Boston to Los Angeles One-Way Roadtrip in October 2016 - Advice & Insight Please?

[Ms Silly]

Hello!

Hoping to get some advice/insight about planning my FIRST cross country road trip. I will be transitioning to California and wanted to drive over and make it an adventure instead of something tedious. I don't necessarily have a time frame other than that this will be happening in October and that I want to limit the amount of driving to 13-14 days, with breaks and stops in between.

What can I expect for weather conditions? Should I be going further south during this time? Route suggestions?

Approximate budget I should be planning for?

I'll be driving my 2006 Mazda which is pretty well maintained. It's an older car though so I plan on getting it serviced for the road before leaving. Any tips on maintaining a car for continuous driving?

Also, I'm looking to try amazing foods and to stop and experience culture and geography, so any recommendations would be very appreciated!