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Rich,
I took my C6Z on the AutoTrain a few years ago. The train does have minimum ground clearance values that you can look up on their website or may be able to call somebody about. Their employees drive the vehicles on and off the transports. For cars with low ground clearance, the big issue is the steepness of the ramps used to get the cars on and off the transports. If you have a lowered car with a large front splitter then the splitter might rub the ground. My C6Z was lowered a little and it was fine. There was a C6ZR1 that was on the train at the same time and it got on and off the train without any rubbing of the front splitter.
As for your personal comfort if you are not going to rent a roomette or room the coach seats aren't all that bad. They recline quite a bit and are similar to sleeping in a recliner in your home. There were blankets that were available to keep us warm. However, your feet will stick out in front of the recliner cushion although there is a footrest that can be used. If you have some extra space take along some pillows that can be placed behind your back in the area where the recliner seat bottom and back meet. This will provide some back support when the recliner is fully reclined. One regular size bed pillow for each person should do. Here are some pictures inside the coach car and while we were waiting for the car to be driven off the auto transport.
C6 ZR1 exiting transport area in Sanford.
My C6Z exiting.
C6Z heading to pickup area in Sanford.
This was 10 years ago so things probably have changed somewhat. We did find the Amtrak Fare for the Autotrain was a lot lower for the Southbound trip than for the Northbound trip during the March April time period. I imagine the fares are higher for the Southbound trip in the fall and early winter. At the time the fare for both Joann and I was lower cost than if we drove the distance between DC and Sanford since we woulld have had to spend at least one night in a hotel/motel and purchased meals and fuel. The fare also included a great dinner, snacks and a great breakfast before we got to Sanford. The bathroom facilities could have been cleaned a little better but we were both able to take showers in the early morning. Overall, it was a great way to travel with actual driving time between upstate NY and Sebring, Fl being about 8 hours total with most of the miles traveled while we slept.
I highly recommend getting a room as opposed to riding in the coach seats. We only did that once and will not do it again - too damned noisy, people in & out and up and down the aisle all night long. The seats weren't uncomfortable, but my back needs a bed at night. For many years we got the roomette, which is basically just two couches that make up into an upper & lower bunk. That wasn't bad, but access to & from the upper bunk can be a challenge for some. Now we always get the full room, which has the added advantage of having its own bathroom/shower. It's not necessarily an inexpensive way to go, but once you figure in the cost of gas, lodging & meals on the road it makes a lot more sense. Have a great trip!
