Driving from USA to Panama

Civilian_Target

I know this is a long-shot, but has anyone here ever tried something like this before? Got any advice (beyond don't drive at night, and have good insurance?)

I was thinking of picking up an old car in Boston and taking a few months to drive it to a friend's place in Panama.
It doesn't look like I'll need a Carnet de Passage, or that there's any problem taking it into any of the countries along the way. What's not so clear is whether I can sell it in Panama, any ideas?

(A quick google suggests that selling it is possible, if I can wade through the red tape - and I don't speak spanish)

sungear

when I was in the US near the mexican border, I was warned by locals not to get to near the border, with a vehicle (assume your car is worth not much) and for my own safety.
I dont advocate not doing stuff based on hyped up fears in the media, but i believe a lot of people have died in Mexico related to drugs
I wanted to drive through parts of South america but it was too much hassle and cost, I wouldnt even go to Mexico.

Having said that, I was in a few dangerous places abroad and nothing happened but I was with people and I kept my wits about me.
Take a long time to drive through Mexico.

Maxav

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/
Everything you need to know!

fasttalkerchat

IMO the biggest danger to you will not be location related specifically. Driving such a huge distance throws up all sorts of issues around tiredness, vehicle condition, getting stranded in remote areas etc. How much money do you plan on taking with you? How many miles do you drive per year normally and what was your longest journey to date?

EI_Flyboy

Choice of vehicle is pretty important too, something you can sleep in is a big advantage, doesn't have to be an RV either. Big vans are costly to run but might save you on hotel/motel bills and walmart are cool with people parking up in their carparks if you're ever stuck. Craigslist.org is a handy spot for finding cars or much anything else really.

Food for thought!: http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/mercedes-benz/g-class/mercedes-benz-g-wagon-drives-500000-miles-around-the-world/

DonJose

I have lived in Mexico for years and am actually going back to live in Mexico next month. I've driven across Mexico from south to north and west to east without any problems, mostly in southern Mexico. Then again I drove in a Mexican regged car. Mexico is pretty safe. I would not drive into Guatemala even in a Mexican regged car, just been to Guatemala city recently and took a coach, its too dangerous. A friends brother was shot dead for his car in Guatemala 10 years ago and just last month my wifes friend had a gun stuck to her head while stopped in traffic and talking on her mobile, she was driving a Mexican regged car without tinted windows. All the cars in Guatemala have heavy tinted windows. If you still plan on driving I advise heavy tinted windows.

EI_Flyboy

One of these might also come in handy:

http://www.findmespot.com/en/

MadsL

Civilian_Target wrote: »

I know this is a long-shot, but has anyone here ever tried something like this before? Got any advice (beyond don't drive at night, and have good insurance?)

I was thinking of picking up an old car in Boston and taking a few months to drive it to a friend's place in Panama.
It doesn't look like I'll need a Carnet de Passage, or that there's any problem taking it into any of the countries along the way. What's not so clear is whether I can sell it in Panama, any ideas?

(A quick google suggests that selling it is possible, if I can wade through the red tape - and I don't speak spanish)

I'd say that is your biggest problem right there, any chance of finding a travel buddy that does?

Trippie

I live in colombia but am working in texas for a few months and was considering doing the same thing. I know two guys who did it on motorcycles and they said it was fine. Not sure about cars and whatnot, i have a car here which i bought and doubtful I will get much back so might as well drive it to panama and sell it for peanuts there

fasttalkerchat

Trippie wrote: »

I live in colombia but am working in texas for a few months and was considering doing the same thing. I know two guys who did it on motorcycles and they said it was fine. Not sure about cars and whatnot, i have a car here which i bought and doubtful I will get much back so might as well drive it to panama and sell it for peanuts there

What car is it? How are you with car maintenance?

Trippie

fasttalkerchat wrote: »

What car is it? How are you with car maintenance?

its a kia and i know a bit but not enough to sort out any major problems

DonJose

Trippie wrote: »

its a kia and i know a bit but not enough to sort out any major problems

Kia are not sold in Mexico and not a popular car across latin america. I'd be afraid of breaking down and finding it impossible to find parts. The idea car to drive across Mexico and latin america would be a old VW Beetle or a old Chevy, those cars are a dime a dozen in central america.