My SC400 road trip through the Southwest

[gtsfirefighter]

Some people think I'm strange but I like to road trip by myself, with no set schedule or itinerary. I just get in my car and take off and go where I feel like when I feel like. I did it before a couple of times with my 98 SC300 (RIP). Other than my drive home from Florida after I bought this car, this was my first official road trip. I like, no love, to drive through Arizona, from top to bottom. It has some of the best scenery in the union. This trip was a little different because this one involved spending a couple of days with a lady friend in Phoenix.

The car. 1997 SC 400 black on black.
Recent work. New LCA's, rack n pinion, tie rods, motor mounts and Supra suspension, and 4 new tires..

I logged 51.5 hours behind the wheel according to the trip computer. 2860 miles and averaged 25.9 mpg. One tank I averaged 27 mpg (figured by calculator not off trip computer).

Issues found along the way. CD changer died on the way home. It just reads ERR on all 12 discs. Fuel pump started getting noisy.

Cameras: An iPhone 4S and a Canon Rebel XTi digital.

Some Pics: I hope you enjoy them.

First is me in my element...my car.

Driving down I-20 somewhere in Texas.

Tucson

Tucson still

At the Grand Canyon

If you've never been to Grand Canyon, put it on your bucket list.

Up at Monument Valley

 

[gtsfirefighter]

Another pic of Monument Valley. This is my favorite place. It's actually in Utah and Arizona.

What's cool about this picture is that it was taken when it was pitch dark outside. Well, there was a full moon. I had my camera on a tripod and pointed blindly towards my car. The shutter stayed open for at least 15 seconds.

 

[hvyman]

Next trip you should put a go pro on your car and do a fast motion video of the entire trip. Forgot what those videos are called.

 

[empera]

Great pics man, i love my SC as well but it needs work...your car gives me some sort of motivation.

thanks for sharing!

 

[slowma70]

Forgot what those videos are called.

time lapse?

The SC looks great, crazy you just jump in and drive..

 

[hvyman]

That's it. Time lapse. There are some sweet time lapse videos on Vimeo.

 

[MDCmotorsports]

Awesome pics man. Glad to hear you're doing well.

 

[Silver MK3]

Sounds like a fun trip. Nice car too.

 

[te72]

Sounds a lot like what I did back around this time 2006, in my first Mk3... met up with my first genuine "love" down in AZ there. Good times man, if your trip was half as rewarding as mine, I know you had an excellent time.

Nice pictures too. Reminds me, I should head down to Monument Valley sometime next year. It's honestly a (long) day's drive there and back for me from where I live in WY...