Road Trip and why I love the wagon
#1
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Road Trip and why I love the wagon
I just took a 1900 mile trip to Santa Fe. Two days with 700 miles each and the third with 500. We stopped every two hours or so to walk around, get snacks and emptied bladders.
Once out of the DC metro area the speed limits were mostly 70mph. Once in OK, TX and NM, the speeds increased to 75. According to the car's computer, I averaged 68mph. I calculated 30.8mpg on 87 into Texas. In TX, I tanked up with 86 for the last 300 miles. Although we added altitude, I calculated 32.1mpg.
The good: The seats were way more comfortable than those in my prior 335 (sport seats). My last roadtrip with that car in 2011 was from CO to DC and it was agony from day one.
Great gas mileage, decent AC even in 98 degree temps and no real issues, except
The bad: Day one. A few miles after tanking up (Pilot, 87), I got a "tighten gas cap" message. Got out, checked, it was tight, but I took the cap off and put it back. A few miles on, the light goes off and all is well, until...
Day three. 300 miles after tanking up and just as I was entering Santa Fe going up a hill, the "tighten gas cap" light comes back - and goes away again as soon as I pop the cap off and on.
We'll see how the return trip goes in three weeks.
Once out of the DC metro area the speed limits were mostly 70mph. Once in OK, TX and NM, the speeds increased to 75. According to the car's computer, I averaged 68mph. I calculated 30.8mpg on 87 into Texas. In TX, I tanked up with 86 for the last 300 miles. Although we added altitude, I calculated 32.1mpg.
The good: The seats were way more comfortable than those in my prior 335 (sport seats). My last roadtrip with that car in 2011 was from CO to DC and it was agony from day one.
Great gas mileage, decent AC even in 98 degree temps and no real issues, except
The bad: Day one. A few miles after tanking up (Pilot, 87), I got a "tighten gas cap" message. Got out, checked, it was tight, but I took the cap off and put it back. A few miles on, the light goes off and all is well, until...
Day three. 300 miles after tanking up and just as I was entering Santa Fe going up a hill, the "tighten gas cap" light comes back - and goes away again as soon as I pop the cap off and on.
We'll see how the return trip goes in three weeks.
#2
Everyday I'm rofling
Take a detour through DFW so I can say hi!
Glad to hear the wagon is treating you well.
Glad to hear the wagon is treating you well.
#5
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Oh, yeah, really hot and my 92 year old mom complaining about it. Of course there is no Acura dealer in Santa Fe to take a look but I figure as long as it stays with a random "tighten gas cap" message that goes away once you loosen and re-tghten the cap then it can't be too serious. I don't think any car likes 10 hours of driving in 90+ temps with nothing but short pit stops.
#6
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Thanks
Thanks. So far so good. Flying back to DC tomorrow, then back to SF in three weeks to do it all over in reverse.
#7
VTEC just kicked in, yo!
Oh, yeah, really hot and my 92 year old mom complaining about it. Of course there is no Acura dealer in Santa Fe to take a look but I figure as long as it stays with a random "tighten gas cap" message that goes away once you loosen and re-tghten the cap then it can't be too serious. I don't think any car likes 10 hours of driving in 90+ temps with nothing but short pit stops.
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ceb (06-21-2016)
#9
We always use the TSX Waggie for our long haul trips. Just did short three-day trip this past weekend to visit both sides of the family over father's day. Two adults, one 75 lb pittie, luggage and other assorted goodies. The two longest trips so have been CT to Greensboro NC (~10 to 11 hrs) and CT to Columbus, OH (~10 hours). The OH trip the waggie had four adults plus luggage but averaged 31 mpg at speeds above 70 most of the drive!
Next long haul is CT to Ocean Isle Beach NC in late July. As long as we get past DC early enough I am sure the ride will be a pleasure!
Having previously owned an A6 Avant, I can say the TSX isn't quite as planted or the handling quite as precise but the mileage is WAY better. Just miss the extra cargo space of the A6.
Next long haul is CT to Ocean Isle Beach NC in late July. As long as we get past DC early enough I am sure the ride will be a pleasure!
Having previously owned an A6 Avant, I can say the TSX isn't quite as planted or the handling quite as precise but the mileage is WAY better. Just miss the extra cargo space of the A6.
Last edited by ControlDude; 06-21-2016 at 09:24 PM.
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#11
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I like that four legged mobile security system!
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justnspace (06-22-2016)
#13
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#15
Suzuka Master
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Ours comes with a 75lb GSD, but we have a Walky Guard pet barrier that works great and keeps her from jumping into the front seat when we get out of the car. The pet barrier was useful on this trip as it kept luggage from invading the passenger space.
#16
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I was seriously considering trying to import one of the OEM Honda barriers from Europe but it seemed cost prohibitive. Although .
#17
Burning Brakes
I just took a 1900 mile trip to Santa Fe. Two days with 700 miles each and the third with 500. We stopped every two hours or so to walk around, get snacks and emptied bladders.
Once out of the DC metro area the speed limits were mostly 70mph. Once in OK, TX and NM, the speeds increased to 75. According to the car's computer, I averaged 68mph. I calculated 30.8mpg on 87 into Texas. In TX, I tanked up with 86 for the last 300 miles. Although we added altitude, I calculated 32.1mpg.
Once out of the DC metro area the speed limits were mostly 70mph. Once in OK, TX and NM, the speeds increased to 75. According to the car's computer, I averaged 68mph. I calculated 30.8mpg on 87 into Texas. In TX, I tanked up with 86 for the last 300 miles. Although we added altitude, I calculated 32.1mpg.
I noticed you used a lower octane at high altitudes. Some people don't make the connection that at higher altitudes, gas is more difficult to burn, and hence won't knock very easily. I noticed this on a ski trip. 93 Octane was only 2 cents more the mid-grade. It's because the locals knew they didn't need premium.
#18
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
#21
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
The pooch loves road trips. I use the cargo liner and fold out the lower portion to cover the latch (important because you don't want paws caught in there) and the bumper (to keep scratches at bay) before she is allowed to get in. Whenever she sees me open the hatch she runs into the garage and stands there wiggling with anticipation to see if I'll fold that part down and tell her to jump in. She was very disappointed this trip that she wasn't going. She wouldn't have been happy with this trip - too hot in Santa Fe.
The advantage of this pet barrier is that it attaches to the headrests so it doesn't take up valuable floor space and allows for the use of the cargo cover. This barrier also leaves no damage or dents in headliner or carpeting like most others. The extensions are a little flimsy and I'd be a bit worried with smaller dogs squeezing through but big dogs are no issue.
The advantage of this pet barrier is that it attaches to the headrests so it doesn't take up valuable floor space and allows for the use of the cargo cover. This barrier also leaves no damage or dents in headliner or carpeting like most others. The extensions are a little flimsy and I'd be a bit worried with smaller dogs squeezing through but big dogs are no issue.
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justnspace (06-23-2016)
#22
I did 3300 mile trip last year, all the up to Glacier. It was fabulous. I stopped every 600-650 miles, which was the max range of the TSX. Loved my wagon for the trips More comfortable than my 18-19 hour days in my Elise.
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but that's not saying much. Isn't the Elise just marginally more comfortable than a medieval rack?
#24
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it was 50/50. I've never been in a rack so I was giving the Elise the small margin.
#26
That said, I HATE stopping every 300 miles, most Japanese cars make you stop for fuel on road trips. Thus 650 range on the TSX is my favorite part about the car. Now once we add the auxiliary fuel tank to our new Land Cruiser, that will be bladder busting range...YES!
#27
Suzuka Master
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The Elise is on par with my wife's old LS600hL, compared to 12 hours on the Ducati.
That said, I HATE stopping every 300 miles, most Japanese cars make you stop for fuel on road trips. Thus 650 range on the TSX is my favorite part about the car. Now once we add the auxiliary fuel tank to our new Land Cruiser, that will be bladder busting range...YES!
That said, I HATE stopping every 300 miles, most Japanese cars make you stop for fuel on road trips. Thus 650 range on the TSX is my favorite part about the car. Now once we add the auxiliary fuel tank to our new Land Cruiser, that will be bladder busting range...YES!
#28
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A wagon and a Landie. I do not like you Dr. wagon.
A wagon and maybe a Landie? I'm about to not like you either ceb.
I do not like you two because I am jealous.
That is pretty much the perfect garage.
I can say that I've read similar complaints about the 4runner, but if you go in understanding and expecting that you're buying a truck and not a lifted "crossover" car, you'll be fine with the on and offroad prowess of the Landie as well.
A wagon and maybe a Landie? I'm about to not like you either ceb.
I do not like you two because I am jealous.
That is pretty much the perfect garage.
I can say that I've read similar complaints about the 4runner, but if you go in understanding and expecting that you're buying a truck and not a lifted "crossover" car, you'll be fine with the on and offroad prowess of the Landie as well.
#31
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
A wagon and a Landie. I do not like you Dr. wagon.
A wagon and maybe a Landie? I'm about to not like you either ceb.
I do not like you two because I am jealous.
That is pretty much the perfect garage.
I can say that I've read similar complaints about the 4runner, but if you go in understanding and expecting that you're buying a truck and not a lifted "crossover" car, you'll be fine with the on and offroad prowess of the Landie as well.
A wagon and maybe a Landie? I'm about to not like you either ceb.
I do not like you two because I am jealous.
That is pretty much the perfect garage.
I can say that I've read similar complaints about the 4runner, but if you go in understanding and expecting that you're buying a truck and not a lifted "crossover" car, you'll be fine with the on and offroad prowess of the Landie as well.
#32
If you were simply looking for on road, I would much recommend the LX570 instead. There essentially is no price difference.
PM me if you have any more questions on our LC.
#33
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Well it is a great piece of machinery. I saw you posted on the other LC forum. I think for American roads (I am here in LA), the on road is just OK. Offload is great. It is a good balance between the two.
If you were simply looking for on road, I would much recommend the LX570 instead. There essentially is no price difference.
PM me if you have any more questions on our LC.
If you were simply looking for on road, I would much recommend the LX570 instead. There essentially is no price difference.
PM me if you have any more questions on our LC.
#34
Our Lexus dealer has serviced our CT, LS, and will service our LC. They charge more than Toyota, but their service is top notch. Pick up and delivery of vehicle on tow truck from home or office. Convenience that no Toyota dealer match.
Also there is 3 Lexus dealer and 2 Acura dealer very very close to me, while only 1 Toyota and 1 Honda dealer, neither of those being convenient.
#35
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Back from the road trip. About 3800 trouble-free miles with the exception of that pesky gas cap light. A few observations:
- Great seats. Zero back pain. My 335 seats were unbearable after a half day in the saddle. My passengers resorted to pillows to try to keep comfortable in the 335. I had to order one of those wedge cushions to drive back from Colorado a few years ago.
- Not quite sure what the issue is with the gas cap light. It popped up 3 times (twice on the way there, once coming back). Each time when I got to about a half tank. Always went away after I removed - and replaced - the gas cap. It only happened at higher altitudes.
- Gas mileage over the trip was great - 31.8mpg calculated. I used cruise control most of the way with the cruise set to about 5 miles over the speed limit that ranged from 65 to 75. On the return trip, there was one section of about a hundred miles between Staunton VA to Manassas VA (when I ran into traffic) where I averaged 36.4mpg on the MID.
- 87 octane at lower altitudes and 85/86 at higher altitudes did fine. I did notice a period of lower gas mileage on the final tank of 85 when I dropped in altitude. In retrospect, I should have tanked up mid-grade (88) at that station.
- Gas prices ranged from a high of $2.199 to a low of 1.789
- Not that it is worth anything, but at one point I saw a range of 680 miles on the MID. Normally it was in the 525-550 range.
- There were a couple of times that I got a bit tired, stopped for a bit, walked around, got something to drink and soldiered on but at no point did I find myself squirming in the seat.
- Don't ever stop at the Super 8 west of Nashville. A cardboard box in the middle to a trash dump would have been nicer - and it wasn't even cheap.
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xtcnrice (07-18-2016)
#37
Getting ready for our Friday departure to North Carolina beaches so I mounted the new Rola Votex roof basket to the Yak rack last night to take it for a test ride. Amazingly quiet even at 80 mph!
If anyone is looking for a roof basket I highly recommend the Rola based on what I've seen so far. Heavy gauge tubular steel with quality powdercoat finish. Wasn't crazy about the self-tapping screws they provided so I replaced with stainless. Also applied Permatex black gasket sealant to the two halves where they joined and also in the screw holes. Price was $127 with free delivery to my local Wallyworld...same from Amazon but they were out of stock for 6 weeks!
If anyone is looking for a roof basket I highly recommend the Rola based on what I've seen so far. Heavy gauge tubular steel with quality powdercoat finish. Wasn't crazy about the self-tapping screws they provided so I replaced with stainless. Also applied Permatex black gasket sealant to the two halves where they joined and also in the screw holes. Price was $127 with free delivery to my local Wallyworld...same from Amazon but they were out of stock for 6 weeks!