala says mechanics there rarely charge more than $50/day. I could bring the parts since sourcing parts would probably be a headache.

What do you guys think? Could I save by getting my car worked on down south? Is it wise? I would work hard to find a reputable mechanic and I'd babysit the project if need be. I just don't want to do all this stuff to the car myself.

Your a brave man bringing a dsm for that drive.... Especially with known issues. Good luck is all i gotta say. Id fix everything before you go anywhere, Thats like 45 hours from omaha your crazy, any reason you are choosing to drive? Itll cost you a fortune in gas


If i was you I'd learn how to fix your own car real quick because i dont trust hardly anyone in the US let alone down south to touch mu car

RallyEclipse98 said:

I mayyy be driving from the States to Guatemala. I have a clutch that slips (rarely but it does) and bad rings.

I've read living in Mexico is about 40-50% cheaper than in the States. The person I know in Guatemala says mechanics there rarely charge more than $50/day.

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Worst case scenario........ your car breaks down in Mexico in the middle of nowhere, and you're never heard from again.

+1 on learning to fix it yourself. Some (specialized) shops will even rent you a spot with tools and a lift so you can work there if you have not a place.

Issue with taking a car somewhere not local to you is the fact that the shop would know that so they will cut corners and 'cheat' just so they can get the car out as soon as possible because they know you won't come back and complain if you live far away. Had that happen when a shop was to replace a fuel pump in a car (not DSM) while i was on a road trip. They did replace it for somewhat reasonable price, but about an hour down the road someone was pointing at the rear of the car and screaming something about fuel. Pulled over, checked around the gas tank, and sure enough there was a gap between the tank and filler neck that was gushing fuel. After a quick fix i was able to get home and do some investigating. Turns out there was a seal there and instead of spraying penetrating oil on it and removing it they simply cut it, leaving that gap open. Moral of the story is either do it yourself or at least know exactly what will be done and watch them do it, otherwise you might get a nasty surprise.

UrbanSmoker said:

If i was you I'd learn how to fix your own car real quick because

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...You'll be doing it a lot if you plan to keep a car that's nearly two decades old on the road (Fixed).

Either that, or you better have deep pockets.

Driving a car with known issues cross country is crazy in itself. Adding some unknown mechanic you may or may not find somewhere south of the border to the mix is ludicrous, IMO. I wouldn't take the chance, but that's just me.

UrbanSmoker said:

Your a brave man bringing a dsm for that drive.... Especially with known issues. Good luck is all i gotta say. Id fix everything before you go anywhere, Thats like 45 hours from omaha your crazy, any reason you are choosing to drive? Itll cost you a fortune in gas


If i was you I'd learn how to fix your own car real quick because i dont trust hardly anyone in the US let alone down south to touch mu car

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Holy crap. 45 hours. Ain't nobody got time for that! I just knew it was about 2,500 miles. This trip won't be happening.

I can fix everything on my car (except rebuild a transaxle, of course but I'd just get a used one if needed). I just hate spending that amount of time on a project. I make a decent income so my time is better spent doing actual work. I'll just find a shade tree mechanic who can do it for cheap.

Yeah good plan man , I know you wouldn't really be saveing much money because gas ain't cheap you might save some $$ but really ain't worth it haveing El chappo stealing your dsm!

Glad you make a good income,
Means you can fly first class . I did a google search on it it was like 2600 miles or so but you have ungodly traffic in mexico city, and two boarders. Plus your drive through the US. Next time do the google driving directions.

Mexican mechanic working on a DSM? That just sounds like a bad bad thing. I'm not assuming a mexican person can't do good work, i'm saying do you know how hard it is to find anyone capable in the US to work on a dsm? Properly?? I spent a fortune a while back on a fully built bad ass head from SIM. Had to send it back THREE TIMES. They are supposed to specialize in the 4g63!
I'm scared to let anyone without proven products i've seen first hand even touch my car

Good luck. Might have better luck shipping the car on a 18 wheeler up way north of where i live, to Boostin performance. Just a thought