Price of Diesel Fuel in Mexico?

[10-9jc]

For the TDR members living in CA / TX close

to the border - - what is price of Diesel in Mexico?

[Guess I better add - - in dollars!]

 

[keimmmo]

It might be slightly different right along the border... it usually is. Here in the heart of the country it figures out to right at $1. 90 per gallon... and I get better fuel economy with the Mexican fuel than with the American fuel! I always try to go out of Mexico full and come back with the tank pretty low!



Steve

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Interesting Keimmo. Hey we're driving to Mexico in October, going down to Los Mochis to ride the Copper Canyon train. Been wanting to do it for years, finally going to happen



Vaughn

 

[keimmmo]

Vaughn,



Good to hear a word from you again. I still travel quite often over to Veracruz and down to Chiapas on the Guatamala border. I think you are talking about way north of where I live in Queretaro! Sounds fun though.



Steve

 

[NWest]

A cheap gringo wonders...

Logistically, how feasible is a trip out of southern california into Mexico just for a fill-up? I've never crossed in a vehicle, only on foot or by airplane, so I'm wondering what kind of obstacles there are. Also, where's a good place to cross?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yeah nice seeing you here again Keimmmo, hope all is well. It would be fun to look you up in Queretaro someday



Hey when you go to Chiapas which way do you go to the border? Ever go through Comitan? I spent several weeks just outside of Frontera Comalapa which was pretty close to the Guatemala border. When we needed to get stuff we couldn't find in Comalapa we went to Comitan. Spent a little time in Tuxtla too.



The drive from the border near where I was to Guatemala City had plenty of great scenery, would love to do it again.



Vaughn

 

[keimmmo]

Vaughn,



I have never gone directly between the border and Chiapas. I headquarter in Queretaro and head out from there.



NWest,



I haven't crossed out of California since I was there on a family vacation when I was 17 years old! I usually cross around McAllen. I assume it would be similar. You will pay tolls both coming and going... around $2 each way where I cross. Your vehicle insurance might not be good in Mexico. You would need to check that for sure! Starting the first of the year you will need a passport to get back into the US. If you do not speak Spanish and understand the different driving customs, I wouldn't recommend it.



Steve

 

[Grizzly]

How good is gasoline and diesel in Mexico? I've been told that it is inferior and advised not to use it.

 

[keimmmo]

Mexican gasoline USED to be a low grade of kerosene cut with tar. It was common for the stations to cut the 81 octane gasoline with the cheaper diesel to make more money. However, the fuel has improved temendously in recent years!!!



The gasoline evaporates faster than American gasoline. However, it seems to have decent octane. It is usually fairly clean. I wouldn't hesitate to use it even in late model American vehicles.



The Mexican diesel is actually BETTER than American diesel in my opinion. All fuel used to be dirty down here. I used to bring down fuel filters by the case! However, in recent years I have had more trouble with dirty fuel in the States than in Mexico!!!



Another point for those of you considering buying your fuel in Mexico is that many of the city gas stations do not carry diesel. In Reynosa, you have to drive all the way through the city to buy diesel in the stations on the south edge of the city. I don't know for sure that it is the same along the California border, but I would assume that it is. Some of the smaller communities have diesel available only a few miles from the border. Something to consider.



Steve

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Yeah I'll never forget how violently our Slant-6 Duster detonated on Mexidan fuel when we were down there in '80. We drove that car to Veracruz once and most of the time it was pretty good but when we were there in '80 we got a load of fuel that was terrible. Being cut with diesel would explain a lot. Fuel has to be pretty bad to cause a Slant-6 to knock!



Vaughn

 

[Regcabguy]

Border Fillup?

Logistically, how feasible is a trip out of southern california into Mexico just for a fill-up? I've never crossed in a vehicle, only on foot or by airplane, so I'm wondering what kind of obstacles there are. Also, where's a good place to cross?

Living twenty-five minutes from Tijuana it would take me probably forty-five to fillup everything considered and two hours to get back. After the inevitable pullover for "running the stop sign" and forty more dollars if you don't want to "follow me to the station", crossing at T. J. doesn't work for me. Quality of diesel seems great so far as I have run hundreds of gallons. Once you get south of the border cities, Mexico can be a warm, inviting place with the country people being extremely resourceful and decent. Be on the guard while in cities.

 

[keimmmo]

BajaBob,



It sure sounds like you have been in Mexico!!! I do not care for the border cities either. They are a sub-culture within the culture! However, I love it here in central Mexico and on further south. The change is noticable even in 50 miles from the border and by 100 miles the border influence in minimal.



Steve