So I am debating whether or not to drive a total of 1500 miles round trip in my 2IS. My girlfriend and I have the option of flying out to Chicago from NJ or driving, and I want to take my Lexus. Has anyone driven long, long distance yet? And I wonder if it better off to fly... it would be about 500 dollars cheaper (no rental car). What does everyone think?

 

1,500 miles is quite a trip, a 800 mile roundtrip from San Francisco to Los Angeles is approx 12-16 hour drive depending on how many stops you take, so you are looking at a good day of driving. I'd personally fly because all that driving to and from will wear you out.

 

Did you buy or lease?

I'm not sure about your route, but if there are a lot of trucks, rocks bouncing up, etc then I'd fly. When I lease my IS350 the only long distance trips I'll be using it for is up PCH or the 101 to San Francisco (not the I-5) or the I-5 to San Diego, I won't be doing the I-15 run to Las Vegas in it unless it's off-peak days/hours. We just took my girlfriends G35 to Phoenix and while it was a great ride, there was a rock or something that hit the side mirror and the casing is chipped, and that wasn't fun to find.

 

I think it depends on your reason for going, your time frame, how much time you and your g/f want to spend in close quarters (might sound funny but it matters), how comfortable you are in your car, etc. If it's a leisurely kind of trip, stopping here and there just to see stuff along the way it could be a great way to go and I can tell you from driving from N.Y. to Arizona that it's a great way to see the country and get an appreciation for the grand nature of what we really have here in America. Plus part of the reason we drive cars is to get around, see things, interact, right? Stop at diners, truck stops, farmers markets, talk to people, find out what life is like where they live, it's an invaluable education. But if you're in a hurry and need to be in Chicago quick for whatever reason and get back home just as quick, well then it's an easy choice.

I live in AZ and make frequent runs to Cali, N.M. and Vegas, personally if it's less than 1500 miles round trip I'd just as soon drive as fly, especially now with all the hassles of flying, the waits, the lines, the mix-ups, the "Oh sorry we overbooked", the "Oh you look curious, please grab your ankles", it sucks to fly these days. Just my opinion.

 

I bought the car. I wouldnt consider this on a lease, I drive too much regularly!

This would be a leisurly trip. I am going to Chicago for my best friends wedding. I could fly and rent a car, but these seem more like just a way to get there then making it a fun trip. The IS250 is the most plush and comfy car I have ever owned/ridden in (my parents were poor), so I would not mind at all being in it for 12 hours. With 6 MP3 CDs and a girlfriend who I have already spent long periods of time with, its the way to go in terms of fun. I just wonder if it makes sense on the car and if anyone had good/bad expierences in the 2IS for a long trip. Some cars like my Grand AM were uncomfy for a 6 hr trip.

 

There's nothing to see along that route, I've been all thru there almost a dozen times. You're way better off flying. Like someone else has mentioned, the number of trucks on the road will make the trip dangerous and unpleasant.

 

Fly and save yourself 500 bucks. Sounds like a no brainer to me but that's just me I'm sure you would end up spending the cash some other way of the trip.

 

make a stop at buffalo (about 7hours from NJ)
have some wings, see the falls

go to London and enjoy the atmosphere
then detroit for the casino
or some NBA games

it's going to be a great trip either way

 

hehe, none of those places are along the way.

 

I say drive, enjoy your car.

The new Lexus IS is not a rare car so drive and enjoy it! I enjoy taking road trips.

 

I agree. Enjoy the car and drive out. I've taken mine to DC from Ohio and back twice now, it's a great experience.

This is coming from a commercial aircraft engineer as well, by the way.

 

Some people said flying is cheaper... from NJ to O'Hare best price i was quoted was $375 for two people... plus the expense of renting a car once we are in Chicago for 4 days is apx $350.... if we even stay one night on the road...with gas...I dont think it will total $725... and besides, I've flown a ton of times.... I have never road tripped Keep the opinions coming.

 

If chicago roads or traffic isn't like ny city then i'd drive. Road trip is always fun when you are taking it with your girl and look at the sceneries.

 

You never road tripped before so take your new IS250 and go for it!

Report back on how everything went, your mpg, etc.

 

I'm kinda torn on this one. If there's nothing to see along the way, then it could potentially be a sucky road trip. But then again, if you're driving a 2IS, how could it be??

I say if you you're really not in any hurry to get anywhere anytime soon, go for the road trip.

I'll be driving my IS down to Key West on Memorial Day weekend !! and I just can't wait!!!