Part One Of The Project Complete - Now On To Part Two

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

It takes us quite a bit of time to make decisions.  We've lost out on many deals by doing our due diligence but we feel it was worth the wait.  If we lose the deal, well, there will always be another one.  

The Durango continues to run well, but at 20 years old, I wouldn't want a breakdown in the middle of nowhere.  It is a hard sell as well because of the 500,000 kms on the odometer.   Apart from that, it has the largest Chrysler engine for an SUV.  With gas prices in Mexico above $5 US a gallon, it is not a favorite.  We need to lower the price; I propose $ 3,000 US.

We searched for six months for a new SUV and finally found one we like.  It is a 2022 VW Teramont (Atlas in the U.S.) with a 3.6L V6 engine and tows just over 5000 lbs.  Enough for a very small travel trailer.  Mileage is 67,000 km.

The original owners have a small child.  The wife uses the SUV as a mom's soccer car (if that's a good description).  It's not at home yet.  We will pick it up on the 22nd.  It was in for its maintenance at the dealer.  They did a 42-point inspection.   We took it to another VW dealer who did a more intense inspection.  We found some very minor things we used as negotiation; a cracked mirror shell, and we want new tires.  The engine is in superb shape with excellent compression on all cylinders. It has a factory tow package that includes a Class III hitch, wiring harness with seven-pin connector, enhanced transmission and cooling package, along with a trailer sway control.  

We leave tomorrow for San Antonio on Viva Aerobus.  Early morning flight, we pick up a car and head for the hotel.  I have arranged visits with five different RV dealers in the area to look at trailers that will fit our needs.  I am still trying to figure out the license and plates for the trailer.  Neither one of us is a U.S. (state) resident anymore and Texas is very strict about that.  South Dakota may or may not work out as a nomad resident state not having a current U.S. driver's license.

 

The Monterrey airport has not had any incidences so far.  No groups have blocked the roads and the parking says they have room and haven't experienced anything out of the norm.  However, the first World Cup game in Monterrey starts tomorrow and that could be reason enough for protesters to block highways around Monterrey and the airport.