need hlp prepping for a cross-country trip

Hey guys and gals,
I've been reading these forums for awhile and never posted until now. You guys seem to really know your cars and I figured this would be the first and best place to ask a few questions. Bear in mind, I don't know much about cars, just the basics.. but here goes:

I'm driving my car accross the country and back this summer in a 1996 Honda Civic EX Coupe. The car has 113k on it and runs decently well. However a friend of mine suggested that I take it to a mechanic and have them look a few things over before the trip.

What parts of the car should I ask the mechanic to inspect?

also, I've taught 4 different people how to drive in my car and the clutch has taken quite a beating. I've driven 70k on the clutch and although it still feels fine, I've been told I should change it "just in case."

Your thoughts?

Any suggestions and comments as to what I should have the mechanic take a look at and/or replace would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time... (assuming anyone responds :P)

-Disco

PS: Off topic, but is anyone going to QuakeCON in Texas this August? (that's where I'm going :P)

I wouldn't worry too much about putting an extra 5000 miles on your car - you'd do it soon enough anyway. I assume you've been taking care of all the scheduled maintenance?

Yes i've followed the maintenance schedule by the book but the car has had some unexpected problems from time to time. I bought it used two years ago and the woman who had it before me took very bad care of it, she IGNORED a recall on the throttle cable and the car drove pretty bad for the first month I had it until I took it to the Honda service center. The guys who worked on the car were like... umm.. this car's been abused. So far its been alright for me, minus a new manifold, waterpump (went at 72k), but considering I don't know what else could go wrong, I'm asking around.

Also, the mechanics in my area are all putzes, if I say... "inspect my car" they're going to look at it for about 5m, say "it looks fine" and give it back to me. Unless I specifically tell them what to do, they won't do it.

Thanks.

-Disco

If you don't have any specific complaints about the vehicle, there isn't much a mechanic can do. If your car as bad as you say it is, then get an unlimited mileage rental for your trip.

The throttle cable "recall" was not technically a recall, it was a customer satisfaction issue (gas pedal movement would feel rough or notchy). I ignored it for my '97, because there wasn't a noticable problem (and the less the dealer touches the car, the longer it will run, IMHO).

Originally posted by ivymike1031
(and the less the dealer touches the car, the longer it will run, IMHO).

haha. very good point

If it ain't broken, don't replace it =)

Just do basic maintenance before u go... maybe change oil, filters... no need to worry so much...

do a service on it if one is approaching time. if not, just check oil, coolant, water etc. levels.