Hi All,

I am taking a road trip in November of this year. Starting out in Southern California and heading to the High Sierras if you know the area, roughly 350 miles each way... mostly mountain driving. I really want to take my 1999 Suburban because its been a while since she's been on a good trip like this. The burban about to roll over 200k and still runs like a dream. I must face the fact that the car is indeed getting older and there is some risk (there's a risk with any car you drive), but I have no doubts that she'll make up there with no problems. Its kind of hard to kill a 350. I just don't know if I want to force the heavy mountain driving on her.

Help me decide if I should take the old girl and let her run or not.

Thanks,
Cole L.
Torrance, CA

 

I would keep it simple, take the vehicle I have which is best suited for the trip. If the 'burb is your best expedition vehicle, then go for it. But I think "just because it's been a while" alone is a bad reason to take more risk. If you have a better vehicle, use it, and keep the 'burb for around town.

 

Not disagreeing with mountainmanjoe, but I say any vehicle regardless of age is good for a trip, but you have to check up on it. Their are even videos on Youtube on how to pre-trip a vehicle. Just thinking off the top of my head, I would check belts, hoses, fluids, brakes, and lights. It is also a judgement call on your part, what condition do you think your vehicle is in? Would you trust it to go across the country? What ever you choose, its your job to stay safe and have a good time, ahe?

 

In addition to the previously mentioned advice, I'd also suggest inspecting the spare tire for serviceability, bringing a small tool kit, jumper cable, extra fuses, and possibly some extra oil if your engine burns anything noticeable.

 

@Chris94 good advise!

 

If you feel it's reliable and has been well maintained I would be comfortable going. Consider:
1. Full tune up
2. Change all fluids/filters
3. Fresh tires
I have a 93 with 350k on it and I would be comfortable going on that trip if I did the above list 1st.
Curious how much oil use you have.

 

Not to stir the pot, but I would not say to go on a trip you need to do a full tune up, change all fluids and filters, and have new tires, BUT, what I will say is those are all things to check, like if you haven't done an oil change in 20,000 miles, I would have trust issues. I think what everyone is trying to say is, give 'er a good check-up before you go, and enjoy!