I don't know if this is relevant but may be entertaining regarding experiences with roadside mechanics in the DR-- Santo Domingo Diaries

What about Mitsubishi?

The jeepetas are fairly popular here. They hold up pretty well, but frequently develop front suspension problems.

Cars you don't see much.

I have had a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero for two years now. Unlike JDJones I see lots of others on the road and I find most mechanics know them well and parts are readily available. Apart from a new head gasket and skimmed head, no major problems so far. Basic maintenance like changing spark plugs can be difficult - you seem to have to remove half the engine to get at them!

I am starting to see a lot of real JEEPS here and also Fords, are they standing up well and are the service and parts an issue??

Like I said before, I see a fair amount of older Mitsubishi Jeepetas on the road, but cars are another story.

You're not the only one who finds the idea of removing the top half of an engine to change spark plugs a little extreme. It also sets you up for related problems in the future.

That is one if the reasons you see very few of the newer model Mitsubishi Jeepetas on the road here in SD.

The big sellers now are the Hyundai's. The new Santa Fe's are going out the door as fast as they get them in.

The Ford Explorer is a popular vehicle, and the prices are not bad. On top of that, the Ford dealer has a deal going with some of the local banks to give lower financing. At the moment it stands at 10%.

And how is the reliability, servicability aspects, parts etc.

I have a 2002 Montero and yes....front suspension problems....actually I like the vehicle for the looks and space etc, but I dislike it for the problems it brings. Mine is suffering transmission problems as well. I will never buy a Mitsubishi Montero again

Ford Explorers are pretty tough trucks, they seem to do pretty well here. They are gas hogs though. They can go through a tank of gas pretty quick, especially if you have a lead foot. Most have the V6 engine, and parts are readily available, albeit a little expensive. The electronics can be a little pesky.

During my car search two years ago I generally found that anything under $RD 200,000 was a piece of junk and couldn't believe they wanted those prices for what they had. I think you'll find your going to end up spending at least 300,000 for anything that doesn't fall apart. Like others have said here - TOYOTA rules and you can't go wrong on this brand but I would also advise avoiding anything that has a low suspension - the roads will eat your car !!!
I have a 2001 Toyota Hilux Surf (Costs $RD 300,000 two years ago) and quite happy with it's performance, road and off-road handling and fuel mileage (diesel).

Karlheinz

I allso have a toyota hilux surf (2000) it's a great vehicle but trying to find someone in the pop area that knows anything about diesels is next to impossible, I'll know this afternoon if I finally found one as I just had rings put in ? PS 900.00 US

I might suggest you break his nose! http://www.dr1.com/forums/images/smilies/cheeky.gifhttp://www.dr1.com/forums/images/smilies/cheeky.gif

I'm not sure what you mean by "Nosing to much" Can you be a little more specific, or say it in a different way?

Car-related questions..
 

Looking at buying some sort of a used vehicle later this summer, and I wondered about getting parts for vehicles. I see all kinds of brands on supercarros, from GM's, to VW's, Toyotas, Hondas, Skodas, etc. I used to work in automotive parts part-time, and I know in North America it was hard to get parts for some vehicles. What brands would you avoid getting? What are the makes to get parts for? I'll be based in the Punta Cana area. Any good mechanics in that area that have a good reputation?

As sort of an add on, any recommends for a vehicle? I'll be mostly putting around the east, but will go into SD at times, and even in the limited driving I've done in SD, I can't get over the crazy gaps between the roadways and the parking lots. I'm concerned a car's suspension will be wrecked by a wrong move. My budget for a vehicle is tight (max 150,000 DOP).

Any recommends for an insurance provider who can provide theft insurance?

If you can help me out, that'd be great!

Thanks!

For spare parts, Toyota seems to be the best in my opinion for parts and repair.
Used parts are generally cheap here.

For instance:

I bought a drivers front door with power window, power door lock and the control panel for about $50 U.S. a few years ago. It was so cheap I also bought the passenger door just for the power window, power door lock and control panel (Also it serves as a backup in case of damage).

If a car is over a certain amount of years old, the insurance company will only cover damage to the "other" car", not yours.


D in Santiago

Thanks for the reply. That is very cheap! What model do you drive?

What's the gradient on that? How old would the car have to be to not be covered for damage to my vehicle?

In this country Toyota rules but not sure what you will get for 150,000 pesos as Toyatas have a high resale price but parts are available everywhere for them here ! Good Luck

Have to agree with this, and pretty much every mechanic knows how to repair a Toyota......I had a chevy once, and it took a dominican mechanic 9 hrs to replace a belt.....yes 9 hrs, now if it was a Toyota, that would have taken about a half an hour.....the mechanic says to me,,,,,after he started.....i've never worked on one of these before.....lol.....get a Toyota.....

For that price you will need a lot of parts and a full time mechanic to keep it running.