Question for anyone whos an experienced driver.

[JohnMcklane12]

I have to ask someone and this is the only forum that I could do it in. I want to drive 420 miles to go to a NBA game in a 97 Mazda Protege (60K). My dad told me theres no way that I can go because the car will break down on me. Is he bull****ting me? It's only going to be 7 hours of driving on the highway.

[ngcsubutterbar]

is there something 'wrong' with the car. If not then no 420 miles won't do that much to it that it wouldn't do to any other car.

[DeputyMadMax]

Hell, if my old blazer made it that far to Vegas with 160K on it, I'm sure yours can do it too. But mileage doesn't mean anything. It's the condition your car is in. Does it break down often? If you're replacing parts every other week, then I wouldn't take the chance. If it's a strong running, well maintained car, go for it.

[mcsap]

Hell, if my old blazer made it that far to Vegas with 160K on it, I'm sure yours can do it too. But mileage doesn't mean anything. It's the condition your car is in. Does it break down often? If you're replacing parts every other week, then I wouldn't take the chance. If it's a strong running, well maintained car, go for it.

Agree 100% with Dep. I drove a 14 yr old car from Montana to PA in 2 days but the car was in EXCELLENT condition. Get a AAA membership or some other Auto Club.

[Lawson]

Yeah... my 93 Ford Taurus now has 238,000 miles on it and still drives like a dream!

[Zohar]

I bought a 98 Ford Escort with 80K miles on it (wasn't very expensive :D) and I now have 89K on it, it's still runs perfectly =) Think about it, you're going to put 420 miles on it anyways somehow...sounds to me like he just doesn't want you to go and is thinking of an excuse (I could be wrong)

[mcsap]

Yeah , another one of those CONCERNED parents !! What would we be able to do without them !!

[Zohar]

Concerned is O.K., I just think it's better to say, "Son, that's a long drive and I don't feel comfortable with you taking that car by yourself.". I meant no disrespect, and I appologize if I caused any.

[Scruit]

Unless he knows of some component of the car that is particualry at risk, then I don't see why that car would be any less capable of making the journey than any other car with the same mileage. I go on road trips in my wife's old Grand Prix all the time and it's got 145k on it and runs like the day we got it.

Any car is at risk of breaking down - but the risk is very small unless there is a specific problem.

However, I'd ask you to trust your father. He's older and wiser than you are and he is probably looking out for your best interests. If there is some reason that he doesn't want you to make the trip then it's not for complete strangers to second-guess him.

I would ask him specifically what he is concerned about - the car, specific components, your driving, the distance etc. See if you can get a discussion going about what he is REALLY on his mind. It's his duty to ensure that you are safe, and he obviously has a problem with some aspect of the trip. If you can talk through is and find some way to allay his fears then he may let you take the trip. Or he may not. But trust him. As a new father myself I can tell you that the rules I make for my son and the people who are involved in his care are aimed only at his wellbeing (not necessarily happiness, as he found out when he got a round of vaccinations last month! ;-) ) because his wellbeing is the most important thing in the world to me. His life is worth more to me than my own.

[JohnMcklane12]

Since I bought this car last summer, I didn't have to go to a mechanic yet. When my dad found out that I'm going from chicago to minnesota he immediately told me theres no way I'm going (I'm 20). He then even threatened me by saying to find an apartment if I decided to go on this trip. Dont know whats his beef. I dont communicate with him very well. But if you guys are telling me that I can make it there and back then I'll go.

[daNattyFatty]

well, i think that's the root of your problems here. the communication. it's ludicrous that he's telling you to get out for taking a trip. there's definitely something more to this situation and you'd better find out.


regardless, like everyone else has stated, if there's no apparant problem with the car, it'll be fine. every day, there's people driving those distances without problem.

[JohnMcklane12]

Since I bought this car last summer, I didn't have to go to a mechanic yet. When my dad found out that I'm going from chicago to minnesota he immediately told me theres no way I'm going (I'm 20). He then even threatened me by saying to find an apartment if I decided to go on this trip. Dont know whats his beef. I dont communicate with him very well. But if you guys are telling me that I can make it there and back then I'll go.

[metallicat]

I think he is being a parent. My mom always told me that if I bought a motorcycle she would kick me out of the house. Maybe he is just worried about you. I know you are 20, but parents worry, it's their responsibility.

[Scruit]

My dad always told me that I should not get a motorbike because it's a deathtrap. I pushed and pushed for one and finally gave up. We fell out so much over it.

Then I foud out years later that he used to have an old British BSA750 motorbike before I was born.

Was it selfishness that drove him to refuse me a bike? Or was it the knowledge of how dangerous a motorbike and be in and around inconsiderate car drivers? Was it the strange practice (of which I am guilty) of doing things that are dangerous but not allowing a loved one to do the same thing... Like I don't mind test-driving a car that I've just done brake work on. I would never let my wife drive a car that I have done brake work on until I have confirmed it is working 100%. I also wouldn't let my son drive it either. But I would do it myself.

Having said that, considering my son is only 13 weeks old I'd probably get in trouble if I let him drive at all, regardless of the status of the braking system... ;-) He'd need an awful lot of yellow pages' to let him see over the dash, and he's have to stop drooling on the steering wheel or it might short out the cruise control. :D

I would suggest that you don't defy your father based upon some stranger's advice that the car will make it.... 1) we can't see the car and don't know how reliable it is -at least your father is there to see the car... and 2) you obviously have some issues to work out with your father, and defying him will not help you resolve them. Talk with him.

[mcsap]

Decide which is more important, the trip or the strained relatinoship with your dad.

Could you go by bus/train or ??