Hi,

I bought my DPO poorly-maintained 90 Carat in Memphis TN, and took I-40 back
to Durham in one day.  We closed the deal, I stopped by a FLAPS to top off
the fluids which had never been checked in years, filled up the top leaking
gas tank and passenger car tires and hit the road by noon.  With a few stops
here and there, I made it home about 12:30am.  I was most surprised at how
easy the Smokey mountains were.  The road cuts through the passes so there
are no steep curves or even difficult inclines.  I was able to maintain 65
mph in 4th the whole way through the mountains.  I realize the 1.6l Diesel
can't do that, but you can cruise all day.

I presume that you will take I-85 North to Richmond VA and then I-95 North
to your final destination.  Where I-85 splits off of I-40 in Hillsborough NC
is pretty near where I live.  I can give you place to park, water, and
electricity for the night if you need it.

Michael Townsend
Durham NC
(919) 272-0186

>
>While it has got to be the most boring road in the world, I-40 is a
>straight, safe, level, fast trek across the USA. There are a couple areas
>while the incline will put you in third, most of it is a smooth haul.
>Although it is doubtful you would run into any weather on 70 or 80, this
>time of year can be unpredictable. Stick with 40, and you will be okay.
>