Need advice on getting car Options

[Joe Ricard]

Trying to make a rational decision on getting my new 70 yellow 914. I live in Gautier Mississippi (no snow zone) car is in Seattle Washington area. I am going to try and get the car during the thanksgiving holiday. Lots of extra parts and an engine set of wheels & tires whole interior. So I plan on towing car on dolly behind My 94 Explorer 2WD.

Who thinks this is a bad idea? I know you guys in the PAC NORWEST should have the best advice. I am not familiar with the roads But, I would assume there is a mountain range somewhere I will have to cross. SNOW SUCKS!!!!

I could sell all parts to you PAC NORWEST guys and then have shipper tear up my car for me. Really not my 1st choice.

[GWN7]

If your going to drive out and tow it back, I'd do what jim9146 suggested. Head South before you cross the mountains. When I went to pick up the Nevada car, my original plan was to head West and then South, but a snow storm changed my route and I ended up going across the mountains on I80 into Salt Lake then going down to las Vegas. On the way home I went acroos on I70 up to Denver and worked my way North from there. The main reason was Black Ice. I ran into it at the tops of the mountains and had to drive on it for about 6 miles going down a 6% grade, not fun. (Remember I drive on ice/snow 6 months of the year)

The Southern route had no snow or ice and was much more pleasent of a drive on the way home. It was longer, but less grey hair sprouted along the way.

You mentioned 6000 miles. Figure 12 hrs a day at 70 mph = 840 miles per day. That's 7 days on the road there and back. Even if you bump it up to 14 hrs per day, that's 6 days. Hotels average $75 a night (you can't sleep in the truck when it's -10 outside), that brings your gas & hotel bill up to $1000. Figure at least $20 a day for food. If your son goes along make that $40 (kids like lots of junk food when bored out of their skulls on road trips). That brings the total to closer to $1300. Now add in unexpected costs and wear and tear on your truck. Not to mention if your not used to driving long distances it can be pretty hard on your body. Don't ask me why, your just sitting there all that time.

The plus side to a road trip towing home is that you get to see parts of the country that you have never seen before.

If you only have 4 days (over the Thanksgiving holiday) I'd wait for plan II and drive it home in the spring when you have more time. There is nothing worse than a unexpected delay to make a road trip a nightmare.

Personally I'd fly out and drive it home in the spring. It is a better way to get to know your car. Have what ever work is needed to it before you go. Take your time and enjoy the trip home. Plan a week to get home, stop and do some sightseeing along the way.