2002s are great cars to take road trips with. Yes, really, I am not joking. I should know, having driven the first 2002 I had bought only days earlier from Chicago to Breckenridge, Colorado and back. A couple of years later, in an incredible act of pure foolishness, I limped a barely roadworthy 2002 from Washington State to Chicago during the middle of a cold, cold winter. Then I drove from Chicago to Los Angeles to San Francisco when I first moved out to the West Coast. I followed that with my longest road trip in the summer of 1997, San Francisco to New Hampshire, capped off by blasting 3500 plus miles back in just under four days. Keep in mind how and where the car will be used. So I guess that makes me a certified road crazy with a serious case of white line fever. But, I'm sure people wonder, what do I do if something goes wrong with the car? As fun as 2002s are, they're not known for always being appliance-like reliable. I like to tell people that I've been lucky. With a simple older car like a 2002, you can make a little of your own luck with careful preparation and planning. The general idea I've always thought of is to make sure all major operating systems are in good shape before the trip. Especially important are the areas that could leave you stranded somewhere if something went wrong. Think of cooling systems, wheel bearings, electricals, and things like that as especially important. Keep in mind how and where the car will be used. If you're crossing the Mojave Desert during summer, it's going to be hot out there. So is the car, and hills and mountains will make the engine work harder. On the other hand, if where you're going is cold and rainy. It makes sense to have the heat in working condition and the wipers in good shape instead of dry-rotted rubber. Yes, it does rain in California. So, assuming the wundercar is fairly roadworthy, what should you bring? I like to keep in mind a few thoughts. Tools. Knowing how to fix something is of no use if you don't have any tools. Spare parts. Small towns and truck stops are not known for carrying a supply of imported car parts. Organize. Digging through the entire trunk to find a screwdriver is not the way you want to spend your long-planned road trip. Towing and road service is EXPENSIVE compared to having your local mechanic fix things beforehand. Editor's note: An auto club service membership is still a good idea just in case you need that tow truck. When it comes to bringing tools, one can get by with a pretty light collection. But I'm not going to define pretty light here. Instead, I'll make up a real comprehensive list, and you can delete whatever you like. Knowing how to fix something is of no use if you don't have any tools. Tools: 2002 fixit book (Haynes, Chilton, whatever) -Flashlight -3/8 inch drive metric socket set -1/4 inch drive metric socket set -Sparkplug socket -1/2 inch drive breaker bar with 17mm and 19mm sockets -Metric combination wrenches -Adjustable wrench -Phillips and straight blade screwdrivers -Hammer -Metric Allen wrench set -Pliers/wire cutters -Voltmeter or test light -Duct tape (of course) -Knife or razor blades -Gap gauge (spark plugs, points, valves, etc.) -Hand cleaner and rags -Work gloves -Tire pressure gauge -Scissors jack, jack stands -Jumper cables -Tow strap -12 volt air compressor Spare parts: Organize. Digging through the entire trunk to find a screwdriver is not the way you want to spend your long-planned road trip. -Hose clamps of all sizes -Extra hoses of all sizes -Front wheel bearing -Bearing grease -Oil -Brake fluid -Fuses -Thermostat -Alternator/fan belt -Alternator -Spark plugs/wires/boots -Plastic zip-tie wraps -Points -Distributor cap and rotor -Light bulbs -12/14 gauge copper wire for repairs, etc. -Spade connectors and crimp tool -Electrical tape -Extra miscellaneous nuts and bolts Now where to put it all. Easy way is to grab a couple of old cardboard boxes and put them in the trunk between the rear shock towers. I got fancy and use a couple of those Rubbermaid Roughneck-type containers. Then I stretch a rubber tie-down from side to side to keep them from sliding around. This makes it real easy to take everything out, and believe it or not, gives you more room in the trunk to store other stuff. Now you're all ready to go across the country in your 2002... vince