Do I really need an AWD vehicle? (Bend: buying, luxury)

[stephv710]

We are on our final countdown moving to Bend in a year, but we are car shopping now with this in mind. We are moving from So. Cal (yeah, one of THOSE) so we don't have a lot of experience driving in snow and ice. We are wondering if we really need an AWD vehicle or if a 2WD with snow tires would be sufficiant? We are very active retirees so we will be out and about snowshoeing, XC skiing etc. Also, do you need to put snow tires on an AWD car? Yes, I'm a newbie . We are looking at a Mazda CX9 or maybe joining the Subaru outback crowd. Thanks and can't wait to be in our favorite spot on earth.

[Larry Caldwell]

Any car with front wheel drive and snow tires will get you anywhere you need to go.

[kapetrich]

Originally Posted by Larry Caldwell

Any car with front wheel drive and snow tires will get you anywhere you need to go.

Larry is right.

My two roommates do just fine with their front wheel drive cars in and around town. Honestly, though, if you're going to be up in the snow parks THAT often as a retiree, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have AWD with some clearance. Storm days can get pretty deep. I've definitely helped dig out smaller FWD cars in a regular storm cycle. That said, how often would you honestly drive up to the mountains during a snow storm?

I have a Subaru Forester and I can't say enough good things about it. Best bang for my buck I've ever spent on a car. It's not flashy, though, especially the interior. I'd go with a Subaru over any other non-luxury AWD vehicle. There's a reason everyone and their mother drives em' in snowy climates.

[Dry Side]

I run Michelin X-ICE stud less snow tires on my Honda Odyssey (FWD) and have not had any troubles getting to/fro sno parks and Bachelor in just about every condition.

[stephv710]

This is great advise and will be helpful when car shopping. I'm sure I'll be utilizing this forum a lot over the next year. Thanks.

[Bendite]

One more for FWD. I drive a Honda Accord with Nokian tires and have never have a problem, though I don't drive in deep snow because the Honda doesn't have the clearance

[whirnot]

If you are buying anyway, I would. We have used nothing but for probably 10 years in Colorado. We are planning on moving to Bend and plan to continue. If you are not familiar with driving in snow it is even more important.

[skypros]

If you are buying a NEW car anyways.... You should get a AWD/4WD/4x4 Then get an extra set of "nice" rims and have a set of studded snow tires mounted.... Now you have winter tires and summer tires that are somewhat easily changed.

Oh and there are allot of Californians here in Bend.... ALLOT!

Good Luck with your move.

[davemess10]

They don't need studded snow tires, non-studded snow tires work just as well, and don't cause Tens of millions of damage to Oregon's roads. And studded tires are likely to be banned within a few years anyways.

[Larry Caldwell]

Originally Posted by skypros

If you are buying a NEW car anyways.... You should get a AWD/4WD/4x4

You watch too many TV commercials.