Pinz ownership - newbie help and advice needed

[CostaPinz]

Hi- 1st post and hopefully it will be a big one. My father in-law has moved to Costa Rica and after destroying an Isuzu in less than 2 years on the roads there, we are looking at getting him a Pinz as a daily driver. Would welcome any insight as to the daily ownership, maintenance and reserve parts that we would want to have on hand that are prone to failure. Are there any specific issues that we need to look out for? The Pinz would be his ONLY driver. Any feed back is welcome, even if the advice is to not purchase a Pinz. Thank you in advance.

[Kirby]

I know others have a lot more experience than me, and they will share it too!

I think a little more info on him and his needs might help them ~ help you!....

Is he the type of person who will/can work on it himself?

Daily driver for hauling stuff or just people?

Will he be driving it and abusing? (driving hard put away wet type?)

Or will the roads just be the hardest part on it.... and those roads can be wicked!!

Good Luck on this...

[CostaPinz]

Well, it would be used as a truck. Driven daily and hauling anything from people to 4x8 sheets of plywood. The roads are pretty brutal around their house. You have to cross 2 rivers to get to the nearest "real" town. Again, looking for honest and candid feedback as to any problems we may encounter or what maintenance issues we need to look out for. My father in law has owned both Austin Healys and Alfa Romeos, so saying he can turn a wrench should be a given. That said, if Pinz's are maintenance hogs, we'll move on. We would just pick up a Jeep or another Isuzu but the Pinz stood out as something that seems not only extraordinarily capable but would be a bit more low-profile. Theft is an issue down there and you really don't want to draw attention to yourself with a nice fat, expensive American vehicle. Let's be honest, a Pinz screams "steal me" about as loudly as a rusty mailbox. That said, we love the thought of getting one. Just need some help deciding if it's a good idea. We actually have a truck located that seems to be in good kit. ANY responses would help! Thanks

[ExpeditionImports]

Pinzgauers are maintenance intensive. If you guys do not mind "tinkering" and repairing/maintaining as needed you will be fine. Your parts will either be coming down from the states or from venezuala, either way it will not be cheap or quick.

Have you considered the Unimog? Usually considered a better option for extreme outback type terrain. Add in the fact that their are 10-15 currently in Costa Rica, you have somewhat of a "club" to help with your support.

Just more food for thought.

Cheers,

Scott

[CostaPinz]

From the response(s), I gather a Pinz as a daily driver in a rough environment is not a good idea! Tinkering is fine from time to time but as previously noted, this would be the sole vehicle. Appreciate the emails and sugestions. Thanks again

JC

[sdibaja]

"after destroying an Isuzu in less than 2 years" is the number 1 tip off.
my darling son can kill anything quick, I am able to nurse along a piece of c_r_a_p for years.

Scott is giving real good advice
I would love to have a Pinz 712M but it is much more wise fore me to have a Mog.

BTW, there are tons of Mercedes trucks there (and in Baja), not a repair/service issue