DaveHammerwell
Observer
So how far can a car go? I have recently started entertaining the idea of using a small commuter car instead of a four wheel drive for long trips. I own 2006 Jeep LJ, and use it to haul my off road trailer. I love the Jeep but it gets terrible mileage, doesn't drive that good, its slow on the highway in comparison to a car. The Jeep and trailer are well equipped with a roof top tent, Engel fridge, a cook station and so much more. I still take a trips every year that no car could survive (yes including the fabled suburu), but have found that most of the time the back roads we travel are gravel or fairly tame two track. Im not looking to replace my real 4WD, just adding tools to the tool bag.
So in steps my commuter car, a 2005 Ford Focus ZX4. My wife bought the car new, and I have done the maintinace since the free oil changes ran out. The car has a lot of pluses going for it. More comfort and interior space the the jeep, double the MPG, known service history, Easy to drive for long distances ( set cruise at 75 and wait to run out of fuel, add fuel and Red Bull and repeat) . I know the durablity of the car is directly related to how i drive and the terrain encountered. I really think with a few simple modifacations like proper tire and wheel combos, good suspention, and protecting the vital parts under the car I think this is a reality.
So my question to everyone is what modifacations have worked, and can it be done without ruining what the car is supose to be in the first place( A CAR) ? I have my own ideas that im borrowing from my exposure to off-road, road rally , and rally cross cars. I hope at the end of this the Focus would be prepped enough to travel 90% of the roads in the Americas. I would love to do some big trips into Central America, as well all through Canada and Alaska while being reliable.
So in steps my commuter car, a 2005 Ford Focus ZX4. My wife bought the car new, and I have done the maintinace since the free oil changes ran out. The car has a lot of pluses going for it. More comfort and interior space the the jeep, double the MPG, known service history, Easy to drive for long distances ( set cruise at 75 and wait to run out of fuel, add fuel and Red Bull and repeat) . I know the durablity of the car is directly related to how i drive and the terrain encountered. I really think with a few simple modifacations like proper tire and wheel combos, good suspention, and protecting the vital parts under the car I think this is a reality.
So my question to everyone is what modifacations have worked, and can it be done without ruining what the car is supose to be in the first place( A CAR) ? I have my own ideas that im borrowing from my exposure to off-road, road rally , and rally cross cars. I hope at the end of this the Focus would be prepped enough to travel 90% of the roads in the Americas. I would love to do some big trips into Central America, as well all through Canada and Alaska while being reliable.