My new Car, drive or ship?

1996 Honda Accord
Looks great for a 15-year old car!

 

I have great news, I am getting a new car.  Well… a “new” car to me at least.  I will be buying a 1996 Honda Accord from my Grandma in Irvine, California.  It has 120,000 miles on it, was kept in superb condition, runs and drives great.  Lucky for this car it has been in CA its whole life.  So no harsh winters, therefore no rust.  Originally it was my aunt's car and now I'm buying it.  Accords are such good cars, we want to keep this one in the family.  I know I will be able to get another 120,000 miles out of it easily.  Maybe even get 300,000+ miles out of this car.  Hey, it's a Honda!  It can make it.

The only problem is… well… I'm in Baltimore, MD and the car is in Irvine, CA.  That's on the other side of the county.  My two options are to ship it through an auto transport company, or drive it on a fantastic road trip across the country.  I would love to drive it, but my family feel it's better to ship it and not put extra miles on the car.  My thoughts are “It will be an adventure.  Besides it's a Honda, another 3,000 miles is nothing.  It should make it back to Baltimore no problem!”  The car does need a few maintenance items before it could make a cross country trip.  The back tires should be replaced, it could use a new battery, a brake flush, and probably an oil change.  Just that, then it should be set.  I'm having trouble deciding.  Shipping would be about $800-1000.  Driving might work out to be about the same, but it would be an unforgettable journey.

I would love to hear suggestions, comments, or advice from people.  What are your thoughts?  Ship or drive?

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Gas over $4!

Well… it's official.  Most gas stations are above $4 in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.  I passed several which were way above the $4 mark.  One Exxon I saw was $4.17 for regular gas!  The gas station (and repair shop) where I work went up 14 cents today!  From $3.95 to $4.09 per gallon for regular gas payed with a credit card.  You save 4 cents paying with cash, but with these prices it makes you feel the pain no matter how you pay.  It's completely crazy!  I saw 1 station that was still at $3.95 for regular.  With most of the other gas stations above the $4 mark they will most likely be going up tomorrow, or have already gone up as of tonight.  It's ridiculous because there  probably is no real reason for the prices to be going up so quickly and going so high.  I guess I need to start grouping my errands and choose where I'm driving carefully.

DIY Sunshade Update

DIY Sunshade

It's been hot for last few weeks! Sufficient time to test the Adams Auto Advice DIY Sunshade. My Stepdad has reported that it has been working well in his Volvo S40, and fits quite well. It keeps the car cooler, and is a great talking point with people. I was actually surprised by how well it seemed to work. I encourage others to make their own DIY Sunshade. Your car's interior will appreciate it more than you will!

Adam’s Awesome DIY Car Sunshade!

If you want to have a little fun, you can make you own Sunshade. I made one today, and it came out pretty well. It only took me a few minutes.

Here is what you'll need:

  • Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
  • Cardboard or Cardboard Box
  • Measuring Tape
  • Scissors
  • Duct Tape
  1. I'd measure your windshield and see how big a piece of Cardboard you might need in your car. I just cut a section of an old moving box we had in the basement.
  2. Stretch the Aluminum Foil over the cardboard. The Aluminum Foil fit well over the piece of cardboard box I cut.  Remember to have the Shinier side facing outward, since it will be more effective.  If your piece is large, try to cut and position the Foil to cover the spare areas.
  3. Use the Duck Tape and tape up the back. I'd also suggest back-taping the flat areas of the Aluminum Foil.
  4. Put it in your Car!

I'd suggest using Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil, because the normal type will most likely ripe. Also, if you don't already have these materials lying around, it's probably better to just buy a Sunshade. Of course, I had a lot of fun making mine! These pictures should help you make your own DIY Sunshade.

Sunshades can Keep Your Car Cool on Hot Summer Days

Since it's Summer I'm sure you've experienced getting into your hot car, when it's been sitting out in the sun all day. Well there's a simple solution to this … Sunshades.

Sunshades are something I bet you've seen in lots of other peoples cars. I'm sure in a store you've considered getting one. Sunshades are worth the money during the brutal parts of Summer. They keep your car much cooler. I wouldn't say the claimed “44 degrees” on sunshades labels is accurate. It's definitely at least 10 degrees, probably more. That doesn't seem like a lot, but that's the difference between being unbearable in your car and warm. They help not only reflect sunlight out, but give the car shade.

If you want to buy one for your car they are available in all sorts of big-box stores, convenience stores. and auto parts stores. They sell for about $10. I wouldn't buy a Sunshade at those stores though! They are available at Dollar Stores, and usually sell for about $3.

Below are Sunshades we've had for years. They've lasted a long time, and work well. I personally prefer these Panel Sunshades, to those Fold-Up Accordion type. The Panels can fit easily under a seat.