Buying an 02 QX4, what to inspect prior to 900mile road trip

[Kauses]

Hey guys, i came across this forum a few weeks ago because i was looking for a reliable suv that looked good too. Anyways, i came across a qx4 and am scheduled to fly upstate, check it out and most likely purchase it on Wed. I will be driving back, about 900 miles and would prefer not to break down! hah

I was wondering what you all can suggest i check out/adjust prior to the drive.
The car is a 2002 with around 96k on the clock, 4wd.

I saw most people recommend putting loctite onto the power valve bolts, so thats one thing i guess ill need to figure out how to do. Hopefully it can be done the same day or i will have to risk the drive.

Are there any other major things i should look into prior to driving that far? Im pretty handy with cars, only 20 but i still know my stuff. I had a wrangler prior and replaced most of the driverterrain myself(clutch, transmission, transfer case, rear driveshaft). Even though its a wrangler, im pretty confident on working on other cars.

Thanks guys.

[Q451990]

to NICO!

I'm pretty sure those powervalve screws are not a "fix it in the parking lot" type operation. I'd just look to be sure the cooling hoses look good, belts are ok, tires are ok, clean oil at the proper level, good looking other fluid levels, etc. - just the general maintenence things. Your 900 mile drive is probably mostly highway anyhow - so it should be relatively low stress for most of the systems.

I've done a couple of long distance car purchases, and the best advice I can give you is to not fall in the trap of not wanting to come home empty handed! If it's not in the condition you expect, be prepared to walk. I flew from SC to CA to get my Q, and was glad it was in good shape - but I had fully prepared myself to get back on the plane and come home if I found a car there that was not up to the standards I was looking for.

Good luck!

Heath