First Road Trip - 2002 Silver Turbo S

[2ndHalfCor]

I just returned from my first out-of-town trip in my new (to me) Turbo S. It was weekend trip from Boise to Portland, Oregon, for a business meeting. I'm always nervous taking a used car out of town for the first time, not knowing how well the car was cared for by the previous owners. My impression? I'm ecstatic.

Mine is an almost completely stock 2002 Silver New Beetle Turbo S:



It seems popular to name these cars, and with good reason: they seem to have real character. I call mine Steel Steady, since like me, it's entering the second half of its life. It has 95,000 miles and I had the timing belt, tensioner and water pump done as part of the purchase. From what I can tell, it was well cared for, and seems in great shape.

The trip to Portland from Boise is a little over 400 miles over the Blue Mountains in Oregon and then down the Columbia River gorge. On the way down the gorge we bucked a galloping headwind (common in this area) of probably 30 mph. (The gorge is a popular wind-surfing site). I refueled in The Dalles after covering 337 miles. I can't be sure of the mileage because, in Oregon, Big Brother won't let you fill your own gas tank, so I had no control over how the tank was topped. Fuelly shows 31.7 mpg for that leg. After three days in Portland, we returned up the gorge, this time with the wind out of the north-east for a quartering headwind. I filled-up the second time in Pendleton, after 300.6 miles, for 29.1 mpg if the attendant filled it to the same level as the previous one did (unlikely). Climbing out of Pendleton into the Blue Mountains there is a long, steep, winding grade. Steel Steady ate it up easily passing all the other traffic slowing for the curves, the grade, or both. It was great fun. I've done this trip many times in many different vehicles, but never had this much fun.

Back in Boise, I topped the tank to get a trip total. The last leg was 239.1 miles for 31.5 mpg. The trip total, which should be pretty accurate, was 876.7 miles, 28.543 gallons, for 30.7 mpg. Very impressive, especially considering the kick-in-the-pants this car is to drive.

What's more, it was a fun and comfortable trip. My better half struggles sitting for long trips like this, but commented on what an easy trip it was. (She drove some of the time and likes to drive fast).

I wish I had bought this car years ago.

[TrudysMom]

I'm glad the trip went so well. I love the way my Bluebonnet travels.

[dnyed]

Sorry I missed you! You can bet that if I had seen your Turbo S, I would have made my way to it, so I could wave..... (I'm crazy like that - just look at my sig! )

Beautiful Turbo S. Welcome to the nut farm!

[andrewjkontos]

Originally Posted by 2ndHalfCor

I just returned from my first out-of-town trip in my new (to me) Turbo S. It was weekend trip from Boise to Portland, Oregon, for a business meeting. I'm always nervous taking a used car out of town for the first time, not knowing how well the car was cared for by the previous owners. My impression? I'm ecstatic.

Mine is an almost completely stock 2002 Silver New Beetle Turbo S:

Attachment 62008

It seems popular to name these cars, and with good reason: they seem to have real character. I call mine Steel Steady, since like me, it's entering the second half of its life. It has 95,000 miles and I had the timing belt, tensioner and water pump done as part of the purchase. From what I can tell, it was well cared for, and seems in great shape.

The trip to Portland from Boise is a little over 400 miles over the Blue Mountains in Oregon and then down the Columbia River gorge. On the way down the gorge we bucked a galloping headwind (common in this area) of probably 30 mph. (The gorge is a popular wind-surfing site). I refueled in The Dalles after covering 337 miles. I can't be sure of the mileage because, in Oregon, Big Brother won't let you fill your own gas tank, so I had no control over how the tank was topped. Fuelly shows 31.7 mpg for that leg. After three days in Portland, we returned up the gorge, this time with the wind out of the north-east for a quartering headwind. I filled-up the second time in Pendleton, after 300.6 miles, for 29.1 mpg if the attendant filled it to the same level as the previous one did (unlikely). Climbing out of Pendleton into the Blue Mountains there is a long, steep, winding grade. Steel Steady ate it up easily passing all the other traffic slowing for the curves, the grade, or both. It was great fun. I've done this trip many times in many different vehicles, but never had this much fun.

Back in Boise, I topped the tank to get a trip total. The last leg was 239.1 miles for 31.5 mpg. The trip total, which should be pretty accurate, was 876.7 miles, 28.543 gallons, for 30.7 mpg. Very impressive, especially considering the kick-in-the-pants this car is to drive.

What's more, it was a fun and comfortable trip. My better half struggles sitting for long trips like this, but commented on what an easy trip it was. (She drove some of the time and likes to drive fast).

I wish I had bought this car years ago.

Its great to see Fellow NB.org members in Idaho.. Im just from Twin, it would be a blast if we could organize some type of get together in idaho/oregon!

[andrea_cw]

Great NB!

[Johnny Ohio]

Hi! Welcome to the Org.

Great looking TS. Get that bad boy chipped and you'll be grinning till your head hurts!