<p>Have you considered renting a car (and I think for most big companies you have to be 25) and you drive it this summer and let your son drive your car (which I assume is in better shape then his)? Friends have done this to get them through a summer with n people at home and n-1 cars.</p>
<p>^^ I’ve checked into long term rentals before but the bottom line is that it was pretty expensive and I think someone doing so because of an older, unreliable car would be better off spending that money on a more reliable replacement car.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>I agree…</p>
<p>Why not just let the kid drive one of the family’s more reliable cars to Portland, and a family member drive the older car during the summer? If the family doesn’t have a more reliable car, then instead of wasting money on rentals, plane fares, etc, why not get a more reliable car?</p>
<p>I think it’s a given that if we were to drive, mom2’s idea that he takes my car with 50K miles instead of his with 170K miles will be the way to go. His car itself hasn’t ever misbehaved, so I’m labeling it as “not reliable” simply because of its use. The main factor in driving however, is that we’ve never done trips remotely as long as this - as concerned about reliable drivers as we are of reliable cars.</p>
<p>He just heard yesterday from the company that there is a rental program through them that will take care of the age problem, but we don’t have any rates to compare. So we’re still looking at these and the numerous other options that you guys have been kind enough to suggest. Thanks one and all.</p>
<p>My son, a graduate student who does not own a car, is a huge fan of Zipcar and a regular user of their services. BUT…</p>
<p>He never gets a Zipcar for a full day. It’s too expensive. He uses Zipcars mainly for shopping and social events. Also, he’s 23, which may make the rates lower.</p>
<p>I vote for the cross-country trip in the better car – with another family member along to share the driving. Most of the trip is going to be on Interstates; this is relatively easy driving, especially with a second person in the car to act as navigator. Allow several days and make motel reservations along the way.</p>