We're Crossing The Country In America's Finest Practical Commuter Car

"Andrew P. Collins" (andrewpcollins)
09/06/2015 at 09:43 • Filed to: Adventures

My !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and also my girlfriend and I are starting day three of a ten-day US-crossing. So far we’re having a lot of fun, exhausting the Spice Girls’ entire catalogue, and the TL is performing brilliantly. Follow us here!

Well, not right here. But hit me up on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! to check out all the interesting things I try to come up with quips about and of course feel the rush of suspense as we try and keep our overall MPG above 30 all the way to LA. My copilot wants you to follow her on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! too, turns out her pics are mostly me drinking coffee.

As some readers may know, Truck Yeah headquarters (me) is relocating from Wiccopee, NY to sunny Los Angeles. Like, right now! So far we’ve put about 600 miles down and are looking at a route that’s around 3,500 in total.

Night one we spent at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ’s house, listening to stories about the time he speared a trophy fish with the wiper blade of his Range Rover. Yesterday we drove from his place in Philadelphia to some random hotel in Blacksburg, Virginia via the incredibly pretty Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah National Park.

Today, we’re trotting to Asheville, North Carolina to have a look around and let the car and our butts cool off a bit.

From there the plan is to hit New Orleans via Tennessee, Texas, somewhere in Arizona, and eventually end up at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ’s house where I’ll be sharing bed with his dog Wiley until we can find an actual garage, I mean apartment, of our own.

This is my fourth time crossing the US by car, and my girlfriend’s first. Long road trips have always been my favorite kind of vacation, and it’s nice to finally be doing “Big America” with a decent car and a more substantial budget.

In 2007 I went east to west in a 1988 Starion that completed the trip with a clutch line made out of duct tape. We basically didn’t eat so we could afford fuel and occasionally splurge on a Motel 6.

In 2010 I did east to west again in a MK III Jetta which topped out at about 60 MPH and had an alternator fail under the wide-open skies of Wyoming.

In 2012 I did the ride backwards in a 1998 Mercedes ML320, which, remarkably, kicked ass and led us through some amazing Arizona dirt tracks. That car ended up staying in my family until... this week, actually.

Anyway hit us up on social media and tell us where all the good barbecue joints are at!

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Contact the author at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

DISCUSSION (100)

Nibby > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 09:46

Kinja'd!!!

SOON

dogisbadob > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 09:49

That yellow Freelander is awesome. I like them more than I should.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 09:51

YAAAAS SPICE GIRLS

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 09:51

Andrew, I need some help. I want a GMT400, but my parents want to set me up with a minivan because “it’s easier to drive”. What can I do to convince them that a C1500 is better than a mid-00s Nissan Quest?

area man > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 09:55

Is the scout joining you on the best coast?

Chris Li > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 10:09

Sound great enjoy

ly2v8-Brian > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/06/2015 at 10:15

That's a BS excuse and they know it.

iSureWilll > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 10:18

Good bbq joint in Belmont, NC just west of Charlotte.

PeaceNHominy

http://www.peacenhominy.com/

Andrew P. Collins > area man
09/06/2015 at 10:18

Sadly, the Scout has been passed on to another caretaker. More on that later.

PS9 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 10:20

You got to drive a laser? How did that work?

Birddog > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 11:34

Dog beds can be surprisingly comfortable. Siler’s dog is a bit on the big side though, if he starts “Spooning” you just slowly pull away.

Good luck on the move!

Torque Affair > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 12:11

Driving through Austin? Lots of great bbq!

HammerheadFistpunch > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 12:18

I remember driving across country with my brother a few years ago and thinking “man this is a longer trip than it looked on a map”. Best of luck

Whitesmoke > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 12:53

And when may I expect delivery?

MK6GTI-now with added Miata > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 12:55

I went from Rhode Island to California a couple weeks ago. Avoid interstates if you have the time, they’re boring as hell.

Daddy's Beigemobile > HammerheadFistpunch
09/06/2015 at 13:01

I flew from Florida to Phoenix, AZ to buy a vehicle and drive it home. I’ve never driven across the country like that and holy crap, this is a huge freaking country.

Charles Martel > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:06

This was the first new car I ever bought. Boy that 6 speed was a peach. If you feel like stopping around Chapel Hill give me a ping.

gneo > HammerheadFistpunch
09/06/2015 at 13:06

I remember thinking that on day 3 of a trip from Seattle to Atlanta, that I should have flown because it seemed as if I was beginning to hallucinate in Wyoming. That was a strange 5 day trip!

Big Russ > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:07

10 Days? Drove cross country Coast to Coast in 2.... step up your game man

kaykicing > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:07

In my garage right now is a black ‘05 TL. I think it’s the last great car Acura made.

d1sturb3d > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:08

If you pass through SLC Utah hit me up. Lots of nice places here to grab a bite!

AntiLag > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:08

I Don’t know where wes lives, but try to route your drive through the PCH if traffic isn’t bad. It’s totally worth it, every time. Also, the canyons that lead you back to the valley are epic.

JBRonin > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:13

Well here’s a problem, you want the best barbecue but it doesn’t look like you are going anywhere near Kansas City...

shurkon93 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:13

Any pics of the 88 Starion?

Mike_Gerome > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:15

Safe travels brother. Time for you to bring “LaneSplitter” articles to the next level since it will be legal for you now.

Coptermedic > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:16

Anyone else get the Big Lebowski reference?

Spacegrass > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:23

Hoping its either gone to a guy with glasses who has many jeeps, or a man that you probably sold it to For Less Than The Price Of An 80s Camry .

EtrnL_Frost > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:33

So... weird question, I know, but why in a car? Why not in... say... a truck of some sort? I can understand not wanting to do it in a Jeep unless you were “as the bee flies”, buuuuuuuut...

I mean, it doesn’t have to be like a Raptor or something (although that’s probably not a bad choice, given its highway chops) - an old Baja or something could have been fun.

Just... you know. Curious.

Eyemightbewrong > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:36

You lost me at Spice Girls.

Deke > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:36

If you’re taking 40 there tylers in amarillo. Its worth the stop. http://tylersbarbeque.com/menu/

Justin T. Westbrook > iSureWilll
09/06/2015 at 13:36

Thanks! (I’m in Charlotte)

Money Hustard > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:39

I adore this generation of TL. It’s timeless, roomy and very sharp.

SlowpokeTexas > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:40

Very nice car to do the trip in. I purchased a 2004 TL back when they first came out, and it is an amazing road-trip car. I traded it in 6 years and 170,000 miles later, and by far my most memorable time in it was taking it to Glacier National Park, to me the prettiest spot in the continental US that I’ve come across.

Ryanator122 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:42

The single day trip from California to Montana did me in something awful. Completely delirious upon arrival after being up for 26 hours

HammerheadFistpunch > EtrnL_Frost
09/06/2015 at 13:42

I suspect it’s because then his car also makes the move

Chasaboo > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 13:45

Funny, I had an alternator die while driving a Volkswagen Golf across the country. What is it with Volkswagen and crap alternators?

foop > HammerheadFistpunch
09/06/2015 at 14:03

I’ve done it twice, both times in a 2001 Jetta 1.8t with everything I owned either in or on top of the car. Fuck that noise. I had one of the worst nights sleep of my life sitting sideways in the driver’s seat with my back against the door and my feet propped up on the stuff in the passenger seat, which was stacked up to the window sill. Not fun at all!

A couple months ago I drove from Alabama to SW Colorado and back for vacation. next time I drive out there it’s going to be in a land cruiser or something more cushy than the accord I have now. Some drives are too long to be spent not wooshing along in luxury.

mad.anthony > Daddy's Beigemobile
09/06/2015 at 14:04

The farthest I’ve driven is Maryland to Indiana. I remember thinking, “man, Ohio is sure a wide state”.

iSureWilll > Justin T. Westbrook
09/06/2015 at 14:06

No problem. I moved to New Jersey but used to work in Cramerton. We used to go that BBQ joint in Belmont allllll the time. It's like $6-$7 and real tasty.

Slant6 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 14:07

Stop in Boone! I want your autograph.

Iwaswonderofwonders > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
09/06/2015 at 14:09

You made me watch this. I hate you and have a star.

TurboLag23 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 14:09

As a fellow LA-based 3G TL owner, I wish you the best of luck! And welcome to LA!

Admittedly, I’m not too informed regarding the off-roading scene here in LA... but for what it’s worth, there’s an auto shop on called ASC Auto Lincoln Blvd. near Venice that is constantly stocked with Broncos. Might be worth a look if you’re in the area :)

groves226 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 14:11

12 Bones in Asheville NC.

Though they might be sold out when you get into town, but they do take phone orders.

NipperDawg > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 14:18

Ive done it 3 times on motorcycle, 3 times in cars not built for it, and 3 times in modern cars. This is a non thing.

Serious Gord > HammerheadFistpunch
09/06/2015 at 14:22

Drove a packed-to-the-gills ‘88 civic without a/c sedan with my now wife from corner brook nl to Kelowna bc mostly through the U.S. . Tented the whole way. Just a little over 4000 miles and it included a six hour ferry ride. America is a beautiful country.

Leon711 > Money Hustard
09/06/2015 at 14:22

I too like it, but we call it a Honda Accord.

504gumbocrawfish > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 14:27

I drove from Nashville to Seattle back in 2012. Western Nebraska is surprisingly beautiful, almost like a Terrence Malick film. Eastern Nebraska is exactly like an Alexander Payne film.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Money Hustard
09/06/2015 at 14:30

And with the V6, it will surprise people how quick it is.

TSXBRZS2K > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 14:35

You have an exhaust on that thing?

I think they’re decently cool with some wheels, an exhaust and a few bolt ons

Kinja'd!!!

TSXBRZS2K > Leon711
09/06/2015 at 14:38

I don’t believe this car was sold overseas.

timgray > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 14:50

The Acura TL is a mid-size luxury car, It is not practical in any way.

Unless I can use the practical excuse with my wife for getting a BMW 530i, or a Mercedes E350.

Nevermind, you opened the box and I’m using the excuse. Expect an angry phone call from my wife in a while Andrew. I’m blaming you.

Leon711 > TSXBRZS2K
09/06/2015 at 14:51

You’re right, I was thinking TSX

Mad Cow Tipper Gore Vidal Sassoon > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 14:56

Give us a shout when you hit Houston. I'm sure there's a few of us that would gladly meet up for a dinner on your way through!

Prophet of hoon > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 14:58

Hoon Prophecy

You will drive across the country and back. When you get home, you’ll realize you don’t (actually) loathe the lady you traveled with. You will propose, she will accept. You will buy a Camry because “she needs something reliable” and “everyone knows that beige Camrys are reliable and invisible to the police.” Two years will pass, you a mini-you will arrive. Another year passes, and a second minion arrives. You will quit your job with Gawker to “get a more sensible job that pays better.” You will buy a minivan because everyone knows that 2 children cannot ride within touching distance in any car. You will not call it a “cow carrier.”

and you will sing

then you will sell your Scout or, as she refers to it “that thing.”

Don’t sell your Scout, drive your Scout across the US with the special lady - and if she hasn’t died of blood poising from tetanus and hasn’t killed you... marry her. Don’t drive boring cars, there really is not excuse.

Quade > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/06/2015 at 14:59

Tell them about how you’re taking the back seats out and turning it into a bang bus for all your pals to use...

Prophet of hoon > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 15:00

sigh.... see “prophecy”

mstrjon32 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 15:06

If you can’t keep the “MPG”’s above 30 in that thing at US speeds, it’s hardly the finest practical commuter car. My 9-3 will average 30 MPG (US gallons, obviously) even with flagrant abuse of the go pedal. I recently had to do a 700km drive and managed 5.7L/100km without even really trying...that’s 40 US MPG.

Ufnavy06 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 15:09

I’m doing this for the second time in October. But with a family (see toddler + dog). In a Passat, for the second time as well. It was surprisingly pleasant to drive with a newborn the first time. More worried about entertainment this time though.

krhodes1 > Daddy's Beigemobile
09/06/2015 at 15:21

A couple years ago I flew from Maine to San Antonio to buy my Range Rover. I then proceeded to drive 10 hours to get 10 minutes out of Texas into Louisiana. Admittedly, I went the long way through Dallas to eat BBQ with a friend, but still! And I was still 3 days from home at that point.

In my work travels I have pretty much driven all of I-80 and I-90 in pieces, I have zero desire to do it all at once. That is why Dog invented airplanes with first class cabins.

Money Hustard > Leon711
09/06/2015 at 15:22

This is one of those grown up cars y’all don’t get:)

Yeah, it’s less economical, less agile, and harder to park than a TSX. But when you are a 6’7” 360 pound American like I am, it’s awesome.

Leon711 > Money Hustard
09/06/2015 at 15:28

I’ll stick to putting my 5’7” 168lb frame into dem small yurrupeen cars.

Daddy's Beigemobile > krhodes1
09/06/2015 at 15:29

Texas, oh my goodness. When it came time to steal land from native people groups Texas just pulled up a chair and ate the entire buffet.

Effef > Money Hustard
09/06/2015 at 15:49

Same, ive always liked these. I know its just a fancy Accord but its a really clean, simple, attractive design. IDK what the heck Acura is doing now but these have always been good looking cars.

scoob > area man
09/06/2015 at 15:49

Best coast vs beast coast

caddyak > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 16:02

I just did the same thing in America’s finest, unpractical commuter!

Kinja'd!!!

Earlier this summer I did a 7,000 mile roadtrip in my 2001 M5 out west from Indianapolis, to the American southwest, to Yosemite and back. It was packed to the roof (literally) with our camping gear and 3 large men, but performed admirably! Even with 150k miles, it never even gave me a hiccup flying through the twisties of Death Valley on a 110 degree day or climbing up through Yosemite during a snowstorm (on worn Pilot Sports).

The only issue was my boyfriend. He can’t drive stick, so that left us with 2 drivers to make the 30 hour, non-stop, mad dash back from Yosemite to Indiana (to get my brother on a flight to Europe).

Money Hustard > Effef
09/06/2015 at 16:07

I feel like Acura is at least starting to pull out of the nose dive they’ve been in.

SlowpokeTexas > mad.anthony
09/06/2015 at 16:07

Wait until you cross Texas. When you enter on I-10 heading west, there’s a sign on the interstate telling you that El Paso (on the western tip), is like 832 miles away. Thankfully the speed limits aren’t as ridiculously low as they are in Ohio.

SlowpokeTexas > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/06/2015 at 16:10

Smile at them and tell them you want the Quest because you can put in an air mattress.

SlowpokeTexas > JBRonin
09/06/2015 at 16:18

Heresy.

oldirtybootz > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 16:37

This gen of TL, along with the first gen TSX, are still some of the best looking, modern Japanese sedans.

SilverPantherIsSilver > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 16:37

You guys coming to the film festival in LA?

Kyree S. Williams > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 16:38

As the owner of a Mk3 Jetta VR6 (which, might I add, is a beautiful garage ornament since I don’t drive it), you actually went cross-country in one of those? Are you insane?

hella cool colin > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 16:39

I really like Acura. They make some great cars, and I hope it all works out for them. Ya know, the whole brand revitalization thing.

keny > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
09/06/2015 at 16:48

This video sucks !

HammerheadFistpunch > Serious Gord
09/06/2015 at 16:49

Damn strait.

willmederski > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 16:49

love a good cross-country trip. my favorite car experience was in a little ‘90 Corrado G60. but have done it on two wheels a time or two and that’s the ticket there.

routes you may have missed, but are my favorites:

US50 between Winchester, VA + Parkersburg, WV (100 miles of 2nd gear switchbacks, 100 miles of sweepers)

Natchez Trace Parkway - between Nashville and the SW corner of MS. 440 miles of just trees and fields, not a single city or structure visible in what is basically a preserved corridor.

holler if you roll through ATX. i believe George and Stef live here, though i’ve never met them personally. we should all grab a drink and i’ll give you a dozen routes west. was just out there a earlier this summer.

mikemikemotorbike > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 16:50

Bring water!

Saab wagon is best wagon-now with less Saab > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 16:57

When did you buy the TL? I utterly loved mine. First owner, ‘04 model year, and sold it about a month ago to make room for a ‘16 Colorado.

willmederski > caddyak
09/06/2015 at 16:58

this is too much: you have a manual E39 M5, go cross-country camping in it, and your boyfriend doesn’t drive stick.

so much right. so much wrong.

willmederski > willmederski
09/06/2015 at 16:59

actually, here’s a shot of my FZR on the Natchez.

Kinja'd!!!

TeamProBono > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 17:18

You’re taking your special lady AND your girlfriend? To each his (and her) own.

Andrew T. Maness > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 17:39

It’s bad enough that we both go by Andrew INITIAL FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT Lastname here, but now you gotta go and move to my town?! C’mon man I’m loosing my entire identity here!

*actually quite happy you’re moving here, will have lots of cool places to show you, including my top secret off road testing zones.

OmerCarrothers333 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 18:05

Ten years ago I moved from Florida to California with everything I owned in a small U-Haul trailer towed behind my 1993 Ford Ranger. Because was 29 and dumb, I did not know that one should not peg the speedometer when towing long distance with a Ranger, even if said Ranger had the 4.0 V6.

Several months after getting to California in one piece, I retired my Ranger and got a Mustang.

Nobi > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 18:44

If its an auto, keep an eye on the trans fluid. The moment it starts to look dark, change it, don't flush it. Also, watch the pad wear in the back. Rear calipers seize on them. Alternators are also fairly common. As soon as it starts whining, it's toast.

Effef > Money Hustard
09/06/2015 at 18:44

Sorta yeah. Still not real big on their current styling.

Money Hustard > Effef
09/06/2015 at 18:51

The 8 projector light thing is just weak.

EllasPapa > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 19:21

Imma keep my eyes peeled on this for the good BBQ joints too! We’re leaving Calgary, Alberta tomorrow, enroute to New Orleans via Montana, Wyoming, Kansas, Memphis, Nashville, etc. A few days in NOLA, then west to San Antonio, Santa Fe, Phoenix, then up to Utah for some quality time in Zion & Bryce Canyon.Eventually on to Boulder then back home. I think we’ve got you trounced in mileage; about 9600 miles round trip, not including side excursions. We’re going with comfort and taking my wife’s 5 series this time. Big enough that when I need a break, she can drive and I can nap in the back seat

Dufoos > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 19:53

Hit up 12 bones bbq. Get the blueberry chipotle sauce and the corn pudding

Dufoos > Dufoos
09/06/2015 at 19:54

Sorry in Asheville !

Dufoos > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 19:57

If you can find a Dreamland bbq they have amazing ribs. Tusculoosa is the original original, but their is one in Birmingham, mobile, and ? Atlanta?

jginnane > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 21:39

3rd gen TL? Make sure you check tire pressures. Also, check wear on the rear treads (even though it’s FWD). This generation (2005) had severe rear toe-in under any sort of weight, and a lot of the Bridgestone Turanza OEM tires were bald at 13-15K ... on the rear only.

Also if you’re thinking of staying over 30mpg, it’s not possible in this car without thin synth oil and severely overinflated tires. Be happy with gas under $2 a gallon for regular; use GasBuddy to find the premium you need.

Crow > HammerheadFistpunch
09/06/2015 at 22:00

Several times in my life I have taken vacation to do my own version of One Lap of America on whatever sportbike I owned at the moment. The best times were when (before reliable internet maps) I had to work out how to get somewhere on some random backroad with less than 2 gallons of fuel left. While sporting California plates.

Stressful at the time, great memories now.

Serious Gord > HammerheadFistpunch
09/06/2015 at 22:04

Lol

Vic788 > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 22:37

FYI planning to use their own car on a road trip. Make sure the car gets a good service and ++++++++++++ new tires etc. 2 things I never do on road trips take a used car or drive a motor home...........

EtrnL_Frost > HammerheadFistpunch
09/06/2015 at 23:18

Well, that would be logical. Poor assumption on my side that he’d have a truck ;)

Expansion Franchise > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 23:30

In Asheville, 12 Bones Smokehouse has some great barbecue, and there is fantastic beer just everywhere there.

31ModelA > Andrew P. Collins
09/06/2015 at 23:43

Try this with your TL. Grab the wipers with your hand and move them through their motion without the car on. It unlocks the car. Seriously.

VixWei > caddyak
09/07/2015 at 00:18

Kinja'd!!!

Pretty much the best thing any car owner could do, no matter what kind of car you have you will love every minute of it. I loved my X5 on the road trip, couldn’t imagine how awesome an M5 would be driving through Montana’s empty stretches of highway.

BTW more pics of the trip would be amazing :)

KarmannA > Andrew P. Collins
09/07/2015 at 02:00

I did a similar loop West to East on 40, then down the Atlantic coast to the 10 and back to SoCal. Incredible trip, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

C-5M Load Smasher > TSXBRZS2K
09/07/2015 at 03:11

It's a slightly different euro accord. I loved mine, wish I hadn't sold it. The Type-S is truly a magnificent vehicle.