If youre thinking about taking the coastal route from San Francisco on down, let me tell you the drive from Monterrey to Ventura County is one of the most beautiful parts of the country though it will take you alot longer than the 5 which isin't interesting. Don't fear driving through SF, you just have to pay a lot of attention because the city is confusing, its easy to get lost there are a lot of 1 way streets, freeway exits on the left side and other weirdness you need to plan out your route and pay attention to where you are going plus we Californians think we should drive like the French. Though I don't like to spend a whole lotta time in Frisco, my sister lives there so I have a great time when I go there, theres a lot to see and do. Oh, fill up on gas and maybe food if you need to maybe 100mi from the bay area, prices just go crazy when you get near that city.
No offense Let but I hate the LA area. If you are from Portland I think you will too. There is an AM radio station you can listen to (is it 1070, I dunno maybe the LA people can help) it tells you every few minutes what spots have heavy traffic so you can avoid them, sometimes you can pick alternative freeways. Get a map and plan out your routes, LA is BIG. Gas I saw for 2.60 yesterday which makes it $2.47 after my credit card discount is factored in maybe its higher in LA county.
Anyway, I have taken a lot of different LONG trips with the XJ- Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, North. California and I am shooting for Alaska next year (which means I will get to say I have driven the Jeep through both the tropic of cancer and the artic circle). It really has held up well, I do the same sort of complete maintenance it give it a good inspection before leaving. I think theyre incredibly reliable vehicles. I bring my box of trail spares (belts, hose, all sorts of stuff) on longer trips even if I'm not going to wheel it.
I have a deadline on the way down, but after that I just have to be back to Portland by Monday. My biggest fear is my Jeep. This'll be the first big trip for it and I'm running around like crazy making sure everything is checked and topped off before I leave. From what you've all posted it sounds like gas there is about what gas was here a month ago, so that's not to bad. Just want to make sure I'm factoring in enough spending cash to get there and back. Thanks for all the replies!
