Contemplating a long trip with ls430. Realistic?

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Dec 25, 2019 | 10:57 AM

#16

Bocatrip

Thread Starter

Lead Lap

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 3,682

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Jabberwock

We did a 6,000 mile road trip 2 summers ago, 2,100 last summer, and just got back from a 1,300 trip last week. My car has 125k miles on it. 100% dependable. The LS430 is a fantastic very comfortable road trip car. We average about 25-27 mpg on long trips depending on terrain and traffic.

I do agree that flying these days is likely safer and can be less expensive with planning. The number of speeding aggressive driving loons on the road seems to be increasing every year so going forward we may start flying to most destinations.

I forgot to even consider the "crazy drivers" when making my decision not to drive. Thanks. That nails it down for sure as a strong no.

Dec 25, 2019 | 01:11 PM

#17

Jkallinen

Rookie

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 75

Likes: 4

From: WA

Moved from New Ulm,MN out to Spokane,WA in July. Had to take the bus back to MN to pick my 2002 LS430 with 148,000 on the clock.
The drive was fantastic. Even one stretch from Billings,MT to Missoula,MT it got 33 mpg. Was smoothest ride I have ever had and had to
keep the stereo cranked to keep from getting drowsy.

Dec 26, 2019 | 04:40 PM

#18

Margate330

Lexus Champion

Joined: Apr 2019

Posts: 11,226

Likes: 1,589

From: FL

Hi CL members,
I too worry about long trips and even though I bring extra of all fluids and some spare parts and enough tools to do a minor engine rebuild(I'm exagerating lol) with an older car I always worry about the unknown especially since it rained almost 700 miles without stopping on the last trip and in the middle of nowhere between exists where would I get a part if I needed it.

Car: 2004 Lexus RX330 150K miles

Dec 26, 2019 | 04:53 PM

#19

LS430FL

Instructor

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 1,078

Likes: 92

From: FL

I took both of my LS430's back and forth to Northern NJ and NYC twice a year. Stopped doing it when I got my 460 3 years ago. Never worried. It does not cost $1,000 in gas these cars actually get good highway mileage for their size and V8 engine. For most it's a 2 day trip with one stop at a hotel overnight. I even drove my 2001 LS430 from FL to CA when it was old and had 185K miles on it. No worries even in the 115+ California desert heat. Have AAA membership and enjoy the drive.

Dec 26, 2019 | 05:00 PM

#20

Romanova

Racer

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 1,975

Likes: 820

From: TX

I'd jump in my LS right now and drive any where in the country without hesitation. It is the best car for long trips... plenty of room and very comfortable and when the road is empty, you can really cruise at speed without fatigue.
Honestly, I would use any of my Lexus cars for a road trip. They are all well maintained and ready to go...

Dec 26, 2019 | 05:08 PM

#21

Margate330

Lexus Champion

Joined: Apr 2019

Posts: 11,226

Likes: 1,589

From: FL

Thanks for sharing ya'll I'm getting AAA that will work for me.
Some extra piece of mind if I need it.

Dec 26, 2019 | 05:20 PM

#22

Bocatrip

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Joined: May 2006

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Margate330

Thanks for sharing ya'll I'm getting AAA that will work for me.
Some extra piece of mind if I need it.

Roadside service is really a must for an older car. Who is willing to risk going out on the side of the road to change a tire these days???? Not me.

Dec 26, 2019 | 10:02 PM

#23

potaijee

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Feb 2019

Posts: 43

Likes: 6

From: MB

I bought my LS 2300km away from where I live. Checked it out with a mechanic, made sure fluids topped up, brakes are in good order, did an oil change. Then drove it for 22 hours back home, without a hitch. Was a little nervous beforehand since I had next to no time with the car, and also got a CAA (Canadian AAA) just in case. But never doubted it again over long distances. Averaged 28mpg all the way.