to drive, or not to drive

Hey!!!
Well I finally got my first assignment lined up at Tri-City in Oceanside, CA to start next month! I am soo excited about it but I just need some advice.
I am going with a friend but we are debating on whether to drive or fly(from North Carolina!!). I think that the cross-country drive would be a great experience-i've always wanted to do it anyway. Or, we could fly, get her car shipped and share a car when we get there. Now, there is no guarantee that we will work in the same hospital...actually we probably wont. She may work in La Jolla, and we may have to live in between the 2 places. What would you seasoned travelers do--any words of wisdom? I mean, I know that we may run into problems with sharing a car, but I figure if I need to I can rent a car...or even buy one if I want to stay there longer-just as I call it-a "travel car" to get me through my travel itch...
Any suggestions would help!!!!!! THANK'S YA'LL!!!!!!
Jess

PS-my current car is not dependable enough for a cross-country drive, so i would eventually have to buy one anyway!