Oil change, tire pressure check, navigation update, full tank of gas. Anything else?

"mazda616" (mazda616) 10/04/2019 at 10:25 • Filed to: Vacation

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I think the 6 is as ready as its ever going to be for its third consecutive trip to Florida.

We took it to Pensacola in 2016, the summer before my son was born. We skipped 2017, since my son was only a few months old. And we took it to Navarre Beach in 2018, using it as a Hurricane Michael evacuation ride.

Summer 2016 - Fort Pickens (outside of Pensacola)

It has just under 44 ,000 miles. Holding up well. It does close to 40 MPG on the highway even with a week’s worth of luggage in the trunk.

We’re going back to the same place as last year (Navarre Beach). I’m really looking forward to it. And no, Navarre wasn’t affected by the hurricane. It’s about a 9 to 9-and-a-half hour drive.

Contrary to popular belief, a family actually can still take a long trip in a non-SUV. Shocking, I know.

But, this will likely be the car’s last family trip to Florida. The Highlander will take over duties starting next year.

functionoverfashion > mazda616 10/04/2019 at 10:39

6

Chariotoflove > mazda616 10/04/2019 at 10:42

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Good looking car. Have a safe trip. 

Ash78, voting early and often > mazda616 10/04/2019 at 10:45

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Contrary to popular belief, a family actually can still take a long trip in a non-SUV. Shocking, I know.

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But, this will likely be the car’s last family trip to Florida. The Highlander will take over duties starting next year.

And you made our point yourself :)

We used the Passat wagon (with large roof bag) for beach trips until kid #2 was about 2-3 years old. Then it was both a space issue, and a reliability one. Plus now we bring 1-2 days of groceries in a large cooler, which prevents that “first Saturday riot at the grocery store.” You know the one.

Beach trips come in 2 flavors, as I’m sure you’ve seen down there:

1. Suburban or minivan packed to the gills so you don’t have to buy (and throw away) a bunch of beach toys while you’re down there.

2. People in a compact car who brag about it, but then have buy/rent everything while they’re on the trip.

Neither is better or worse, but if you have the space, use it. That’s the best efficiency, not toting around a bunch of air (ie, an empty vehicle).

mazda616 > Ash78, voting early and often 10/04/2019 at 10:59

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Honestly, the only reason we’ll switch to traveling in the Highlander is if we have another kid. Two kids means a bit more stuff, yes, but my wife’s little sister likes to ride with us too. So, the Highlander has that extra seat.

The 6 has a shockingly big trunk for a sedan, which is good. And, we try not to over pack. The only things we’ll need to actually buy there is perishable food items.

mazda616 > Chariotoflove 10/04/2019 at 10:59

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Thanks!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > mazda616 10/04/2019 at 11:07

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I just spent a couple weeks in the Fort Walton Beach area, I quite liked the beach in Navarre. Or more specifically, on that Island but away from all of the fancy hotels and houses. Some really nice pristine uncrowded beach out there!

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mazda616 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/04/2019 at 11:08

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Yes! It is so nice. I love the beach but I gravitate towards the non-touristy areas.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > mazda616 10/04/2019 at 11:12

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Supposed to rain all next week though so I hope that's not when you plan on going. I didn't get rained on even once. A bit humid for my tastes, but apparently it was "low humidity" according to locals. I'm happy to finally be heading home, but I could imagine worse places to get sent for work. 

mazda616 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/04/2019 at 11:14

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Highest rain chance, right now anyway, is 55% on Monday. 30% or less all other days, according to my AccuWeather. I figure it’ll do the spotty shower thing that Florida has about every day.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > mazda616 10/04/2019 at 11:20

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Well that's what i thought would happen while I was there. But I saw zero rain for an entire 2 weeks. Long overdue for some heavy stuff coming down, saw a couple low pressure systems rolling through on the extended forecast. But yeah like you said, it's the usual in that case I guess. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > mazda616 10/04/2019 at 12:45

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My cousin took his wife and daughter from North Alabama(basically the state line) to Destin in an FRS. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/04/2019 at 12:46

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Opal Beach is wonderful for that. It’s the section between Pensacola and Navarre, if you didn't see it. 

mazda616 > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 10/04/2019 at 12:48

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Now THAT is dedication.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 10/04/2019 at 15:06

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There's only one road so I certainly passed it if that wasn't the beach I went to. It was just a numbered parking lot without a name though I'm pretty sure. Only a few cars in the lot and everyone was sitting on one section of beach. I just walked for a minute and had a deserted beach to myself on a Sunday with 90 degree weather. Felt like bizarro world to me since that weather would have a crowded beach on a weekend on either coast I've lived on. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/04/2019 at 15:44

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It can get busy, but it’s never busy compared to Pensacola. 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 10/04/2019 at 19:09

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Oh yeah that was evident as soon as I got closer to Pensacola. I imagine in the "on season" it's a shit show on that road. 

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 10/04/2019 at 19:27

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It’s actually kind of a fun road when it’s off season. 

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 10/05/2019 at 00:36

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Yeah if I wasn't in a Sentra haha. I guess it could have been worse, I could have had a Versa. Or had to walk.