In areas with little to no snow nor rain, is AWD recommended anyways? (Germany, SUV)
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If you are finding something that would really never head up mountains, deserts, or onto beach sands. Remember these days its hard for dealers to sell sedans, hatchbacks, and minivans so deals are good. These vehicles prices actually went down adjusted for inflation since the 1990s. SUVs on the other hand prices outpaced inflation. Whereas a highest trim fully loaded Camry costed $27,000 in 2001 while a highest trim fully loaded 4Runner costed $31,000 in 2001. Though today a fully loaded Camry costs about $33,000, but a fully loaded 4runner costs about $47,000.
Though if price is similar i.e the case with Subaru Legacies compared with Toyota Camry and other competing sedans. Consider the Legacy if you ever consider going up to any snowy mountains. You will in most cases never need chains. And Subaru costs less to own and insure compared to most other vehicles and have a high resale value, part of the reason is they are very uncommon in rental fleets.
The issue with the tires is usually not a problem. In the unlikely event it is there are tire dealers that will shave a tire down to match the other tires so there is no need to replace all 4 tires at a time. We owned 4wd vehicles, not a Subaru though, but should be similar for 18 years and only had to deal with the all 4 tires thing once or twice and normally its time for them to be replaced anyway I am sure the Subaru would be no different.
Last edited by citizensadvocate; 08-31-2018 at 04:48 PM..
I love my awd Edge, it's super comfortable, roomy, powerful, and just plain awesome. I can see why suvs are so popular over sedans and hatchbacks, let's see how this changes if the economy or gas prices turn dramatically.
I'm in California where we get virtually no rain nor snow. The only other push for AWD (all wheel drive) would be if you drive up mountains and/or unpaved roads, which I've never done, nor plan to do. As such, I'm told that many in CA can get away with just FWD (front wheel drive) to save some money.
However, I'm also told AWD still helps with general control and handling. I'm willing to take a slight hit to my fuel economy, and there's always a chance I'll move back to a region where I will need to deal with rain and snow again.
Your thoughts?
My sister has an AWD Subaru. She regrets it often. Especially when she gets a flat. I have given her that "Green Slime" inflation kit. That has saved her a bundle as for AWD you must replace all tires or screw up the drivetrain if you don't and at $135 a ties, it adds up fast!
My sister has an AWD Subaru. She regrets it often. Especially when she gets a flat. I have given her that "Green Slime" inflation kit. That has saved her a bundle as for AWD you must replace all tires or screw up the drivetrain if you don't and at $135 a ties, it adds up fast!
In 35 years of driving and hundreds of thousands of miles I have only had one single flat I couldn't fix with a plug, and it was a defective tire replaced within 100 miles of purchase.
I don't like FWD period, it causes more tire wear and poor handling on even dry roads especially when you drive on the curves a lot. With AWD, I eat corners and go through apexes like it's a straight line.
AWD is for performance minded drivers. You don't buy an AWD car simply for the foul weather since it rarely happens for most of us. Only the 3-4 months of winter only a few weeks you really see heavy snow here.
On FWD, I frequently have to rotate tires or just have to change them out due to tire wear. On AWD the tire wear is almost even that I just change the full set and they last much longer than FWD.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vision33r
I don't like FWD period, it causes more tire wear and poor handling on even dry roads especially when you drive on the curves a lot. With AWD, I eat corners and go through apexes like it's a straight line.
AWD is for performance minded drivers. You don't buy an AWD car simply for the foul weather since it rarely happens for most of us. Only the 3-4 months of winter only a few weeks you really see heavy snow here.
On FWD, I frequently have to rotate tires or just have to change them out due to tire wear. On AWD the tire wear is almost even that I just change the full set and they last much longer than FWD.
And you realize an AWD car is usually a FWD (basic but modified) car that applies 80%+ to FWD and 10% to rear?
My AWD's wear tires about the same / worse than fwd. And economy for AWD is the PITS!
Last edited by StealthRabbit; 09-01-2018 at 04:48 PM..
I'm in California where we get virtually no rain nor snow. The only other push for AWD (all wheel drive) would be if you drive up mountains and/or unpaved roads, which I've never done, nor plan to do. As such, I'm told that many in CA can get away with just FWD (front wheel drive) to save some money.
However, I'm also told AWD still helps with general control and handling. I'm willing to take a slight hit to my fuel economy, and there's always a chance I'll move back to a region where I will need to deal with rain and snow again.
Your thoughts?
I wouldn’t waste the money on a AWD vehicle in So Cal. Especially if it’s just a commuter deal. The maintenance and upkeep costs are high. Unless you need the AWD traction and live in a area like snow ice rain it’s really pointless. I’m not talking about wanting but just actually needing one.
For example. You have 1/2 worn tires. One goes bad. You’ll need to shave that new tire to match the others or buy all four new tires.
You’ll have higher maintenance costs due to the AWD system. Additional CV joints, sometimes a transfer case depending on the drivetrain and a rear differential.
If you move sell it and buy a AWD version.
Last edited by Electrician4you; 09-01-2018 at 05:43 PM..
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