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I'm thinking about making a 4-week or so trek home from the SF suburbs where I live to Greater Lexington, KY.
Here's the thing. My car is in great shape. Same MPG as always, nothing funny acting, all I've had to do to it in the 52,000 miles I've owned it is basic, common sense, appropriately timed maintenance. But it still has just over 187,000 miles on the odometer. The clutch is a bit rough, but it has always been a bit rough for as long as I've owned it and I'm just used to it now. But when it's all said and done, I'd probably have added another 6-7,000 miles on the odometer.
I'd honestly trust that car to take me to Barrow, AK...but it's just one car, and even though it's a Toyota, not even Toyotas are perfect.
Your thoughts, please!
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I'd also like to add:
Doesn't leak oil.
Clean engine compartment.
Regularly check fluids and change as necessary.
No new brakes needed.
O2 sensor replaced in 2008.
Battery: 18 months old, still fine with the appropriate cold cranking amps.
Clean air filter that I installed in 2011.
Passed California smog test with the equivalent of a 99.9% score.
Platinum spark plugs: 15-18 months old. Could use replacing in the next year or 15,000 miles.
Freon "rejuvenated" in StL when moving to SF Bay, still blows A/C like a new car.
Original engine in its entirety still in use (except for replacement O2 sensor).
Tires just balanced and rotated and good for a remaining 30,000 or so miles.
While I do plenty of street driving, a majority of my driving is freeway driving at 45+ MPH. Freeway driving is much easier on a transmission.
Last but not least, it got me from KY to CA when I moved here. It was already high mileage then.
Last edited by EclecticEars; 02-17-2012 at 12:16 AM..
Reason: Afterthoughts
I would be careful. Getting stuck in a different state is like getting stuck in a different country. The US is really big. But I say go for it, I honestly believe every American needs to do a cross country road trip at least once in their lives.
I would be careful. Getting stuck in a different state is like getting stuck in a different country. The US is really big. But I say go for it, I honestly believe every American needs to do a cross country road trip at least once in their lives.
I'm originally from Kentucky; eighth generation, in fact. I know the state very well from far west to far east.
I have AAA and can subscribe to roadside assistance through my insurance co. for the duration of the trip.
Fortunately, I can do many basic repairs myself and I'd bring a "basics" kit.
My Tacoma has 172K on the odometer and I'd drive it to the Lower-48. That's about the same distance. If it doesn't have any issues and you have AAA basic mechanical skills I'd do it. Check out where you'll have cell coverage before you go.
I drove my 94 civic in 07, from seattle to philly, which is 2800 miles. I have 200k on my engine and trans. Later on, I drove it from philly to tampa, which is about 1200 miles or so.
On my 2800 mile trip, about halfway when I was in south dakota, thats when I started to get worried, my mind would say to myself "ohhhhh shhhiieeetttt.. I hope it wont break down, or at least break down when i arrive". I had that feeling becuase I was literally driving 14 hours per day, going 75 mph which the engine spins at 3500 rpm, feels like the engine is working too long.
If you have taken care of the car and Tge fluids are full, belts are good and you've changed the timing belt at least once then I see nO reason not to do it. I've seen toyotas with 300k+ that have never had any major repairs. Just give the car a good look over and go for it
^^^all good info. Check the hoses and tires as well. I 2nd bringing some tools and items to fix minor issues.
If YOU trust your car I say go for it. I would have NO problem doing the trip in my '02 Odyssey with 145K on it because I know the car and the maintenance I have done.
It depends on the car. I wouldn't hesitate to make a trip like that in my 1996 Caravan (172,000+ miles) or my wife's 2004 Grand Caravan (184,000+ miles), but I've had cars with less than 100K on the clock that I wouldn't drive out of town if I didn't have to.
Last edited by duster1979; 02-17-2012 at 12:52 PM..
Stay off the interstates. If anything happens on a 2-lane road, it won't be long before someone stops to help, and it's easy to get to a town or a farmhouse, even on foot.
I moved from Michigan to Texas in a Toyota Previa van with 220K. One round trip empty to arrange the move, and then a one-way trip carrying all my stuff. No big deal.
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Kentucky? Random! but..
