Hey all. A few questions for you. First off, I'll be moving to Nevada in June. I was wondering if my car will make it OK? She runs pretty good. No real problems at all. What should I do to prepare my car for this haul? Now the mileage question. I just hit 135,000 miles the other day. How many more can I expect out of it? Thanks in advance people. Any suggestions for making the trip easier on my car and I would be appreciated. No, I can't afford to have it shipped, nor would I. I'd rather take the drive. Also, how much should I save for expenses? I plan on changing my oil when I stop in Iowa. Thanks people.
Will

 

Highway driving is easiest on a car. You should be fine. Check the oil every gas fill-up and keep an eye on the temp gauge. 135K? No problem. My neighbor has a 13B with 260K miles, untouched. If you maintain it well, mileage should be a non-issue really. On AVERAGE though, yes, your car is getting up there for a rotary....

 

just went to florida and back put total of 3500 miles i have 130k on the car..check ALL fluids before doing that trip. includding diff and tranny...

 

Yeah, Just check your fluids, hoses and belts and you'll be fine. Rotaries are fantastic for endurance.

I recently drove my 87 na from DC to Ft worth non-stop, in mid july, and it has over 240k on it.

Anyone read the article in R&T on the cosmo?? (Mazda's first Rotary)

They entered 2 cars in an 84 hour endurance race in Europe (The name escapes me). 1 car dropped out on hour 82 with non-engine related trouble, the other came in 4th overall

Not bad for a brand new model, with a then unproven engine :-)

 

How long do you think it will take to get to Iowa? I plan on trying to do it nonstop. I'll just pass out in my car when I get to my friend's house, lol. How much should I put aside for gas?

 

Iowa is about half way

Also you dont want to run at high (over 80mph) for extended times. This will heat up your rear end and the old fluid in it probably wouldnt stand up to it. If you have new fluid you probably still wouldnt want to run that fast regularly cause then your gass milage will drop significantly. I know mine dropped about 20% at 80 as opposed to 70.

that was when she was running and not a twisted piece of metal.

 

Yes, be sure to check all fluids before going. Heck, if your plugs have 10K plus on 'em, change those too. Might as well get top fuel economy and burn out as much carbon as possible while out driving that long. Pour in some MMO for the oil and Chevron Techron FI cleaner and hit the road!

One bit of advice for you - stop for gas in Indiana, before you get to Illinois. Gas is about 15 to 25 cents cheaper there. Chicago area gas (but Illinois in general)is ridiculous if you come this way - lots of taxes.

Good luck.

 

I've done two round trips from NJ to WI in the past few years. She was fantastic, no problems at all. Just like everyone said...fluids. As for gas, my memory is foggy, but its about 1200 miles (rough guess) and I filled up 4-5 times @ 20 per fill up...so about 100 greenbacks one way.

 

i drove my GTU from NJ to Ohio zero problems. except for one speeding ticket

 

That's what I like to hear. I plan on driving my 7 from Denver to San Diego in about a month. Maybe then I'll finally hit 300 miles on a tank

 

Don't tell my car that. When I went through wyoming I had the cruise set at 95MPH (with wife and toddler and luggage aboard). That was years ago and my car has the same rear end in it. My car must not know that it should be having a problem

The car is fine for a long drive as long is it in good running order. Make sure your cruise works because on those long drives (I have done many 1000-1800 mile trips) you would kill for cruise. Also fix any rattles or squeeks cuz after hour after hour of listening to it you start going nuts. Stereo and air working also a must in my book. I've done it both ways.

 

My fiancee (supergoat) drove his '88 GXL from South Carolina to Oregon in August of last year. His car did fine.

Like it's been said already, check all the fluids, replace any if needed...maybe do a fresh oil change and some new spark plugs...

I'm sure your car will be great! The only thing Stephen's FC needed when he got over here was a good washing.

 

love long trips. make sure you find a good seating postion and take lots of CDs