Trip to TN

My friend invited us to go for a trip in TN. I definitely would like to go but of course, it would be up for our vehicle's situation. To be honest, i feel like our vehicle isn't safe enough to handle such long hours of trip. We don't want anything happen while we where in the middle of nowhere specially that we have kids with us. If ever we go, we might consider the rental cars from reputable company or have the roadside assistance plan to make sure to cover the roadtrip nightmares. The trip is going to be fun since many of my friends will be going. Do i have to miss it? I really don't know.