Got 230K miles on my 94TT...just took a 2,757 mile trip to Richmand, VA and back (4 days to drive to & from)..it used less than 1/2 quart of oil and got great gas mileage. Your car is just a "pup"....you should have no concerns taking a 200-300 mile trip at a moments notice if you keep up with the car maintenance. BTW...Omaha is 'home town' for me....but I live about 100 miles west of Omaha now.