Lake Chapala Car Experts

Casa
Mexico
Ajijic
Lake Chapala Car Experts

Lake Chapala's leading experts on everything automotive: sales, insurance, concierge.

23/05/2026

I finally got to check out the new 2026 Mazda CX-5. Here are my quick thoughts.

Let's talk about the good.

It looks great. To me it does a fine job at maintaining the same good looks of the previous model generation CX-5, while still being different.

In a way, the third generation CX-5 looks more like a radical facelift than an actual, complete redesign. However, don't be fooled - it is a completely new platform. The crossover is longer and has more headroom and trunk space than it's predecessor.

A huge plus is the new tech that it incorporates. Driver profiles, panoramic sunroof, 3D parking camera, hands-free tailgate, cooled and heated seats, advanced safety features, etc.

For those that want a safe, reliable, high-tech, Japenese crossover... this is the one to get. There is no better vehicle in this price range that can compete. Mazda is now also giving customers a standard 6-year manufacturer warranty. Warranty service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000 kms.

So now, let's talk about the bad.

No more turbo.

Mazda decided to ditch the zoom zoom and opt for a more mature approach. They decided to bet on modern tech and features instead of pure driving enjoyment.

Don't get me wrong, the standard non-turbo drivetrain is fine. But, it won't offer the same enjoyment.

The interior materials didn't seem as nice or plush as the previous Gen CX-5. This new generation goes for a "minimalistic" look that just seems bland. You can tell that there are more hard plastics in the cabin.

The dash and huge TV screen in the center scream Chinese, because we'll... they are very likely sourced from China and widely used by their country's vehicle manufacturers.

The CX-5 is still imported from Japan and the exterior build quality (weight of the doors, handles, etc.) still have a nice feel to them.

So, to sum up this quick review. Is the new CX-5 worth getting? Most definitely. It's the best and most competitively-priced midsize crossover in the market. The brand is also backed by a large, quality dealer system.

However, I think that at some point, we need to take a step back and rethink if the car industry is actually headed in the right direction with all the tech and overly sensitive safety features.

R.

18/05/2026

For sale: 2024 Kia K3 Sedan LX Automatic. 4-cylinder, air conditioning, backup camera, cloth interior, automatic headlights, bluetooth, android auto, apple carplay. One owner, dealer serviced, Jalisco license plates, 5-year balance of manufacturer warranty. Priced to sell quickly - $235,000 pesos.

For more importation, please leave a message, email [email protected], or WhatsApp +523334456256

Rod

18/05/2026

Sold.

For sale: 2022 Kia Sportage LX (automatic). 2.0, 4-cylinder, automatic. Cruise control, backup camera, rear parking sensors, cloth interior, manual seats (height adjustable for driver). Air conditioning, apple carplay and android auto, automatic headlights. Second owner (purchased as certified pre-owned from Kia dealership), full service records (serviced every 6 months at Kia deership, Jalisco license plates 76,000 kms (47,500 miles). Asking price $319,000 pesos.

For those looking for a reliable, midsize crossover, this is your opportunity to purchase an example that's as good as it gets.

For more information, please leave a message, send an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp at +523334456256.

Rod

15/05/2026

For sale: coming soon.

On the topic of used vehicles, I'll have several vehicles coming up for sale, very soon. Two of these vehicles are as good as it gets in the used market, (dealer purchased, Jalisco plates, serviced every 6 months, and excellent options for lakeside residents).

One is a Kia Sportage (SUV/Crossover), and the second a Kia K3 Sedan (compact). If anyone might be interested or has a friend looking for an excellent vehicle, please contact me for further details.

These are vehicles with manufacturer warranty, full service history, and lakeside owned.

R.

09/05/2026

Let's keep things going, shall we? These are the 30 least reliable brands of 2025-2026 according to Profeco. They still sell really well, though. It just goes to show just how much the Latin American market values tech and styling more than reliability.

09/05/2026

Why I don't help people find used cars anymore...

I'm usually the guy people reach out to once they've exhausted all their options or realize the actual difficulties/limitations involved with finding, buying, and registering a good, used vehicle.

And while I did offer the service in the past (finding a used vehicle for someone), I no longer do so because of the work that's involved and the lack of willingness from folks to pay for the service, as well as patience to wait to find a good candidate. They sadly wouldn't see/value the effort I placed on finding them the best option possible and would opt with going with someone else, after I had invested time and effort.

Now, I still do sell used cars, but these are generally very few, mostly consignment deals (on behalf of clients), and as good as they get in the used market. These cars for sale will be locally owned, mechanically solid, low mileage, clean paperwork, etc.

You'll see these listed on this page and on my website.

But anyways, back to the original topic on why I don't go and look for used cars for people...

Finding a good vehicle requires a hefty amount of time, effort, and due diligence. Please read that again, with emphasis of the word "good".

Buying a used car can be technically easy if you don't know what you're doing. You kick some tires, have a random guy look the car over, exchange some money, and now you own a car. Congrats.

Then you go post on FB and share to the world about how easy of a process it was. And, in some cases, it is that easy. Sometimes, you just happen to be on the the receiving end of an ethical seller.

However, there is also the other side of the coin.

Throughout the years I've been in the automotive industry, I have seen some crazy things. I still do.

I'm talking vehicles sold with fake paperwork, "one-owner" vehicles with a ton of endorsements in the back of the title. Cars advertised sold in excellent condition that have clearly been in serious accidents, etc.

When I used to offer the service, I checked all the boxes, to make sure that my clients were buying an excellent vehicle with no risk to them. Sadly, it happened very frequently that people cared more about getting a better "deal" while ignoring the risks.

So, what exactly are these boxes that need to be checked to rescue the risk of buying a lemon?

Let's go over the most common ones.

Price and location: Who's selling the car? Does it appear to be in good condition? Is the seller reputable? Will the price be negotiable?

Vehicle condition: How does the car look on the inside and outside? Paint, plastics, under the hood, roof of the car, tires, brakes, under carriage. You need to see it person to determine.

Vehicle driving: Does it drive well? Any issues or noises with the suspension, brakes, engine?

Vehicle inspection: If eveything looks well, great. Now, it's time to have a trusted mechanic inspect it. Is the seller willing to subject their car to it?

Paperwork: It's crucial to make sure they have the original paperwork (factura and registration).

Legal status: Where is the car registered? Are there any outstanding tickets? Does it legally check out without a theft report.

Payment: How does the seller want to be paid? How can you guarantee that the transaction is done safely?

Registration: Do you have the necessary documentation to register in your state?

The above are just a few of the questions and topic that need to be looked over to try to guarantee a smooth used-car-buying process.

R.

09/05/2026

I'm aware that I haven't been that active on this page, but I'm hoping to change that and start posting a bit more frequently.

Plenty of the topics I'll be discussing will contain highly valuable information that I've acquired over my time in the automotive industry. Please feel free to share with friends or save it for future use.

I'm also aware of some comments being made on social media that I've become difficult to get ahold of. My clients know that this is not the case.

However, having experienced several negative experiences of folks taking advantage of my time and expertise, I now work by appointment/consultation only.

For serious inquiries, I can currently be reached via email ([email protected]) or WhatsApp (+52 33 3445 6256).

See you in the next post.

R.

25/03/2026

Important Notice

After long consideration, and due to a series of events, the official decision has been made to immediately discontinue the service of driving vehicles to Guadalajara for maintenance/warranty/emissions work.

Clients that already have booked and confirmed appointments for the coming weeks, they will still be carried out - for one last time.

For those that wish to continue servicing their vehicle in Guadalajara, I can still help make the appointment at their dealer and date/time of choice.

While I understand the inconvenience that this might cause for some, it's important to mention that it was not easy coming to this decision; nonetheless, the circumstances that led to the cancelation of this service, left no alternative.

Our other services will remain active and we look forward to continue servicing the lakeside community for many years to come.

Thank you,

Rod

Dirección

Ajijic

Teléfono

+523334456256

Página web

https://lakechapalacarexperts.com/

Notificaciones

Sé el primero en enterarse y déjanos enviarle un correo electrónico cuando Lake Chapala Car Experts publique noticias y promociones. Su dirección de correo electrónico no se utilizará para ningún otro fin, y puede darse de baja en cualquier momento.