Breaking down
 

What do people do if they break down more than a couple hundred miles from their house and it’s not a side of the road fix. Like on a weekend, where do you tow the car to? I’m about to drive 1k miles with an older car that I haven’t actually driven but have only seen receipts and putting trust in seller.
Any advice.

I’m using sellers plates so not even sure I can use my AAA.

This forum isn't what it used to be, but use it. Do you have a route, known contacts, etc.? I did a 500 mile drive before I joined here ... but I had been here reading quite some time ... and knew I had help ... here ;).

Or I wouldn't have even been doing it ....

Good luck!

Stick to interstates if you are not comfortable with the reliability of the car. Maybe look up what common issues are for that vehicle, and buy some spare parts to bring along.

For me .... Hey Pelicans ... help, where do I tow this thing ... prolly even for a flat ;).

Or a DME relay and a spare belt :D?

I think you can use your AAA for any vehicle you're driving, but check. I've found it useless anyway, usually I can get a tow faster using Google and calling around. Yeah, you have to pay but I have towing insurance.
I have two experiences, both involving my 911. First it cooked an alternator 150mi from home, found a tow and asked the driver where he'd go, and the guy sent me to a German car wizard working out of a barn in middle of nowhere-the guy had maybe 50 MB's in various states of repair on the property. Second was on the BRP 2 yrs ago, came out of a turn and the car shut off. Luckily had a couple bars of service. Googled, found a tow company in Roanoke, like 2hrs to get me. Dropped them a pin, Googled again and found a German car indy in Roanoke. 20 minutes later it occured to me that I had an uninstalled new solid state DME relay in the glovebox, and voila, was on my way. Called and cancelled the tow before they were on the road.

You'll find a way.

BTW, most states allow you to purchase a "trip permit" so that you don't have to use sellers plates, but sometimes they're distance restricted. Check with your and seller's states dmv online.

No way to know the details of your purchase(?) or planned route but as a reminder, there was a time when Bring-a-Trailer was both a website (featuring 'see where they rust') and sound advice.

Also, we need pics!!

You didn't note the model of car, but if it's an old British or Italian model put it on a trailer. :-)

LOL ... which car, which route, and do ya feel lucky ;).

Don't overthink it ... a cell phone, a Duck, and a Pelican will be your backup plan ... and wings ...

I fly like a turkey :)

Good luck and post a pic!

No way on earth I would put myself in that situation. When I bought the old E, I had it transported. Glad I did too. One axle was missing two bolts.

Ahhh, this has the makings of a fine adventure if you ask me.

Unknown mechanical reliability, miles from home, what more excitement could you ask for?

If I'm taking a long road trip, I plot out likely repair shops along the route (spaced along the lines of my insurance towing limits) and keep that list handy. However, I'm also taking enough stuff/tools with me and validating the vehicle is in good shape before the trip such that a full break-down situation is not likely...

Giving and receiving help in an unfortunate situation is a wonderful thing. Off-loading foreseeable problems onto others isn't reasonable.

It’s a 83 944. Car seems pretty well maintained. Timing belt is a year old, relatively new fuel pump, suspension refresh just over a year ago. I think the Waterpump was done with belt. I honestly don’t no much about these but seems like owner was up on maintence. I’ll be going up 81 from TN to PA snd then make way to mass. Maybe I don’t do the tail of the dragon,

I'm not far from 81 if you need anything.

That info and a cell phone... get home via the direct route and folks like Greg .... If Fred is along the way (where is Fred?), ditto ....have a plan.

Then drive it home ... safely :).

You driving this in how many days ;)?

Check the age of the tires, and make sure they are at recommended pressure. It is a Porsche, not a British car. You will be fine. Relax and enjoy the trip.

Yep. I'm in SW Ohio. If you're going to be through here and you have trouble, contact me through PPOT.

I've been around here long enough to remember Jack Olsen's story of bringing BB1 home. If you have a few resources so you are never completely boned, a little adversity makes for a memorable experience.

Have a great trip.

If you feel comfortable, post some details of your trip -- route, dates, vehicle, etc. I'm in Las Vegas and am happy to lend a hand if you need it.