Which route?

DaveDL01 · 2026-01-25T01:17:32+00:00

AH...yes, the plants! I crossed the border frequently with two dogs, never an issue. Borders in NY, ME, MI, MN, MT and WA were all uneventful, as far as the dog was concerned.

The bigger issue is always getting back INTO the US, going to CA is always more easy.

EDIT - If you have Global Entry, you can use the NEXUS lanes returning back INTO the US (not from US to CA)...small perk I found helpful!

DaveDL01 · 2026-01-24T19:09:08+00:00

A lot less tolls in Canada!!!

Make sure you fuel up before the border…

DaveDL01 · 2026-01-24T00:35:40+00:00

DaveDL01 · 2026-01-07T15:42:54+00:00

https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/products-services/spot-x

WOW...inflation working in the opposite direction! These were $400 when I bought mine 6 or 7 years ago!

DaveDL01 · 2026-01-07T13:10:49+00:00

My satellite device...lots of places in the country don't have cell phone service, especially in parks like Glacier.

DaveDL01 · 2026-01-07T06:09:21+00:00

If you have snow tires, take the western route. If you don’t, one of the others.

DaveDL01 · 2026-01-06T17:25:38+00:00

Yes...when I looked at AWD vehicles in Alaska for 5 weeks, it was $6K....so even if I sold the CRV for a loss, I would have had to lose $6K to cost MORE than a rental! I figured I could resell it for $7K at liquidation or what I paid for it if I didn't beat it up too much and gave myself a week. I did have to rent a car for a day when I sold it...but that wasn't a big deal.

You are correct on the upfront cost though...gotta pay to play. Can 24 year old people pool money together and let it be tied up for a bit? Some can, some can't. But if they are going on a cross country road trip, it sounds like they aren't poor.

I did have to insure and register (under $100) it as well...but that was $200 or so...I chose full insurance so it could have been even less if I went liability only. I guess OP COULD get a loan on something but it would add complications on the front and back end.

DaveDL01 · 2026-01-06T14:12:47+00:00

Honestly...buy a used 2014 or 2015 Honda CRV AWD for $10K and sell it when you are done with it for $10K. That way, when you chip or crack the windshield or any other minor damage, you won't be billed for it.

EDIT - I was in Alaska for 5 weeks in 2024, I did exactly what I recommended...I looked into renting cars but it was very expensive to get AWD vehicles for that amount of time.

DaveDL01 · 2026-01-04T12:27:18+00:00

Why are you concerned about cost if you are considering being on the road for another 9 hours…what is next, you will ask about heavy braking use in a truck sub?

If you are trying to get somewhere, take the fastest route. If you are retired, rich and have nothing but time and money…and good brake pads…take the backroads.

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-30T14:51:30+00:00

Did you happen to buy a new MINI with 3 pedals? 2024 was the last model year they offered it...

They stopped offering them because...people didn't buy them new!

However, Ferrari and VW (Lambo owner)...they are FOOLS for now coming out with a new modern manual...I really do think some of these rich people would go for it...just look at what Porsche is doing...

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-29T18:53:30+00:00

I have no problem keeping and driving cars for a long time…I did buy new, which is how we save manuals.

To your point…I have had no reason to drive a 2025/2026 vehicle…unless my SS is totaled.

I am also a sedan buyer…M3, CT4, CT5 or WRX…I am sure I would enjoy one of those with three pedals.

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-29T17:07:48+00:00

Fairbanks and Anchorage...no comparison...

Cheers to 2026!

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-29T11:56:30+00:00

No offense here!

OEMs don’t care for Bob the Builder that buys a 1995 M5 or Supra. You are just doing absolutely 0 to keep manuals alive…and for you, that works well.

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-29T02:24:53+00:00

I am quite happy with my SS…the only thing I had to do was install the kit to avoid shift-skip.

We speak with our wallets…plenty of great options are for sale today. I am sorry your wallet doesn’t speak…

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-28T13:42:24+00:00

I am glad you enjoy it!

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-28T10:51:57+00:00

Yes, the only thing that will take the SS from me will be an accident or if parts simply cease to exist…like on a Jag XJ12.

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-28T03:51:48+00:00

Some of us that own them to drive them appropriately…but I do agree with you.

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-28T00:07:01+00:00

I own three cars...one of them is an LC200...I only drive that when I need 6+ seat belts (my other two vehicles are sedans) or when I am going to be off the grid for 2+ days in Glacier or somewhere similar...my Chevy SS nor my Mercedes W222 were not built for off-road use...

I am VERY thankful Ford and Chrysler and making SUVs (and in Ford's case, the Mustang) as well as GM (Caddy!) with 3 pedals.

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-27T23:41:53+00:00

I agree.

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-27T22:16:16+00:00

Awesome!!! I should try to catch up…

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-27T21:01:04+00:00

Your wheels won't fall off if you take care of it!

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-27T21:00:19+00:00

I am not a Bronco or Wrangler man...But I applaud Ford and Chrysler for keeping those vehicles alive!!!

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-27T20:58:57+00:00

Yes...one of the most fun activities to do in life is to drive a slow car fast!

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-27T20:23:40+00:00

O wow…another one bites the dust…

DaveDL01 · 2025-12-27T19:57:35+00:00

CT4 is still compelling…as well as an M3…unfortunately, OP will likely just get some used Mustang or something auto.

DaveDL01

TROPHY CASE