I currently drive an '05 4.2 A8L that's got 74,300 on the odometer right now. I'm planning on driving home to California from upstate New York next month, and I was wondering if I should get the 75K service done before or after I head out? The trip itself should be around 3,000 miles long. Is it safe for me to drive my car to 78,000 miles before getting the 75K service done, or do I risk bricking the car if I do that?

 

Depends on the condition of the TB.

I would get it done ahead of the trip to save the worry.
You'll have to get it done one way or the other.

Thermostat and water pump get changed along with oil, etc and you'll want those in top shape before a long trip in the heat too.

My 2 cent.

 

I would just ship the car. It may not be that much more to ship the car then driving it across the country.

 

It is so dirt cheap to ship cars these days, I would just ship it and put yourself on an airliner.

 

I'd be driving myself.

I've taken several very long trips in my '05. If time is not an issue, make the drive.

If you get the maintenance done before you go, you'll feel more secure though. Of course, it depends on when it was last serviced too. If all the maintenance is up to snuff, according to the factory recommendations, I wouldn't hesitate to take the trip.


Carry on...

 

Agreed.

I make at least 4 2,000 mile round trips a year.

Driving up and down the east coast is no different than driving across town from a comfort perspective - except it takes longer.

Also every time I've moved, certain high value (to me anyway) items always go with me in the car.
Far too many things have been ruined by movers - even the expensive "good" moving companies.

 

Shipping is the path of least resistance. IMO the cost of food and motels is over the top.
The extra miles on the A8 should be considered along with the cost of breaking down on the road and the headaches that follow (i won't mention the wear and tear on your backside). That is a long "ride" and I'm a professional trucker btw.
Load the car and let Southwest do the work.