Mountain Driving (Colorado Springs, Cripple Creek: camper, price, cars)

[maryjh1976]

We recently moved to Florissant, CO from Colorado Springs and we really love it there, but my car is taking a beating going up and down the mountain 5 days a week (I work in the Springs). I have an older model Subaru Legacy and it has an automatic turbo that I cannot control, so gas mileage is a beast. Anyway, we are researching cars to replace mine once it gives up the ghost and was wondering if anyone had some suggestions or recommendations of vehicles that do well powering up and down the pass, has decent traction for snow and ice, and will hold a family of 4-5 with two doggies on occasion. I prefer 4 Wheel or AWD with decent tires, given the option of that or FWD with snow tires.

Any suggestions or recommendations of vehicles to research or stay away from would be wonderful!

[proveick]

Unimog.

[Islandsnow]

You didn't state your price range but my dodge magnum does great, they come in rwd & awd, enough space and power for everyone, average 26 to 20 mpg going up the pass. If that's out of your price range you could always get an older suby forester which is priced good but will most likely have high mileage.

[PokerMunkee]

Get a new Subaru Outback with the 2.5 CVT. Rated at 31MPG highway.

Our HR coordinaator commutes daily from Florrisant to Cripple Creek and get 27MPG in her 2012 Outback. Her husband has a 2010 Forester 2.5 4speed automatic and gets 24MPG on the same commute.

You won't find another vehicle with a better AWD system, capable of hauling 4-5 people, 31MPG highway, and a place for your dog in the back area.

[Userdavey]

Toyota RAV4. It has TONS of power (with the V6) and is still rated at like 26 highway I think, but you have to get one that is at least a 2007 or so. Just look for the 3.5 liter V6.
Proveick's suggestion might work too, but it probably won't be as capable and won't carry much cargo, although I am sure the gas mileage is stellar.

[Colorado^]

Whatever you get, just remember that it'll loose around 3% of it's power for each 1K ft of elevation, unless it has a turbo.

[Matt314159]

Consider getting a Jetta diesel with some snow tires.

[kjbcre]

It's hard to really find an equal balance in this situation; you want the weight of a larger SUV or pickup for traction, but with the long commute, fuel efficiency is an absolute must. Consider a hybrid SUV. Most of the crossover/wagon vehicles will also tend to make a fair compromise, in that regard I'm more of a Volvo fan (think XC70 Cross Country wagon or XC90 SUV), but Subarus tend to do well with our geography as well. Most smaller sedans wont give you the weight you need for traction on snow and ice; you have to remember, AWD or 4WD won't help you brake and only minimally help you on ice. It's always important to ensure that you have emergency supplies on-hand that of course includes a large bag of sand or cat litter and snow melt.

[ryanek9freak]

YOu already have the right car. No turbo Subaru I've ever owned got less than 25 MPG. If you're getting less than that, there's something wrong with your car.

BTW, what is an automatic turbo? lol...not like you have the option of turning it off.

[maryjh1976]

Originally Posted by proveick

Unimog.

Proveick! Where do I get one of those hot little beasts? My hubby said that's the one for me. LOL!