Automotive Mexico: heaven and hell

In Mexico, you will discover pristine white sand beaches and gentle surf. Virgin jungle, impregnable mountains and crystal blue waterfalls. Charming colonial cities and vast metropolitan areas. Delicious tacos and bottomless margaritas. But will it be possible to see all that Mexico has to offer from the window of a bus, or wandering around the places trampled by tourists on foot? Hint: no!


Autotravel is the only way to get off the beaten track and discover the unknown. But driving in a foreign country is not an easy task! After all, there are many dangers and pitfalls that can catch an unprepared traveler by surprise. However, do not get hung up on hypothetical troubles, because you are waiting for the white sandy beaches of Jalisco and Oaxaca, the jungles of Chiapas and many other amazing places to explore.

What do Mexicans drive?

Last year, the market for new passenger cars in Mexico amounted to 1 units. The leader was Nissan, which managed to sell 014 vehicles. In second place is Volkswagen Group, whose sales grew by 681%, reaching 203 units. The third place is occupied by the American corporation General Motors, which managed to sell 918 cars.


Toyota finished next with 91 cars. Rounding out the top five are KIA and Stellantis, which shipped 090 and 82 cars to dealers, respectively. In terms of models, as of the first quarter of 040, the picture is as follows:

✅Chevrolet Aveo - 13 905
✅ Nissan March - 13 348
✅ Kia Rio - 11 833
✅ Nissan NP300 - 9 971
✅ Nissan Versa - 9 280

The main sensation of the local market was the rise in sales of Chinese cars. Launched in Mexico in October 2020, the MG brand is already close to overtaking Ford and Suzuki. The company, owned by the state concern SAIC, sells five models: three SUVs and two sedans. Among the reasons for the success of the "Chinese" are called competitive prices, as well as a seven-year warranty, roadside assistance and maintenance - this is included in the price of the car.

Vehicle rental

Theoretically, you can buy a car, but registering it will be problematic. To do this, you must provide a temporary or permanent visa, as well as confirm the Mexican address.

Much easier to rent a car. Companies such as Enterprise, Budget and Hertz operate in the country. Note that most companies require drivers to be over 25, although the Budget website states that 18-year-olds are "acceptable." Before you sign a lease, inspect and photograph the car from several angles, then ask the agent to write down every scratch and non-working part. Otherwise, upon return, you will have to pay for the repair!


If the entries in your "rights" are not duplicated in English or Spanish, a valid international driver's license will be required. Do not forget about the registration certificate (tarjeta de circulacion) and insurance, which are mandatory even for a rental car. Please note: in the event of an accident, it will not be possible to leave the country until you compensate for the damage.

Where to stay

You can park anywhere in Mexico as long as it is legal. Whether you choose to camp near the beach, on top of a mountain, or at a gas station. However, it's a good idea to talk to the locals to make sure the area you've chosen is safe.


If wild camping is not your thing, then use the services of hotels and hostels, of which there are countless numbers in Mexico: for every taste and budget.

Forewarned is forearmed

Mexican police corruption is much less of a problem than in other Latin American countries. However, she still has nowhere to go. There is also the possibility of becoming a victim of crime and fraud, especially in remote areas such as Chiapas.

Road travelers should take extra care and try to avoid certain roads. One of these is the Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo highway. Locals have nicknamed this highway Carretera de la muerte (highway of death) because for more than 30 years there have been reports of attacks, murders and kidnappings from there. Also, you should not move at night: at this time of day animals come out on the roads, pedestrians roam and there are trucks without taillights. Try to avoid "high-risk areas" and in case of an emergency dial 911. Yes, the same number as in the US.

Police officers and drivers

When traveling through Mexico, you will be stopped sooner or later. However, how you will be treated is a lottery. Usually it comes down to checking insurance and "licencia de conducir". But sometimes the police declare a violation of traffic rules and insist on a fine, although you are sure that you didn’t do anything “such”. Perhaps something in the vehicle does not comply with the technical regulations, or you have violated an unknown local law, ignored a mysterious traffic sign. Oh, the punishments for such sins are serious! But fortunately, the policeman is ready to help, saving you time and money by accepting a fine on the spot - in cash.


If you are bred for a bribe, stay friendly - aggression will not help in this situation. Pretend to be a "hose" who doesn't understand Spanish. Often in such cases, the police release the "violator". If it was not possible to pretend, there are two ways out. The first is to cry. If you are a girl, it should work. The second is to go to the conflict. Explain, in a friendly manner, that you did not violate anything, you want to get a receipt and challenge the fine in the future.

Find out the name and phone number of the boss, saying that from now on you will only communicate with him. At this point, perhaps the cops will back off, not wanting to be caught in corruption. If not... well, now you have to go all the way! Legends tell of people who succeeded in overturning the decision. Others that after the intervention of the management, the amount of the bribe doubled.


Remember: according to Mexican traffic rules, only the Policia de Transito is vested with the authority to fine, withdraw “rights” and take the car to the corralon (penalty station).

Roads and tops

There are two types of highways in Mexico: Autopistas de cuota are paid highways, and free ones are called carreteras. The quality of the former is incomparably better, but you have to pay for it. If you decide to save money by moving around carreteras, take this advice: beware of the tops! Topes is a speed bump. But the Mexican top differs from the usual one in that they are not painted: it is impossible to notice the bump that merges with the road!

The second difference is the self-made nature of the tops used by local communities to limit speed around their towns and villages. Sometimes it feels like there are no rules about the size or severity of topes. As far as the distance between the tops is concerned, this is another mystery that eludes the understanding of a sane person. And while locals know where topes are based, foreigners don't. So advice: watch your speed and the road, otherwise you will have to change the suspension even after a short trip!


And one more warning. If you decide to enter the territory of drug cartels, keep your car windows open! This is necessary so that the "watcher" sees that there are no armed people or weapons in the cabin. And in any case, do not shoot anything on video! But, of course, it's better not to go there at all.

Ride or not?

Surely, many of you, having read about the "horrors" of Mexico, began to doubt: is it worth it to drive in such a dangerous country. Drop doubts! After all, only traveling by car will be able to visit such sights as the ancient Aztec city of Teotihuacan. Here you can walk along the "road of the dead" and admire the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Or come to the Mayan port of Tulum, located 131 kilometers south of Cancun. There, on the very cliff, the Castillo fortress nestled comfortably, serving as a beacon for merchant ships. Near the ruins there are amazingly beautiful sandy beaches, with turquoise crystal water, where you can sunbathe and swim.


Thanks to the car, you will reach the "cave of crystals", where the air is so humid that after 20 minutes a person begins to choke. Visit Akumal Bay and swim with sea turtles. And since we are talking about diving, then by all means go to the Museum of Underwater Sculptures in Cancun - an unforgettable experience is guaranteed!

A road trip will give you the opportunity to discover the authentic, not “worn out” Mexico, and get much more positive impressions than with a “standard hiking trip”. And most importantly - explore the country on your own route and schedule!