Car for chicago weather (Detroit: 2009, buy, to live in)

[chgodon]

Moving back to the Chicago suburbs. I have the
option of bringing back a 2009 Nissan Altima
or a 2009 Nissan Rogue.

Which of these vehicles should I bring back
for the Chicago weather?

[Junkman08]

Originally Posted by chgodon

Moving back to the Chicago suburbs. I have the
option of bringing back a 2009 Nissan Altima
or a 2009 Nissan Rogue.

Which of these vehicles should I bring back
for the Chicago weather?

Neither......sell both and buy American!

[kindrakindra]

Because Chicagoland is extremely flat, 4xd is not necessary here, but it is helpful. Front wheel drive is sufficient most of the time.

[Steve-o]

This isnt Alaska, both will do just fine. The Rogue will be a little better in the snow, but for the other 8 months of the year the Altima will be just fine.

[ITChick]

Did you already buy these cars, or thinking about it before you move here? The reason I ask is any car will do fine, as long as your tires aren't bald and the heater works. You may want the a/c to work for the Summer as well. You also don't want a low rider car as some streets of Chicago, especially the alleys, can be full of snow in the winter and you can get stuck.

A 4xd is overkill and a waste of gas, IMO.

[chgodon]

This is not an issue of American vs foreign. Girlfriend has an altima which I love. Don't want to get into the terms of getting the vehicles. I'm thinking of getting an altima too because I love the car. Because this is my girlfriend's second altima, I will get a great deal on an altima too. I'm wondering if I should get the Rogue because of the "all wheel" drive. I figure it would be more practical in the snow. Either way, we will have two nissans. Two altimas or one Rogue/altima. An added note. We will be moving into the suburbs and not really using downtown alleys etc.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by chgodon

This is not an issue of American vs foreign. Girlfriend has an altima which I love. Don't want to get into the terms of getting the vehicles. I'm thinking of getting an altima too because I love the car. Because this is my girlfriend's second altima, I will get a great deal on an altima too. I'm wondering if I should get the Rogue because of the "all wheel" drive. I figure it would be more practical in the snow. Either way, we will have two nissans. Two altimas or one Rogue/altima. An added note. We will be moving into the suburbs and not really using downtown alleys etc.

Get what you like to drive.

The critical factor in Chicago driving is to have good quality tires with plenty of tread. Personally, I change out the tires about every three winters.

[chet everett]

I see plenty of very "non snow worthy" vehicles doing just fine on the roads every day. From high powered low slung roadster from Italy, Detroit or Germany to lightweight econoboxes from every continent the reality is that if the roads are snow covered EVERYBODY is going be driving real real slow -- the SUVs don't get to magically catapult over anybody.

If you want a new Nissan and can justify the expense anything from a Skyline GT to a Versa is perfectly adequate unless you are going to live in a rare hilly region or off some non-public road.

[cubssoxfan]

Neither......sell both and buy American!

Well if the 2 came from one of Nissan's US factories, the OP did!!
Choose the car that is/ has been more reliable, least expensive to maintain, insure and fuel, has best resale value and if those are even, choose the one you enjoy the most.

[NYrules]

Originally Posted by Junkman08

Neither......sell both and buy American!

And have your car in the shop at least twice a year for repairs.