I'm likely to take a trip from central Kentucky to San Antonio or Houston over the New Year season. No matter which city I choose, it will still be approximately 1200 miles each way, not counting the miles I drive once I'm at my destination.
My car (Dodge) has 207,000 miles currently, and at the rate I drive it, it will probably have 220,000 miles by year's end. My car is in GREAT mechanical condition, I've taken very good care of it, and I have a great mechanic. Original engine, still gets good gas mileage, and thankfully the only thing unoriginal are the brake pads!
I'm not your stereotypical "poor Kentuckian." In fact, I come from an upper middle-class home. I'm just really cheap!
It's more economical just to take my car rather than rent one. What would you recommend, and why?
Thanks!
2007-08-09 16:52:46 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
BOY, LET ME TELL YA WHAT!!!! You hail from the GREAT STATE OF KENTUCKY aka Commonweath for the people! Fast horses,beautiful women and home to America's only true sports car ,the CORVETTE!!!!Not to mention the best bourbon whisky in the world. So when you say 'I'm from KENTUCKY" ya better hold your head up high,here?. Now to answer your question, as long as your antifreeze is good,fresh oil change,(with this heat we are in I recommend 10w40 for the trip) have your brake system flushed if ya have ABS brakes(water mixes well with brake fluid and with the heat it could cause a major failure of the system) trans fluid also changed and your r134 refrigerant is up to snuff for your air conditioner,tire at the proper inflation, you should have no problems going down to the state of TEXAS(also a great state)American cars with fuel inj. can go up to 700,000 mi with no engine failure
2007-08-09 17:18:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are you afraid of? You stated it runs great, and if it doesn't smoke or leak, then enjoy your trip...driving your own car.
I would take and let the mechanic give it a thorough inspection a few days before leaving. If anything needs to be replaced, there is time to do it.
I own a Nissan and my home is Alabama. I returned from a deployment to the 'sandbox' and took some time off. I went and picked up my 'baby'. It sat in my parent's garage for almost a year. I had my buddy (a GREAT mechanic) check everything, got the thumbs up, and drove it until the wheels were thinking about calling it quits. I drove from Alabama, to the Northwest coast of Mexico (Rocky Point), up to LA in Cali, and then back to TX. When I parked it where I pay bills, almost 4500 miles! Not bad for a 94 Nissan towing a medium box trailer, and now over 225K on it. I bought it brand new with about 8 miles on it. It doesn't smoke, has great pickup, and VERY few parts are not original on it. I'm not cheap either. This was the first vehicle I bought brand new, and I won't let it go until it lets me go.
No, it's not an American company vehicle, but it was built in TN. Any vehicle that is taken care, quality parts used, and built solid will take you the distance.
GO FOR IT, and enjoy your trip!!!!
2007-08-09 18:09:42 · answer #2 · answered by Airdale 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There shouldnt be a problem driving from kentucky to texas...i have a 15 yr old Ford F-150, never been in the shop, has 214,788 on the odometer...2 weeks ago i made a trip from Houston to Cincinatti OH and back with no problems...
2007-08-13 07:01:37 · answer #3 · answered by Chris M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you say its in "GREAT mechanical condition", sure go for it! If you're as sheap as you claim, drive it into the ground if you can. Buy one when the cost of repair exceeds the cars value. After you get a new one, sell it on ebay or craigslist to someone looking for a fixer-upper and make a quick couple hundred bucks!! I have a car with 155,000 miles and expect it to last another 200,000!
2007-08-09 17:01:38 · answer #4 · answered by Hefe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if its in good shape you should have no problems. its a good idea to check your belts before traveling though. most cars built since the late 90's will exceed 200,000 easly with normal maint. I have 2 chevys and 2 dodges both with over 200 000 and I drive them any where any time
2007-08-09 17:00:07 · answer #5 · answered by Smitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddy if you have had good luck with your car and it has 207,000 miles with it then like we all say go for all the gusto,You've got nothing to lose and you are one lucky man.
2007-08-09 17:10:35 · answer #6 · answered by lwr735 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend that you drive .......To be honest older cars with miles on it and just older cars in general could run better than a newer one. If the mechanic is good on it and every thing is SMOKING.....WHY? not save money
2007-08-09 16:59:15 · answer #7 · answered by MARCO B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont waste money on renting a car, they are going to hit you over the head with gas charges. Would you spend tons on renting and paying for those gas charges or just put gas in your car and tune it up for future use.
2016-04-01 08:52:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i say go for it just have your mechanic check every thing out before the trip I'm sure you'll be ok good luck and have a safe trip
2007-08-09 17:08:40 · answer #9 · answered by mocha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it seems that the car hasn't let you down yet, so why not take it. Just be sure to check the radiator hoses. Good luck
2007-08-09 17:00:41 · answer #10 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋