Mexican cars

[Stelth]

Since I live in a border town, i.e., San Diego, I see plenty of cars from south of the border. Many of them are models not available in the US. Here’s one:

I remember a few years ago seeing a “Chevy Nova” that doesn’t look anything like what I think of as a Chevy Nova. There’s a Chinese car manufacturer that I forget the name of that sells cars there, and I see them occasionally. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Dodge Ram something-or-other that kind of reminded me of a Subaru Brat. I’ll try to post more pictures when I can.

 

[Pterostylis]

We have the Renault Duster coming out in Australia soon. Supposedly it’s made in Romania and is sold as a Dacia Duster in Europe.

 

[Skippy722]

I remember a few years ago seeing a “Chevy Nova” that doesn’t look anything like what I think of as a Chevy Nova. There’s a Chinese car manufacturer that I forget the name of that sells cars there, and I see them occasionally. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Dodge Ram something-or-other that kind of reminded me of a Subaru Brat. I’ll try to post more pictures when I can.

Ram 700? I kind of really want one, but it would violate my “Do NOT buy a Chrysler that comes standard with a 4 banger” rule

Edit: they’re sub 100hp! 84-98 and that’s it!

Or maybe a 1200?

 

[JunkdrawerDog]

I used to see a Renault Duster here around Las Vegas. If I recall correctly, it had Canadian plates. Perhaps a snowbird?

 

[4WD]

We have the Renault Duster coming out in Australia soon. Supposedly it’s made in Romania and is sold as a Dacia Duster in Europe.

Yep, rode in a DD - a business partner was showing me around in Romania …

 

[PF52]

Renault probably has a considerable presence in Mexico thanks to its relationship with Nissan (Nissan is huge in Mexico).

 

[SC Maintenance]

Thanks for sharing. Loving seeing cars from elsewhere.

 

[Pterostylis]

Yep, rode in a DD - a business partner was showing me around in Romania …

What were your impressions of the car?

 

[andrew_j]

It will most interesting when Chinese brands infiltrate the Mexico and Canada market. Hopefully they send the good stuff over.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I love how "automatic" gets its own badge.

I do see occasional cars that are Canadian only here. Nissan Micras, mostly. I think people rent them to come to the states.

 

[ChrisMU]

In the Austin, Texas area, most Mexican market cars I see are the same ones here (some with different badging/trim), with the Notable exceptions being the Seat Ibiza, Peugeots, and a modern Chevy that could have been the successor to the El Camino. The 1992 Nissan Sentra (Tsuru in Mexico) enjoyed a long production (until 2017 or so), and was often used as a taxi.

 

[GSCJR]

Thanks for sharing. Loving seeing cars from elsewhere.

+1. Reminds me the time I lived in Italy; I've been in many different Renault.

 

[4WD]

What were your impressions of the car?

Basic, but solid build … We were both over 6’ and had enough space …
However - I never drove it …

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

My favorites in Mexico are the Suzuki Jiminy, HiLux and HiAce

 

[Brons2]

Since I live in a border town, i.e., San Diego, I see plenty of cars from south of the border. Many of them are models not available in the US. Here’s one:
View attachment 285695

I remember a few years ago seeing a “Chevy Nova” that doesn’t look anything like what I think of as a Chevy Nova. There’s a Chinese car manufacturer that I forget the name of that sells cars there, and I see them occasionally. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Dodge Ram something-or-other that kind of reminded me of a Subaru Brat. I’ll try to post more pictures when I can.

Rented one in Brazil. Junk.

 

[Stelth]

I’ll post more pics if I can get them. The problem is that I mostly see these cars on the freeways, and it’s difficult (and illegal) to get pictures.

 

[RaymondP]

Daughter lives in France outside Paris in the country and purchased a similar Duster last year. Great economy vehicle, good value. Basic engineering so easier to fix but does have an ECM. Small engine has enough power to get around, including on motorways while not being thirsty.

So many good vehicles in Europe sadly don't make it to the US. However, recognize a different driving experience with short trips and overall smaller size. Myself, looking for a new/recent year sports wagon, ideally with manual trans. Only options seem to be priced in the stratosphere unless someone know otherwise??

 

[Passport1]

The Chevy Nova was never a popular car in Mexico. It was probably crippled by it's moniker. 'No va' in Spanish can have several meanings, one like 'no go'. When I lived in España we had an Ebro minivan. It was the noisiest vehicle I've had the misfortune to ride in.

 

[Stelth]

And just for fun…

25W-50 High Mileage. 25W-50 seems to be a popular grade, with QS, Valvoline, Chevron, Fram (API SL), Repsol, and many others offering it.

 

[TomYoung]

We have the Renault Duster coming out in Australia soon. Supposedly it’s made in Romania and is sold as a Dacia Duster in Europe.

Interesting. The golden age crew at Top Gear loved the Dacia Sandero. (NOT!)