distance2

Hey all,

I am planning a trip to Florida. 2 adults 01 protege 1.6L or 3.3L caravan 2003.

I am just wondering if I will be alright with the little 1.6L or not. I have co-workers that are saying not to take the 1.6L as the engine is too small and I wil have problems. My car runs well all the time and never had any major issues. 120000kms. My 03 Caravan (35000kms) has already been to Florida last year and absolutly no issues. The trip will be ~2500 there ~750 while there and ~2500kms back. Thats almost ~6000kms

Any issues with the 1.6L going the distance. We will be driving ~1300 the first day and remainder of 2500 the next day.

I know this is a mazda site, but.... Honest opnions welcome Well all opinions welcome.

jbiird317

i took my 00ES down to Carolina (from PA) and back in a weekend (roughly 1500 miles total) and from PA to Montreal in a weekend (twice-each trip about 1000miles) and i have yet to have any problems...as well as getting over 30 miles to the gallon in the process

so speaking from experience, the protege will be just fine for the two of you and probably get you a lot better gas mileage than the heavy van...

good luck!

mgs_freak

You will definately get better gas mileage. You will also be less susceptable to cross winds. The only problem you should have the the car is passing on 2-lane highways. Don't know if you'll be on any. But I know that when I drove a 1.6 pro, it really didn't have power above 65 mph.

Roddimus Prime

you should check to see which one cruises on the interstate at a lower rpm....that would be my trip car of choice. Lower rpm's equal better mileage.

distance2

Unfortunately my van does not have a rpm gauge. But I guess I'll go with the Pro as its my only car that has never taken the trip. I just hate not having cruise. I always get pulled over for doing time 85 in 70 mph I have slowed down alot, but there are always groups of cars that start cruising at speeds and you sort of get attached to a group speed. Oh well , thanks for the replies. If there are any other warnings or precautions that you can think of, would be much appreciated.