Hey Guys -

Moving from Hawaii to AZ next month and I'm considering on driving the Z directly from CA to AZ (just because it costs too much to have it delivered). Believe it or not, the cost is almost identical on having the car shipped from HI to CA as it is to truck the Z from CA to AZ.

I've done long distance driving before on the mainland and my girlfriend is from Arizona so driving isn't my concern...it's the reliability of my Z. My Z is tuned so I know tuning may be an issue so the plan was to have it tuned with Shawn Church then drive it back to AZ.

I live on an island, so the Z never got or went long distances. Most of the time was spent in traffic anyway

Got any thoughts?

 

I’m not sure I understand your concern or question. Nissan is a very reliable line, and the 350z is at the top. I wouldn’t worry about any drive, no matter how long.

--Spike

 

I've driven the Z for 17 hours straight before....

It didn't know anything different other than it got good fuel miles for a longer period of time than normal.

 

thanks guys! I just never drove the Z for long periods of time so it kinda concerns me. Guess i don't have much to worry about!

 

AZ to CA would be nice and short for me. I've driven from AZ to NY in mine 3 times, and I'm about to do it again in the next couple months. Swore I'd never do it again each time I was done.

 

Enjoy the drive, nothing to worry about.

 

I've done CA to VA, VA to CA, VA to FL and FL to VA, i've put 30k miles on my car in less than a year. driving to AZ is going to be a cake walk, i would however get an alignment done and do your routine maitanence. Church Automotive is one of the best in the area so you're safe in there hands!

 

Appreciate the input guys. I'm having new rubber installed before I leave so alignment and routine maintenance will def get done

 

It sounds like it needs a good run to blow the cobwebs out of it after loads of shortish journeys. You'll be fine, its just what the car was built for.

 

I drove from fl to wa in two and half days....z's a champ.

 

you might have to get retuned in arizona due to the higher elevation and climate. But you should be good.

 

I just went from Ca to Nv last weekend without any issue. granted it's a bit closer than AZ it was problem free.

 

Mine goes from NV to Ca , beat the puck out of it on the track and driven back to NV all the time, no problem. It has also been from NV to WI, the all the way to Cali before I headed home to Vegas. Nothing to worry about.

 

http://www.carscoops.com/2014/01/thi...drive-his.html

Pretty sure you'll be fine.

 

how long does that take and how many times you gotta stop to sleep?

 

Just went a few weeks ago to 20 min east of Chandler, AZ from Los Angeles, CA. Took less than 6 hrs considering i only stopped for gas and 1 restroom stop and no stopping for food.
Averaged about 75 in cali and 85 in AZ. Enjoy a long 3hr straight thru the desert! lol i got around 25 MPGs but u could get more if u do the limits (65-75)

 

Made one stop to sleep 3 hours the first time and made it in 2 days, every other time was 3. After first one I quit pushing it, I was drinking 5 hour energy drinks so much they were wearing off in 30 min before I finally pulled over to sleep.

 

I drive to Northern Cali. from South Eastern Arizona and back one weekend a month for my Reserve duty. The Z is the car I use for that trip, since it gets better mileage than my other cars. Never had an issue. Have a fun trip.

If your girl is driving with you, take the scenic routes and enjoy the time.

As an aside...you're moving from Hawaii to Arizona--you military? If so, coming to Fort Huachuca? That's where I am.

 

I know the temps are definitely hotter out there, but do you think it would really make a difference? They don't have too many reputable shops where I'm gonna be living

Wow, really got nothing to worry about then lol

Yeah, I hear it's no problem at those speeds (if not more) out in the desert. gf and her brother did a record trip from CA to AZ in about 3.5hrs. Of course they were going about 100mph

Dang bro, you got some ***** to drive those distances that many times!

Can you recommend any routes? I was just mapping it out and I was planning on doing a straight shot. I think either Hwy 8 or 10 goes straight from CA to AZ. As for moving, no - not military. My girl is from there so we're just moving back to her home. I've been on this rock for far too long. Wanted to do something new. I'll be in West Phoenix (Litchfield)

 

Man don't even worry about the drive, look forward to it! As long as your car is is good shape you can take it as many hrs. as you want; 6th gear is almost like an overdrive as rpms are very low and it's like it's almost resting! Your car was made for the road! *do the basic checks however, tire psi, fluids, etc. Grab a "large" RedBull and hit it!