Road Trip and a Question For You Guys - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Darth_Emma · 01-04-2010, 05:12 PM

It depends on where you want to go out there. I am a geologist and I teach a course about the National Parks, so I've spent a lot of time hiking and driving in and around those areas. Last summer, I drove across the country and went to 26 National Parks in 7 weeks - drove 11,500 miles, took 1800 photos! Some of the park roads can be rather rough and some are unimproved. The Camaro's low ground clearance may not fair well on them. I'd say rent an SUV and that way you know you can go down almost any road you want.

Just my 2 cents.

ToddyC · 01-04-2010, 05:12 PM

Okay, obviously most people on here are going to say to take the Camaro, cause you bought it to drive it...but, did you buy it to drive your dad? What I'm getting at is if he will be comfortable for a long trip in the Camaro. Of course we all love the Camaro and taking trips in them, but how old is your dad and will he be comfortable for the long trip riding in the Camaro? Just something to think about.

MontyCarlo · 01-04-2010, 05:40 PM

I actually took my Camaro on a road trip to Colorado and drove my dad around the Rockies for a little while in August. The Camaro is a surprisingly comfortable long-haul car on the endless stretches of flat straight highway through the midwest, and it's just plain fun on the narrow snaking mountain roads. If your dad's any kind of "car guy" - if he's ever told you stories about the little MGB or Stingray he drove back in the day - make his trip perfect and bring your Camaro.

No matter what you pick, make sure you've got a really good feel for the size and shape of the vehicle before you drive it up mountain roads. There are plenty of stretches of road where there's only a little guide rail separating you from a 500ft tumble down the mountainside. Big + unfamiliar = nerve-wracking mountain drive.

NoUCantDriveIt · 01-04-2010, 05:54 PM

I would want to take the Camaro not caring about the mileage/depreciation, but might not because...

1. I'd be driving on unfamiliar roads, and navigating unfamiliar traffic patterns. Aside from the Camaro not having the best of visibility, if there's an accident I want it to happen to a rental that I can get a replacement. Not my Camaro that I would then also need to either get back home somehow, or finish the trip with a smucked up fender/bumper.

2. A rental can be changed according to what best suits that part of the trip.

3. I wouldn't be as fussy about what grade of gas, or the type of car wash for a rental (if I even bothered washing it).

4. I'd rather have parking lot dings, and road debris (rocks, truck tires, etc) happen to a rental.

5. Not likely, but the possibility of needing to replace a tire could get ugly.

With that said... I'd probably take the Camaro anyway.

kardut · 01-04-2010, 05:59 PM

You say you've already put about 8000 on your car in 5 months, so that's, what. about 18k a year? Will those extra 5k miles really matter a few years down the road? No.... As you said, enjoy life, take the camaro!

SlingShot · 01-04-2010, 05:59 PM

Take the car and use the money saved on good food and lodging .....

hrpiii · 01-04-2010, 07:32 PM

I think I saw every answer but the correct one.

..I would drive whatever would make my dad the most comfortable in. If he is able to get in and out of the camaro easily, drive it.. if he needs something bigger, like and SUV, rent it. If you are doing it for him, then do it for him, not your own reasons. Just my point of view. I think everyone is focusing on you and your camaro, and you did ask about driving it, but if you are doing this trip to spend time with your dad, don't make it hard or uncomfortable on him.

flyby · 01-04-2010, 07:32 PM

I would rent an SUV. Heres why. Not that the Camaro is uncomfortable, but on long trips having more room to move around would be more comfortable for your dad. When my father in law was still alive, whenever possible I would drive him around in an SUV or mini van due to the fact it was easier on him espically with getting in and out of the vehicle. My suggestion has nothing do do with cost just your fathers comfort.

Scrappy Doo · 01-04-2010, 07:44 PM

Take the camaro for all the reasons already mentioned.

I am biased but swing up through Chicago and then through Wisconsin on I-90. Then swing across Minnesota on your way to Mount Rushmore. Maybe stop in Minneapolis, it's only an hour from the I-90, I-35 interchange in Albert Lea, MN. Catch a twins game at the brand new target Field. Then head out to South Dakota to hit rushmore, then yellowstone, etc.

On the way back to TN, swing south and go through St louis etc.

TommyTSquared · 01-04-2010, 07:51 PM

Isn't there an area in Montana with no speed limit? Could be fun...

BOOTZILLA · 01-04-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seawolf

Here's the break-down the way I figure it.
In the Camaro:
No extra charge for driving it besides gas (and depreciation)
Gas: $750
Total: $750 + earlier depreciation costs

In Rental: Small SUV (If I'm going to rent something, I might as well rent something decent on comfort for such a long trip)
Rental Fee: $900 (with Enterprise...I've not shopped for the best price, this is just as an example)
Gas: Probably in the neighborhood of $1,000.
Extra Mileage: Since they only would give me $3,000 miles included, I have to pay .25 cents for each additional mile, about 2,000 which would put me at about $500.
Total: about $2,400

How long/how many miles is this trip supposed to be? $0.0025/mile isn't a bad charge. Sounds like you're getting ripped off for $2400. I rented a Cadillac STS a couple years back, put 1300 miles on it, and it only ran me about $500.

Depreciation? You're looking to sell/trade-in your Camaro in the future? Did you buy this Camaro as an investment, or to drive it?

papabearcamaro · 01-04-2010, 08:19 PM

In June the wife,daughter,and I are traveling from Wisconsin to Hershey PA. Wife asked me are we going to take the Camaro and I said noooo way. I wouldn't sleep a wink worrying if it is being vandelised in the hotel parking lots. We will take our 09 Dodge Journey knowing I will sleep at night lol.

IROCanSS · 01-04-2010, 08:49 PM

Awesome plan man! Your dad will love it! The wife and I are doing something similar this year. We are driving all of route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, then up PCH to Redwood National Park. We deliberated taking the Camaro but in the end decided to take out travel trailer and truck. The gas in Camaro -vs- diesel in truck may cost a bit more in the truck but the lodging cost for 30 days in a hotel vs camping everynight made the decision easy. I would love to drive the camaro but understand your concern about the mileage...

my answer... take the Camaro. 5000 miles +/- is nothing!

Oh and HAVE FUN!

BLACK10 · 01-04-2010, 08:57 PM

Take the camaro, great memories or more valuable than any car!

01-04-2010, 05:40 PM	#17
MontyCarlo Drives: 2010 2LT/RS auto IBM Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,255	I actually took my Camaro on a road trip to Colorado and drove my dad around the Rockies for a little while in August. The Camaro is a surprisingly comfortable long-haul car on the endless stretches of flat straight highway through the midwest, and it's just plain fun on the narrow snaking mountain roads. If your dad's any kind of "car guy" - if he's ever told you stories about the little MGB or Stingray he drove back in the day - make his trip perfect and bring your Camaro. No matter what you pick, make sure you've got a really good feel for the size and shape of the vehicle before you drive it up mountain roads. There are plenty of stretches of road where there's only a little guide rail separating you from a 500ft tumble down the mountainside. Big + unfamiliar = nerve-wracking mountain drive. __________________ FAQs: 1. No, I do not have any strong opinions about the Monte Carlo. 2. Yes, I know what my name looks like. 3. Yes, but the medication helps immensely. 2LT/RS IBM/gray #21,895 ordered April 21st, delivered July 3rd

01-04-2010, 05:54 PM	#18
NoUCantDriveIt Drives: 2SS RS M6 CGM/Black Rally Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Austin TX Posts: 5,098	I would want to take the Camaro not caring about the mileage/depreciation, but might not because... 1. I'd be driving on unfamiliar roads, and navigating unfamiliar traffic patterns. Aside from the Camaro not having the best of visibility, if there's an accident I want it to happen to a rental that I can get a replacement. Not my Camaro that I would then also need to either get back home somehow, or finish the trip with a smucked up fender/bumper. 2. A rental can be changed according to what best suits that part of the trip. 3. I wouldn't be as fussy about what grade of gas, or the type of car wash for a rental (if I even bothered washing it). 4. I'd rather have parking lot dings, and road debris (rocks, truck tires, etc) happen to a rental. 5. Not likely, but the possibility of needing to replace a tire could get ugly. With that said... I'd probably take the Camaro anyway. __________________ ~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

01-04-2010, 05:59 PM	#20
SlingShot Drives: 2012 ZL1 - #670 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Seminole, Fl. Posts: 8,009	Take the car and use the money saved on good food and lodging ..... __________________

01-04-2010, 08:19 PM	#26
papabearcamaro Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 Z71 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: WI. Posts: 1,744	In June the wife,daughter,and I are traveling from Wisconsin to Hershey PA. Wife asked me are we going to take the Camaro and I said noooo way. I wouldn't sleep a wink worrying if it is being vandelised in the hotel parking lots. We will take our 09 Dodge Journey knowing I will sleep at night lol. __________________ SOLD(Traded for 2012 Silverado Z71 4x4 and 2012 Sonic Hatch.)...2010 Camaro 1SS/RS/LS3,yellow with House of Kolor Tangerine Pearl rally stripes,manual trans.Hurst short throw shifter,4 pack rally gauges,Roto-Fab air intake,Kooks long tube headers with high-flow cats,Borla S-Type catback exhaust,Comp Cam,PRC ported heads,Maggie with 3.6 pulley and 1:1 cog drive,secondary fuel system with 65lb injectors,ADM digital A/F and Boost gauge,Pfadt trailing arms and subframe bushings.614.25rwhp/566.82rwtq on 8# of boost. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 EX.Cab 4X4 Z71.

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01-04-2010, 05:12 PM	#15
Darth_Emma Psssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhh! Drives: under contruction Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Marysville, Ohio Posts: 12,996 View My Garage	It depends on where you want to go out there. I am a geologist and I teach a course about the National Parks, so I've spent a lot of time hiking and driving in and around those areas. Last summer, I drove across the country and went to 26 National Parks in 7 weeks - drove 11,500 miles, took 1800 photos! Some of the park roads can be rather rough and some are unimproved. The Camaro's low ground clearance may not fair well on them. I'd say rent an SUV and that way you know you can go down almost any road you want. Just my 2 cents.

01-04-2010, 05:12 PM	#16
ToddyC Drives: 1993 Z28 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Beavercreek, OH Posts: 23	Okay, obviously most people on here are going to say to take the Camaro, cause you bought it to drive it...but, did you buy it to drive your dad? What I'm getting at is if he will be comfortable for a long trip in the Camaro. Of course we all love the Camaro and taking trips in them, but how old is your dad and will he be comfortable for the long trip riding in the Camaro? Just something to think about.

01-04-2010, 05:59 PM	#19
kardut Drives: 2SS/RS RY Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bristow, VA Posts: 67	You say you've already put about 8000 on your car in 5 months, so that's, what. about 18k a year? Will those extra 5k miles really matter a few years down the road? No.... As you said, enjoy life, take the camaro!

01-04-2010, 07:32 PM	#21
hrpiii AKA "Beefcake" Drives: 2023 ZL1 Sharkskin Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Indy Posts: 8,566	I think I saw every answer but the correct one. ..I would drive whatever would make my dad the most comfortable in. If he is able to get in and out of the camaro easily, drive it.. if he needs something bigger, like and SUV, rent it. If you are doing it for him, then do it for him, not your own reasons. Just my point of view. I think everyone is focusing on you and your camaro, and you did ask about driving it, but if you are doing this trip to spend time with your dad, don't make it hard or uncomfortable on him.

01-04-2010, 07:32 PM	#22
flyby Drives: 2010 Silver SS Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Glen Gardner, NJ Posts: 1,339 View My Garage	I would rent an SUV. Heres why. Not that the Camaro is uncomfortable, but on long trips having more room to move around would be more comfortable for your dad. When my father in law was still alive, whenever possible I would drive him around in an SUV or mini van due to the fact it was easier on him espically with getting in and out of the vehicle. My suggestion has nothing do do with cost just your fathers comfort.

01-04-2010, 07:44 PM	#23
Scrappy Doo Drives: Callaway Rogue Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: W8n 4 Snow, Minnesota Posts: 4,731	Take the camaro for all the reasons already mentioned. I am biased but swing up through Chicago and then through Wisconsin on I-90. Then swing across Minnesota on your way to Mount Rushmore. Maybe stop in Minneapolis, it's only an hour from the I-90, I-35 interchange in Albert Lea, MN. Catch a twins game at the brand new target Field. Then head out to South Dakota to hit rushmore, then yellowstone, etc. On the way back to TN, swing south and go through St louis etc.

01-04-2010, 07:51 PM	#24
TommyTSquared Drives: RSSS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: DFW Posts: 2,492	Isn't there an area in Montana with no speed limit? Could be fun...

01-04-2010, 08:49 PM	#27
IROCanSS Account Suspended Drives: 89 IROC 350 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Back roads, southern Ohio Posts: 12,504 View My Garage	Awesome plan man! Your dad will love it! The wife and I are doing something similar this year. We are driving all of route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica, then up PCH to Redwood National Park. We deliberated taking the Camaro but in the end decided to take out travel trailer and truck. The gas in Camaro -vs- diesel in truck may cost a bit more in the truck but the lodging cost for 30 days in a hotel vs camping everynight made the decision easy. I would love to drive the camaro but understand your concern about the mileage... my answer... take the Camaro. 5000 miles +/- is nothing! Oh and HAVE FUN!

01-04-2010, 08:57 PM	#28
BLACK10 Drives: 2010 CAMARO. 10.04@133mph, 1.4 60' Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Posts: 4,585	Take the camaro, great memories or more valuable than any car!