hi,
i'm flying out to cali next month to help my roomate drive his car back here to jersey for school. Just wondering if anyone of you guys out there who've done the cross country drive or long, long distance driving have any advice on prepping the car.
he's got a 2002 ES w/ navi.

 

get fresh fluids, tune up, and tire pressure

 

Agree with Nick, and don't forget to check your spare tire. Pack an xtra gallon of fresh water and a couple of rags too.

 

Make sure you have got a good jack and the right lug wrench. If he has aftermarket wheels make sure you have the lug key.

Radar Detector!!

Jonny

 

Yes definitely make sure the radiator has been flushed/filled recently with fresh fluid...proper 50/50 mixture. The last thing you need is for the ES' 1MZ-FE V6 to overheat going up a very little hill. An oil change should be done if it hasn't been done during it's normal maintenance interval. Also check the air filter, make sure it's clean...and not clogged w/bugs and dirt. Like everyone has mentioned, proper tire pressure is key and all the vital fluids are checked out and topped off if necessary. Good luck and have a safe trip.

 

How many miles does the car have?

 

 

i believe the car has about 12-15 k miles on it. so it's almost brand new. I'm sure he'll check the fluids and tires, but since the car is so new i'm not too worried about it.
I was wondering how big of a hit the exterior takes from such a grueling drive, or is it negligible?

 

You won't need to worry about the impact of the exterior, but you'll definitely encounter a lot of bugs on all the highway driving. I suggest putting at least 3 coats of wax on the front of the car (hood, bumper, headlights, fog lights, backs of the side mirrors, A-pillars). Keep a couple bottles of quick detail spray (Meguiar's, Eagle One, etc.) in the trunk, and plenty of 100% cotton cloths or old T-shirts for bug and spot cleaning. Plan about a couple minutes every time you pull over for gas or at a rest area and do a good cleaning on the front of the car. That way, the ES will still look attractive coming back to NJ