cis.ch, a reader from Switzerland writes:
This sounds like the right place to get some feedback on a crazy idea I’ve been toying with for some years. You could call it the Coast-to-Coast Classic (CCC).
As some of you may have seen form my posts, I am based in Europe, Switzerland to be precise. However, my wife and I have quite a few friends and relatives in various places in the US, notably Oregon, Los Angeles, Arizona, Texas (DFW area) and NYC and have long-standing plans to visit them all. Also, we’d like to take our kids (currently aged 5 and 6) along and stop in Orlando and other kid-friendly places along the way.
Now to the CCC part of this pipe dream. Any sane person would probably tell me to fly and rent cars locally but I have a different idea: I’d like to buy a nice, solid CC on the West Coast and drive it all the way to NYC (possibly even up to Maine) on as many scenic routes as possible and, before returning home, leave my now CCC in the hands of an East Coast enthusiast.
Must-haves of the prospective CCC: Good reliability and low-cost fixability even in remote areas, seating for four in comfort for long-distance traveling, AC or the equivalent in fresh air, sufficient trunk space, good visibility from all seats, purchase price of max. $6000, distinctive/popular enough to be re-sold easily and quickly on the East Coast.
Nice to have: Memorable driving experience, V8 grunt or equivalent, decent full economy, rear seat belts.
What’s the collective wisdom on this? Which car should I choose? is it doable at all? Can I get a car registered and insured in my name as a foreign resident?
Great topic to get this feature started. Ok we’ll get this out of the way at the top Panther, Panther, Panther. Now that that’s over. If you do this right you can possibly eliminate or at least greatly reduce your cost vs renting a car and the intermediate flights.
Many years ago a friend of mine who had moved to Australia and found himself married. So a trip to the US to see family and friends was in order. The difference here is that his parents still lived in the US, but they had retired to Arizona. His dad found a nice low mile 80’s Olds Ninety Eight. He, his wife and a couple of friends used it for over a month to travel the western US. Before leaving his dad had a mechanic to a complete inspection and servicing and drove it around for a couple of weeks. I’m not sure how it turned out cost wise as I know his dad liked the car and wasn’t in a rush to sell it. He fell in love with driving a proper American car so much that he ended up picking up himself up an 1st gen Aero Town Car within a year.
The Aero Panther is really a excellent choice in this case. It is the last car produced that can trace its heritige directly back to the era of many of the cars we admire here. Despite what others may say it is not the wallowing ill handling beast of yore. Especially when equipped with the HPP package a Panther loves to get out on the open road and run at extra legal speeds for hours on end. Back in the day of the R&P (reasonable & prudent) speed laws in Montana I took a couple of different Panthers across it cruising at 95 MPH most of the time, in up to 100 degree (Fahrenheit) weather while averaging 26.5 MPG (us gallon). So you can get modern items like FI, OD, ABS, Traction Control, Air Bags, Child safety rear door locks for a safety, with reasonable MPG, while experiencing some of the Curbside Classic flavor.
Now if you really need to feel something a little older, the two Boxes either a B or a Panther would be my next choice. More of the Curbside Classic float but still available with FI and OD in the later years for best driveablity and MPG. Parts for the B’s and Panthers are available everywhere in the US as is someone familiar with working on them. You’ll be giving up some of the modern safety items though.
Now if none of the Neo Curbside Classics will do and you want a True Curbside Classic I’d have to suggest most late 60s GM A and B bodies. The plus with the GM is the parts availability particularly with the Chevy models and the ease of selling it when you are done, also a little better with the Chevy models. As I’ve documented here, before my taste runs to the Buick,s and I’d take a 69 LeSabre with the 350. MPG will run around 15 and be similar with any of the “350/350” power trains offered in Chev, Pontiac, Olds and Buicks of the era and not really vary much between the intermediates and full size. You really want to get one late enough that it has the turbo 350 or turbo 400 trans. Again because of availability of used units and guys that have the parts on the shelf and can have it torn down while the case is still hot.
AZ is not a bad place to pick one up as there are many snow birds that live there only a few months a year yet keep a car there in addition to the one(s) in their home state. So there is a relatively good supply of low mile traditional large cars giving you better selection and likely a better price. One caveat with buying a car in AZ the extreme summer heat and does a number on the paint and rubber components. So you will want to pay attention to those items, possibly have them replaced, and you may want to get a new set of tires as the existing ones though they may have lots of tread could be dry rotted.
I’d start by cruising www.Craigslist.com for the cities where you may start and stop your trip and/or have friends and relatives. Get a feel for the asking prices of vehicles you’d consider in the different locale’s. Also pay attention to see if those ads are deleted after a few days or the same ones keep getting re-posted. Prices and demand can vary significantly across the US so if you play your cars right you may be able to pick up a west coast, rust free, cream puff, that you can roll into rustyville NY and find buyers willing to pay a premium.
So I’ve thrown out four platforms, but within them there are so many choices. So readers, which model of the mentioned would you choose to tour the US in, or what would be your choice for a car meeting the aforementioned requirements?
Be sure to send those questions you may have to CurbsideClueless@Gmail.com
If not panther, I’d suggest a Buick Roadmaster wagon… with the LT1 engine.
Ahhh, a Roadmaster with an LT1; the perfect car for a granny with an attitude.
1968 Malibu, Easily available, cheap to purchase, lots of room (I once slept in one for about 2 months between home cities) and a load of fun to drive. It may not be as flashy as the other choices, but that in and of itself is one of the reasons that you can reliably find them for $5-7000.
You’d be joining a large number of other folks who have done this over the decades, and it certainly would be a much more in-depth and memorable way of seeing the states.
A couple of things: Buying and registering a car in the US is generally a very simple thing indeed, and no proof of residency is required, unless some of the very latest anti-illegal document state laws are an issue (maybe in AZ?). Insurance: I know many others have done this, so it can’t be that hard, I assume. Insurance regulations are controlled by states, so that might affect aspects. Maybe someone else can chime in with m ore info.
Eric has given some excellent advice. You didn’t give any indication of what age range CC you’re interested in. Obviously, there’s a big difference between a ’69 Buick and a 2000 Panther, in every respect. Do you need reliable air conditioning? How willing are you to deal with unexpected issues?
If you could narrow down a bit of what your target vehicle age range is, it might be a bit easier to for the commentators to make more specific recommendations.
As someone who’s been living out of a suitcase for four years – I was being moved great distances on short notice, with no family – I can say there ARE difficulties. To list:\
Titling and registering a car as a foreign national is no problem. However, depending on the state, a mailing address MAY be required. Michigan and Texas mail titles to the owner’s home. New York mails registration cards the same way. Ohio and Wisconsin will give titles over the counter.
ALL states require auto liability insurance. And to get liability insurance, a person needs to have a driver’s license in the state in which one is buying the insurance. In some states, proof of insurance is required before registration is issued. How that would work with a Swiss driver’s license is something I cannot answer. Perhaps an insurance agent here?
A better answer all around, might be for an American friend to “buy” the car for you – put the car in their name. Of course you can pay all costs; and even if the friends are from an East Coast state they could easily buy and even register a car on the West Coast. But they HAVE an American driver’s license and can buy insurance for the car with it.
Have fun.
I’d say go big or go home: that’s right, you need a ’94-96 Cadillac Fleetwood. Still easy enough to find, has all the requirements met, easy to sell…
I know you’d rather purchase something. But, I would consider requesting a large full-size car, Vickys and Grand Marquis are still available from Avis and Enterprise. You can reserve ahead of time and specifically request the vehicle you want for when you arrive. They’ll get it transported. Monthly rental rates are often cheaper than daily/weekly even if it’s a one-way (arrive to US in the east, depart in the west). You’ve got the ride you want, no ownership/insurance worries, gas and go. No need to purchase and sell from afar.
I would be hesitant when there are so many strings attached and more ways to be exposed (financially). You want to have fond memories of the trip and the ride…not being broken down in the desert with no phone service and people looking at you funny because you have an accent.
I’d agree with this suggestion. What you (the OP) want is the driving experience, not the ownership experience. One-way rentals are more expensive than locals, but not prohibitively so (my wife and I drove from LA to Nashville this way once). I also agree with the poster who suggested you consider the distances involved–book lodging such that you won’t need to push yourself too hard on any one day. Nothing will give you an appreciation of the American landscape like a cross-country trip (I think at least one coast-to-coast drive should be an obligation of every American, and I’m glad that you as a European are attempting it), but all-out coast-to-coast dashes are for college students, not mature adults who actually want to see something.
Or, you could watch something like this:
I’ll second the ’94-96 Cadillac Fleetwood. Nothing says AMERICA like a giant Cadillac, but they are new enough to be reliable and fuel efficient. Many low mileage garage-kept examples are available as the original owners are dying off.
That said, the bigger issue is the distances involved. Few Europeans have a grasp on just how big the USA is. On a map Phoenix, Arizona looks like it’s right by Los Angeles, but it’s easily a five or six hour drive. Phoenix to Dallas is roughly the same distance as Berlin to Moscow. It’s two full days of nothing but driving. Dallas to New York is even further than that. Yes it’ll be an amazing trip, but plan and budget accordingly. Also I doubt a 5 and 6 year old will have the attention span for a two day road trip without extreme whining.
I have seen several European friends come here with similar epic road trip ideas only to be defeated by the vast distances involved. It’s a big country out there in a way that Europeans can’t easily grasp.
I agree with SailorHarry; for a coast-to-coast road trip, I’d rather have an RV. The old GMC Motorhomes used automotive components (the 455 with Olds Toronado drivetrain) and can still be found for pretty cheap. Gas mileage will probably be only a little worse than a Fleetwood.
Re: Fleetwood gas mileage, not hardly. The LT1 equipped 1994-1996 can easily get over 22mpg on the highway, 25mpg with non-ethanol contaminated fuel. We’re not calling about an old carburated land yacht.
But yes an RV would be something to consider especially with the small children. You would have a hard time staying under $6000 to get a reliable one though.
The RV is a great idea, but only if you rent. Buying a used RV for a trip you want to make right away is almost always a mistake. Most RV owners will actually use them two weeks per year, which means they will look great but a bazillion little things go wrong when you hit the road. Brakes, tires, electrics, seals, and rubber parts all do poorly with extended periods of sitting.
In all seriousness, I would look for a good Panther, low mileage, one owner if possible and for sure NOT A COP CAR, which have the bark beat off of them. Looking at the LA Craigslist there are loads of them:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/2699380130.html
For $3700 a screaming deal.
That looks like a strong contender and at that price it leaves some money over to change all the fluids, belt, battery tires if they haven’t been recently and still stay under budget. The added expense of that maintenance most likely wouldn’t be recovered in a same market sale but IHMO would go a ways to buying piece of mind and it will likely make for a faster sale if all that was done just 5-6,000 mi ago and there were receipts to prove it.
I’m pretty sure you can rent motorhomes.
It costs more than renting a car and staying in 5-Star hotels.
I’m inclined to believe it!
Would you consider doing the trip the opposite direction? (New York to LA?) You could stop in Gallup, NM (only 650 miles from LA) and we could head to LA together, (how bout I buy the gas the last 650 miles?) When it’s all said and done, I’ll take the car off your hands.
Sound like a plan? Did I mention my ancestors are Swiss? (www.fruchey.com) I could proably wrangle you a night in my parents guest bedroom in Ohio, if you play your cards right. I’ll just tell ’em you’re long lost relatives from the old country.
Educatordan, you are a Panther love agent? WE thought the GM B Body ruled in your roost.
The challenge will not be purchasing the car and registering it. The challenge will be liability insurance.
Well is it a big sedan? I’m interested.
V8 and RWD? I’m more interested.
Big sedan that handles well? Hmmmmmmm then I’m cool with V6 FWD. (See my H-body love fest.)
Just wait till I submit a CCC
Thanks, but you would have to come with us all the way to Oregon! Do you really feel like spending two weeks sandwiched between a 5 and a 6 year old watching Disney flicks? Thanks also for inviting me to your parents’ place but our East Coast route would probably be through the South rather than the Midwest. I would definitely want to stop in Washington DC and Orlando.
Ignore all the advice above.
Kids + lots of luggage = Minivan.
It won’t be stylish, but it will be more comfortable than any other kind of vehicle and it will be easier to load & unload. Better visibility and pretty decent gas mileage as a bonus. It will also be easy to sell.
Get out of here with all that boring practicality and actual concern for the man’s sanity and comfort! He wants to experience automotive Americana and suffer along with the rest of us!
I just know that if I were going to spend several weeks in a car, getting in and out of that car, and dragging luggage in and out of that car, I’d want the spaciousness, high step-in and ease of loading & unloading of a minivan.
To get the true American driving experience, skip the Toyotas and Hondas and buy a Chrysler or Dodge. They offer every imaginable creature comfort. Parts availability won’t be an issue, even in the smallest town. According to Consumer Reports, an ’08 or newer model should reasonably reliable. One of that vintage should set you back $15,000 or less, depending on mileage and options (their terrible resale value working in your favor). And you’ll have no trouble selling it in any part of the country.
Resist the temptation of buying an old ChryCo minivan, especially one with the self-labotomizing 4-speed automatic, unless you plan to bring a personal mechanic.
Agreed. Minivan is the way to go, if only because the view is so much better. But you can still do it the CC way if you go for a Chevy Astrovan! Or that other oddball (oddwedge?) the Ford Aerostar.
I do love the idea of a 94-96 Cadillac Fleetwood, but if your kids are small, a Buick Roadmaster or Chevy Caprice should also do the trick for less money. In particular, the Caprice has fewer gadgets to fix.
What about a Chrysler LH car? It’s been ages since I’ve been in one, so I can’t recall if they have a decent view. And I know that some engines are disastrous, but maybe there’s a safe choice?
There are definite advantages to the minivan and weekly and monthly rates are usually less. If going the renting route Instead of a minivan you might consider a Ford Flex, the closest thing to a traditional American station wagon on the market today. Or maybe rent a couple of different types of cars and fly the longer distances. A Panther for a week, Flex for another, and then an Escalde/Tahoe, and top it all off with a Chrysler 300 or F150 Super Crew.
If the reader is looking for genuine CC material, I would also suggest the 1977-79 full-sized Lincoln Town Cars. These have a high percentage of survivors as the last of the really, really big ones. Also, a nice rust-free western example should be an easy resale on the east coast. The fuel mileage isn’t so great, but the mechanicals are largely familar to anyone who works around Ford trucks. If you find a nice one, this would be a great cross-country cruiser.
There are a surprising number of these Lincoln barges around. I almost bought a 1976 with a 460 last year and only decided against it because I didn’t have a place to moor it. Beautiful car, black and I loved the little power vent windows!
My experience is the Lincoln has is overall a much higher quality vehicle than a Caddy of similar vintage. The interior materials of the Caddy just don’t stand up. Plastics fade and flake, things come unglued and then there is that Gawd-awful GM climate control that, no matter how much money you spend, never works!
I am still laughing at the idea of anyone wanting to take 2 kids (age 5 and 6) driving across country… not sure he realizes just how HUGE the US is! After 10 hours dodging semis on our country’s terrible roads and you barely get across 2 states… kids crying, fighting, bored, crabby, etc. Gas alone practically costs what plane tickets would cost, you STILL need hotel rooms, restaurants, laundry facilities, etc. I recently drove the eastern seaboard with just one kid and my wife, and by the end we were all ready to kill each other. Maybe traffic out west isnt as bad, I dont know, I have never gone farther than Texas, but our interstates are severely overcrowded and undermaintained. The only “possibly” fun way to do it would be to travel secondary roads, and stop every 4 hrs or so. If he can take a couple months to do it, and can afford that many nights in hotels and meals at restaurants, then MAYBE it will be do-able. But I really doubt this will be the fun, romanticized road trip he is dreaming of.
But hey, I am old and bitter after years of parenting has worn me down. He has only been in the game for 6 yrs, maybe he still has some patience left, along with a ton of cash on hand! I hear Europeans like to road trip even more than Americans, so maybe he will love it. In that case, I have 3 recommendations:
1. If you are going to buy a car, buy a Panther, definitely. There are tons of them available here in Florida, land of retireees, they are cheap, reliable, and they drive awesome for road trips. $6k will buy you a hell of a nice Grand Marquis or Crown Vic, you can even find the rare and lustworthy HPP models. You can most likely sell it for whatever you paid for it after 10-15k more miles are on it. Yes, a minivan with a TV in it will be loads more comfortable. But then all your kids will see is the same TV shows and movies they see at home. If you want to see the country, then drive short distances and stop often, keeping them busy.
2. See my above comments about hotel rooms and restaurants? This is why motorhomes cost so much to rent compared to cars… its not just a rental car, its also a hotel room and kitchen, not to mention a bathroom and entertainment center. When you compare the total trip costs of getting a motor home, cooking your own food, not needing a hotel… then it might not be too bad of a price. And you might not want to kill each other halfway through your Tour of America. 🙂
3. Why buy? Right now you can rent a minivan in Florida for $120 a week, unlimited miles and no geographical restrictions. Fly to Orlando, visit Mickey, pick up your van and circle the US, just come back to Orlando to fly home so you dont pay some crazy drop fee.
Out west you set the cruise on 80 and relax. You have to dodge the occasional roadkill and slow the cruise to 5 over near a town. Occasionally, you’ll get a truck passing another truck at 2 mph (depending on incline) and you have to be patient.
I do wish we had a large sedan as well as the Outback, the Acura is fine but on the small side of midsize. The Outback is great around town and in the mountains but due to it’s narrow body, high-revving boxer, and manual trans it just isn’t a great cruiser. I need an Outback and a Town Car…
We have a 9 month old and 5 year old. Give the 5 year old my iPhone with games and movies, much more relaxing for the driver and passenger. I loved roadtrips when I grew up in LA/TX/OK, but I would hate it out west. Closest city to Boise is Salt Lake at 360 miles!
Ahhh, but the SPACE and the V-EIGHTs. Europe has neither space nor V-8s. Gasoline and road taxes are simply too high.
Any European is going to want the V-8 Sled Experience. We have all had it, so we should all know how important it is. And who the hell needs a minivan with two little kids? I put three in the back of my Acura and they whine, I threaten them with expulsion.
Listen to this guy. The real question here isn’t what vehicle to get but whether an epic road trip with two small children is even viable. My earlier time estimates, such as two days from Phoenix to Dallas, were for driving straight thru as quickly as possible. If you actually want to enjoy the trip by taking back roads and stoping every couple hours at interesting places it could easily take two or three times as long.
Here’s my advice. Plan the trip to start at the West Coast. Fly in to Portland, rent a Grand Marquis, visit your people in Oregon. Give yourself four days to drive down to LA. Highway 1 down the California coast is easily among the most beautiful roads in the world. This will be as good as it gets, virtually non stop scenery and places to stop. See how it goes. If by the time you get to LA your kids haven’t driven you insane and your wife is still talking to you you can think about the next leg. Or you can drop off the car and fly. Or your wife and kids can fly ahead and you can drive to meet them. But leave this open and don’t be disappointed if you can’t drive every mile of the country. It’s not a holiday if you don’t enjoy it.
Many thanks. This sounds like the reasonable thing to do and quite possibly, that’s exactly what we’ll end up doing. We would definitely stop every couple of hours. Anything else would be death by a thousand whines.
renting an rv is the way many people do this kind of a trip. the monthly cfull size car rental idea is also a good one but if you are going to buy, definitely get a panther. it’s the only thing manufactured in the last ten years that is a proper yank tank. don’t get a minivan. they are b-o-r-i-n-g. don’t get anything over 15 years old or 120k miles unless it has been immaculately maintained. it could ruin your marriage. if you can start in arizona, you will be amazed at all the old american iron available there because nothing rusts. it’s better, if you can have a decent mechanic go over the car first. buying a used car is stricktly caveat emptor in america. as to the kids, portable dvd or ipad is definitely required for long hauls. you probably already have that sussed, but if not, you can buy dvd players here for $50 – $100 on sale and run them off the cigarette lighter. the used car lots on the east coast will take the car off your hands for cash but they will only pay pennies on the dollar.
The DVD player from the lighter is a good idea, especially with the abundance of lighters in the older iron, you can run up to 4 different things from the lighters in an older Cadillac, or 3 things and still have one left to use as an actual lighter!
Radar detector (V1 if you can afford it). Love to take a huge land yacht up to 90mph set the cruize.
“Flying by Winnemucca, doing about 95…
Automatic cruise control… It’s good to be alive…” – Southern Pacific – Reno Bound
I was toting my pack along the dusty Winnemuca road…
My cousin (a retired Lufthansa navigator) bought a car when he came to the US with his wife on their honeymoon. It’s definitely doable. He bought an AMC Hornet and took it all over the country. This was in the mid-70’s. He thought that cars like my father’s 74 Mercury Montego and my brother’s 71 Dodge Charger were too big and floaty, which they probably were for someone used to 70’s era Benzes and Audis on a daily basis. I don’t remember what he did for insurance, and he’s not responding to my emails. Of course, it is 3:30 AM over there right now…
I would be one of those folks who would rent a minivan as someone else further up suggested. Or again, like someone else mentioned, rent several different cars for different legs of the trip if possible. One thing I will agree, having been on both continents, the US is freakin’ HUGE! On the maps, the cities may look relatively close, but if you figure about 600 KM average for your times behind the wheel, get something you will be comfortable in.
Viel Spass!
There’s only one car for this job: a 1970 Mercury Marauder X-100 with the 429.
OK – a little late to the conversation.
But…
Isn’t there ANOTHER traditional American road-trip ‘mobile…
Something with… “history”?
All the mechanicals of the legendary “B-Bodies” or “Panthers” in a recent vintage…
I’m talkin’ CONVERSION VANS!
Hells yeah!
Ford E-series (Econoline) or GM’s Express/Savana.
Can even sleep in the back!
If that van’s a rocking… it’s some Swiss a alphornin’…
Don’t forget to add a bubble window!
Gute Farht!
I am liking this angle. As a longtime owner of a 90s Ford Club Wagon van, these are supremely comfy for travel. Conversion vans remained popular among the over-50 set for several years after they fell out of favor with the general public, so there should be some nice ones out there.
Conversion vans are highly individual things, some are nicer than others. The alternative is the factory-equipped Ford Chateau Club Wagon that has factory captains chairs in the first two rows and all that.
You must be careful with these. The square style came out in 1975 and ran through 1991. Do not go with smaller than the 351 engine. There were a lot of 80s versions with a 302 and a tall axle (and an AOD transmission), and these will be miserable for going through mountains. My 94 that had a 351 and a 3:55 axle never got better than 16 mpg on the road, but mountainous driving never gave it a problem. Very rarely would it feel the need to kick down out of OD. A Chateau Club Wagon would also be an easier resale on the east coast. These are bought by churches, tradesmen, big families, etc that will often avoid the conversion vans.
If you go with a 75-91, make sure that the switch that controls the dual gas tanks is working. This was troublesome and was why the 92-current models went with a bigger single tank. IMHO the 92-96 models are the best combo of drivability and trim quality. They were cheapened a lot starting in 97.
Or, old-skool like this!
(Parts are everywhere for this kind of old iron, by the way!)
Not like this, though, unless you would like to get to know local law enforcement… down by the river. American van culture is subtle!
There are endless great vehicles for this plan. Personally I’d like to recreate either Peter Egan’s cross country Model A Ford adventure or Robert Pirsig’s Honda 360 Hawk adventure in ZAMM.
Logistics wise, if you can find suitable victims (or helpers, or whatever you want to call them) you could:
Have person A on West Coast assist with buying the vehicle and use of mailing address to obtain insurance.
Person B assists with storing & selling vehicle on East Coast perhaps for a cut of the sale.
This would keep most of the risk with the traveller, and avoid B having to commit to purchase a vehicle sight unseen.
*Edit* I forgot to mention, from some of the comments above don’t forget that typical Europeans have vastly more vacation days than Americans so having enough time to cross the continent may well not be an issue.
Well, glad you mention that. If such victims/helpers can be found, that would indeed go a long way towards making this crazy idea come true. As mentioned, we have friends in Oregon (Portland) and NYC, but only the latter is a gearhead.
You know I’d be more than happy to help you in Oregon!
Paul makes a good point. On the IH forum I frequent it is not unusual for people to announce their road trip, it’s dates, and route. Then gather the phone numbers of the fellow enthusiasts through the PM system. More than a couple of times members have met the first time that way. Either just meeting for lunch along the way, or the limp or tow into someones driveway, be put up for the night, and provided with assistance, parts ect to get back on the road. Now that is us IH guys who are cheapest SOBs you’ll meet but they would rather see a fellow addict get down the road than squezee some money out of him knowing full well he is just as cheap as you.
The bigger point is that you’ve already got a couple people willing to assist you here. If you pick a car with a following you could have lots of instant friends across the US who can help you along the way. Heck post the plan ect on the biggest and friendliest Make/Model forum. Then post at stops along the way, share a picture or 2 and you may find your future owner. As I mentioned before East coast people pay good money for west coast popular classic cars and shipping them. So it wouldn’t be surprising to find someone willing to pickup the car at your destination and pay a fair price.
Wow, what an overwhelming response. Thanks to all for the valuable input. I guess a few precisions are in order:
1) I am no stranger to US long distance driving. I stayed in Alabama for 10 weeks in the mid 90s and spent my weekends exploring the neighboring states (GA, FL, TN, MS, LA). Being an exchange student at the University of Alabama, I even had a then brand new Caprice Classic (non LT1) as a loaner, with free fuel and state tags no less. However, we couldn’t take this beast out of state, so we rented cars for our week-end trips. Best experience: A Bonneville 3800. Worst: a Ford Escort.
2) I love V8s. I drove an old BMW 540 Touring (E34) for a couple of years and it was a blast. I also enjoyed my loaner Caprice a lot.
3) I am no fan of RVs but this is linked to conditions in Europe. Basically, over here you can find decent hotels just about everywhere and you get to know the people, the local food, etc. Maybe you guys can convince me that in the US, it is worth considering an RV. However, I am not planning to spend much time away from civilization with two small kids.
4) I am not a fan of minivans either. I like driving! FWIW, I’ve done 600 miles + trips in my avatar, a roaring and snarling ’72 BMW coupe. Of course it’s a stick shift. And: my kids love it!
5) I am quite aware of the limitations on long-distance driving with young kids and have a dual screen DVD player mounted on the front headrests each time we travel (not in the coupe though) plus an iPhone with games. Obviously, the kids’ patience is going to be the limiting factor for this type of trip. Speaking of which: I wouldn’t mind waiting 2 or 3 years before doing the trip.
6) The answer to Paul’s question is I don’t know. My crazy self says go for the full Monty and buy a 60s sled. When reason kicks in, it’s back to flying and renting. Can you give me an idea of the odds of finding a truly reliable 60s car in my budget range?
7) Buying an Aero Panther sounds like a sensible option but is it worth it if I can rent a Grand Marquis or Town Car which is essentially the same car?
8) The longest we can afford to spend on this trip in one go is probably 4-5 weeks, 3-4 weeks would be ideal. Would it be a better idea to do it in two installments, West coast to TX one year? and TX to East Coast the next?
1. The west coast and mid west are different than “the south”. As mentioned out here in the west it can be many miles between outposts of civilization.
2. Cant deny the love of 8 cylinders arraigned in a V.
3. To me a RV doesn’t make sense for most of what you have planned. Hotels and Motels aren’t scarce in the US though in peak tourist seasons in high tourist areas they can get expensive and they may need to be booked well in advance. But in a lot of areas when we take longer road trips the intermediate stops just fall where they may and we find what we find for lodging w/o problem. Sure they aren’t always fancy places but when you are covering ground, roll in late and roll out early, as long as it’s clean I don’t need a pool, weight room ect.
4. You can’t deny a minivan is a good family hauler but they just don’t make any that are fun to drive. Which is why I suggested a Flex most of the room of a minivan but with a sedan feel. Still if you are doing a lot of stops, loading the kids in and out a couple of dozen times in a day, makes those sliding doors and higher roof nice.
5. Only you can know how your kids will handle it. In many ways the car can be much better than a plane. If they are totally freaking out you can find some place to stop and make them run 100 laps around the car to wear them out a bit, or stop and pickup a new movie/video game. I’ve never done a trip that long with my kids, the longest being ~3K miles. However they started taking 2K ish road trips with us from pretty much day one.
6. Only you can answer where you want to fall in the crazy vs conservative scale. The odds of finding a 60’s car in your price range that you can feel 100% confident in its ability to take a 5K, 6K, or more trip are pretty low if you just show up and buy it. Getting a US based friend that has a clue about cars and is willing to do a little shake down run, and make sure it is fully serviced and inspected would make it at least 50-50 if not higher. Here are a couple of canidates from my local Craigslist found by searching 1969. http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/2742283799.html http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/ctd/2691738265.html That would keep you in your price range even after you’ve had it serviced, and had to do some repairs. The Buick lacks AC and the wagon they don’t tell you anything.
7. The Aero Panther would definitely be the easy option, new enough that you can get one that is ready to go quickly and easily. However since you can still rent them and should be able to for at least a little while longer that would be easier. However who said that easy way was the fun way, and don’t you go on vacation to have fun and do things you don’t get to do in your every day go to work routine.
Doing it in 2 installments is not a bad idea. Particularly if you have a friend that could and would be willing to store it for the year until you get back, and take it for a drive once a month or so.
Keep in mind that people who live in the US rust belt regularly pay top dollar for older “West Coast” “California” and “Aridzona” cars on E-bay, sight unseen, and then pay hundreds of dollars to have it shipped to them. So moving that 60’s ride cross country certainly has some value.
Thanks a lot, Eric.
You may have seen that Paul himself offered to help. Who knows, maybe I could get the official Curbside Classic seal of approval on my purchase!
I’ll freely confess that the idea of being able to sell a rust-free old car on the East Coast and recoup my full purchase price was one of the reasons that got me thinking about a CCC in the first place.
One more practical question: In Switzerland, for a relatively modest fee, you can purchase roadside assistance (including repatriation of your car if it breaks down or is involved in an accident) valid all over Europe. What’s the AAA coverage like and how well does it work for old cars?
Last but not least: it’s official. We are not going to embark on our great road trip just yet. My wife wants the kids to be a bit older.
Just found this at a forum I frequent.
“I live in massachusetts, the heart of the rust belt. Everything I have seen here is to far gone / parts trucks. looking for a restorable body and solid frame. Where in the country are these things plentyfull and not totally rotted I’m guessing some where in the mid west??”
There are a number of auto club/roadside assistance options. AAA is likely the best known and runs from just over $50 to $125 per year depending on level of service. They’ll tow you from 5 to 200 miles for free, again depending on which package you purchase. Jump start, lock out, tire change, enough gas to get you to the next station are usually included in all levels. The membership card will also get you discounts at hotels/motels and other places too. There are family plans too so if a relative that lives here has a plan they can add you for a year at a lower rate. It also covers the member not the car so it’s valid even if you are in a rented/borrowed car or even just a passenger.
You’ve identified the two big questions. The drive from Oregon to LA along the coast, or through the mountains is of course superb, and one I’m intimately familiar with. I’d be glad to give you more detailed info on that via e-mail. And That can be done in anywhere from 4-5 days to a lifetime. Just depends how much you want to stop and take in.
The sixties car: that is the big question. It ultimately come down to how much of an adventure you want to have. If that’s important, I never discourage folks from following their dreams.
As I said before, air conditioning is going to be a key issue, if you’re coming in the summer. It’s not as problem if you stick to the coast on the west, but as soon as you go inland even a bit, it will be very hot. Never mind the trip to Texas. Of course folks used to do it in the old days, but…
Most of you seem to be sissies!! There are Road Trip Families who regularly load up the kids and hit the road — without DVDs. After a few hours everyone’s in “the zone” and you enjoy the truck stops, the odd museums, the food, ice cream, and motels always with swimming pools. My and my 5 kids have been everywhere, west and east.
Motorhomes are a pain. They are HUGE to maneuver some times (though they rent you ones with short-ish wheelbases) and a couple of $150 gas fills (pretty frequently, I might add) will chill the thrill. Are you parking in Walmart parking lots? Checking in at KOA (hardly worth it…might as well stay in a motel)? Dealing with the sewage tank…all such fun.
Am currently planing a drive from Chicago to Seattle to visit a daughter and grand-daughter…in January, in a Honda Fit (which has been coast to coast and then some already).
It’s all good, I’m telling you. And no TSA agents to worry about.
I am with you friend.
Sounds like a heck of a trip. Since you know how well your kids handle traveling, I’m sure you’ve taken their abilities into your idea. If you’ve got a few years to plan, try some road forums roadtripamerica.com roadsideattractions.com tripadvisor.com americanroadmagazine.com there are literally hundreds. Just search google for ‘road trips’ ‘road travel forums’ etc. You can join and start posting your plans and route, and you’ll no doubt make lots of connections that will come in handy during your trip, be it roadside help, little known local attractions, best places to eat and stay and on and on. Once you narrow down your car selection, join the forums for your car, and again, you’ll have a lot of new friends, and invaluable help should you need it on the road, from after hours parts sources to a helping hand if you’re looking for wrench at 3am in the middle of nowhere. For a car…. a V8 late 60s early 70s Ford or GM Full size wagon makes a heck of a road car. The catch would be finding one in good enough condition to risk the trip. Again, once you have it narrowed down, the local chapter of a club for the make(s) you’re interested in should be able to help you find a good example, and find someone to examine the car and get it ready for your arrival. For insurance, check with your home insurance agency and see if they offer insurance for driving in the united states. If not, a quick google search for temporary insurance shows lots of companies offering short term insurance for tourists driving in the U.S.
Good luck!