I just got back from Mississippi this weekend. 2nd trip I've taken with my IS, its about 6 or 7 hour drive from houston. I was worried about trucks and rock chips, I only have 2 small chips but nothing major. The way I handle trucks on the road, is to never drive behind them. As soon as you come up on a truck, drive past as fast as possible. If you sit behind truck, which you are not suppose to do anyway, you are asking for a rock to hit your car. I would advise getting a bra (clear or regular). Colonga just came out with a bra for the IS. I will be buying one just for this trip the next time I go back. If its cheaper to drive, do it. Also it would be nice to show off your new lexus to your friends at the wedding.

 

2fiddy has hit on yet another good reason to drive, the DAMN!! factor. How much better will it feel pulling up to the wedding in your new IS rather than a rental? You'll be grinning all the way home remembering the comments from friends and family. It's just a good thing your car isn't white or you might outshine the bride!

 

Yeah I do like the showing it off factor hehe. I have never recieved so many compliments from driving a car... it seems like the way to go.

Just hope I wont need my Lexus Roadside...haha...

For the people that did do the trips what speed did you average and your mpg???

 

I was talking about strictly FLIGHT time. From the time the plane takes off to when it lands. Flight time from Orange County to San Jose is roughly 1 hour and 15 mins.

 

I averaged about 83MPH on my first tank and 77MPH on the second tank. Second tank was less miles on the tank despite lower average MPH due to about 20 minutes of city driving.

 

When I drove the new IS home it was FLIGHT time! I was flying after the 1st 500 miles! Cruised at 90-95 in those dead places in the panhandle of Texas.

 

I can't say what my mileage has been, I just figure whatever it is, it is, but it wouldn't equate anyway cuz I drive a GS400, you'll certainly do better than I ever did on mileage. As for mph I usually set the cruise at 90 on the interstates since most places get more serious about speeding when you exceed the limit by more than 15 mph. Of course you'll find a few empty stretches where you can open it up and see what your car can do, and as for maybe needing roadside service I figure better that than needing AIRside service!

 

Considering gas prices is always a reason to think twice about a drive

BUT just say I averaged 375 mi per tank, so an 800 mile trip would be slightly over two tanks per way, so about 5 tanks for the trip. So since 1 tank runs me about 40 bucks... 5 tanks would be roughly 200 bucks. If we do stop twice for a 90 dollar room (and thats IF), thats 180 + 200 = 380!. 380 doesnt even hit the airfare of 400 and the rental car at 300 im still saving...

I think the driving choice is becoming much more clear.... Thanks to all your opinions!

(And btw, dont think im cheap. I'm not at all, but I dont want to have to splurge 1000+ at once to book all these things. Id rather stagger it and/or spend it ON the trip on the way!)

 

My DW and I drove 3000 mi 5 days after we bought the car. We bought our car in Van Nuys, CA while we were on Vacation, and drove it back to NY. It was a Great ride, and fun.

 

Thats crazy you bought a car on vacation? What made you do that?

Thats a far drive from Ca to NY.

 

I drove 1200 in 3 day and the car is fine.

 

Btw Mike if you do decide to drive please post after and let us know how it was. Thanks.

 

Well, I did come to a descion and I am driving the trip. I leave on Jul 27th and come back on the 31st... it will be a blast! Thanks for all your opinions. I'm excited Im saving some money AND getting to enjoy my new ride. Thanks again!! I will post on how the trip was.