Want to take 12hour road trip to see my parents?

Question

Problem is I am always consumed with fear that we might break down. The car is in top mechanical condition and only has 70,000 miles on her and is only a 2004. Problem is we are on a limited budget and this is our only mode of transpotation and really afraid of hurting our only vehicle and we have a toddler too. So would you risk it and take the trip or just wait until you can save more for it. Plus parents are very old in there 70's and this is there only grandchild but they are on a fixed income so if something happened it would be on us to figure out what to do. Any suggestions would be helpful thanks.

Answer 1

Have the vehicle totally checked over by a good mechanic before going on a trip if you have these fears.

Perhaps,  you and the grandchild could go on the bus for what it would cost in gasoline.      Then,  you get to stay longer as hubby goes back to work.

Answer 2

Provided the car is properly serviced and not thrashed on the journey any modern car (2004 is modern) is capable of 200,000 miles without any real trouble. One point though is to ensure that your timing belt has been changed at the correct interval which is often around the 70k mark and if it is due soon get it changed before you go.

Enjoy the drive and take it easy with rest stops every 2 hours. You are more at risk than the car!!

Answer 3

I would have the vehicle completely checked out by your local mechanic before you go on the trip just to be on the safe side.

As for driving this distance I would recommend that you drive just under the speed limit and dont push it.

Also take several stops for you as well as for the car and have fun.....

Answer 4

spend 100 bux and rent an unlimited milage car for the weekend from any of the big car rental companies. and being newer it might get better gas mileage on the trip....you cant put a price on peace of mind.