Ask a silly question, get a silly answer?

AnotherJoe

Its probably going to be quite good for your car to get that long run if you mostly do stop start low distances

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AnotherJoe wrote: »

Its probably going to be quite good for your car to get that long run if you mostly do stop start low distances

This was one of the pros for using my own car - my journeys are usually every other day but no longer than 20-30 mins

HBS x

Nobbie1967

It should be fine, I used to do a 3 hour each way drive at weekends in my 107, just cruised along at 60 on the motorway, quite relaxing really. Any faster and it just got too noisy.

Joe_Horner

We've done Anglesey to Colchester and back (about 720 mile round trip) in a day in this. 749cc, top speed around 74mph, and over 40 years old at the time.

If your Getz can't manage it then they designed it wrong!

System

A car that is regularly serviced shouldn't need a trip to the garage for a once over for a 200/300 mile trip. Anything built in the last 30 years is more than up to doing it. When I go to France in my Mondeo, an 800 mile each way trip with only the Eurotunnel breaking up an otherwise non-stop trip, other than checking tyre pressures, oil, water and screenwash I just jump in it and go.

wba31

If you do fancy something with a bit more oomph then google "supercar hire..." When I last looked I was surprised at how cheap I could get a DB9 for 2 days for, however the deposit required was the straw that broke the camel's back and stopped me from hiring...

splishsplash

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Hi all,

I have a five-hour drive to do next week (well 10 in total - 5 there one day and 5 back the next), and I am in two minds.

My little car is a 2007 1.1l Hyundai Getz, with a bit of personality (squeaky serpentine belt for about 10 seconds on start up if weather is super wet). I drive like a granny and keep the car serviced.

Question is - will little car take the journey, or shall I hire something with a bit more oomph for a couple of days?

TIA!!

HBS x

Speaking as a granny who is an excellent driver, I presume you mean you drive at the limit where possible; overtake smartly and remain vigilant against the idiocy of others at all times :A.

I would have no hesitation about taking your own car.

JP08

Your little Getz will do the journey no problem. A bigger car will be a bit more comfortable and a bit less tiring. But all that means is taking a break - which is no bad thing on a five hour run anyhow.

Used to do runs like that in far more tiring and less able vehicles on a regular basis. Eg Harrow to North Norfolk and back in one evening (after work) in a 998cc Mini Van, and Uxbridge to Nottingham then on to Whitby and back to Nottingham in one day in a 1256cc Vauxhall Viva HC that became wearingly noisy over 55mph and wouldn't break the motorway speed limit foot to the floor.

Richard53

Your car will be fine, and as others have said will probably benefit from a good long run. If you find it nippier after the trip than it was before, that will be why.


If you're not used to long journeys, be kind to yourself. Stop at least every two hours or 100 miles (sooner if you need to) and have a loo stop and a walk round for 5-10 minutes. Depends on your age, but this should prevent you from getting totally seized up.


Keep some water in the car and try to drink half a litre per 100 miles. If I do this, I find I concentrate far better, and feel less fatigued at the end.

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splishsplash wrote: »

Speaking as a granny who is an excellent driver, I presume you mean you drive at the limit where possible; overtake smartly and remain vigilant against the idiocy of others at all times :A.

I would have no hesitation about taking your own car.

That's the one basically I'm not hard on my car and I don't rally drive on motorways, ha ha!

Some really good tips here everyone. I'm going to take my car and be kind to myself on the journey (it's for a job interview so please keep your fingers crossed for me!). Thank you very much!

HBS x