Moving to Denver. Need car advice. (buying, cost, law)

[ambernjones]

Hello! I am a first time poster. I am 26, originally from Texas, (currently in Florida for the past year) and moving to Denver next week for work.

I am leaving my car behind and plan on buying a used one once I get up there. (if I had time to buy one down here, I would because I could probably find better deal. But I have no choice.)

Anyway, I have been seeing such mixed comments about wether not you need AWD in Denver. I have no experience driving in snow, and would most likely feel safer with AWD, but the fact that AWD cars are more expensive and don't get as good gas mileage is making me second guess getting one. (would it just be a waste?) I wonder if I should just get something with 2WD and some really good snow tires.

I know I want a SUV or a hatchback of some sort and my budget is going to be around $10,000.

FYI I do plan on doing a lot of hiking and my boyfriend really wants to get into mountain biking, so I'm pretty sure we will being venturing into the mountains often. (most likely when it gets warmer)

Any good advice for a girl who has no experience with snow?

[flyonpa]

I think you are required by law to buy a Subaru once you get to Colorado.

JK, A Subaru AWD does not cost much more, then a standard FWD.

[mic111]

Storing snow tires in the off season is a pain. They take up alot of garage space. You also have to take them to and from the place that puts them on and off. They are heavy and dirty. Save yourself the trouble and get AWD.

[davebarnes]

Colorado Revised Statute 189.23.368 requires that all new residents purchase:
1. Subaru
2. Clothing from The North Face
3. Pair of Crocs

Welcome to Colorado.

[ambernjones]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Colorado Revised Statute 189.23.368 requires that all new residents purchase:
1. Subaru
2. Clothing from The North Face
3. Pair of Crocs

Welcome to Colorado.

Hahahaha maybe the first two.. but Crocs.. NEVER.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by mic111

Storing snow tires in the off season is a pain. They take up alot of garage space. You also have to take them to and from the place that puts them on and off. They are heavy and dirty. Save yourself the trouble and get AWD.

AWD does nothing to help you stop which I would argue is far more important than getting going. Discount Tire swaps tires for free if you have them mounted on cheap winter wheels and bags them so that they aren't dirty.

[Teckeeee]

Get FWD only, unless you are going to mountains often. 10 years there never needed AWD except in deep country, where I had it. FWD with tires, bias toward snow and ice, check tire rack dot com, good to go.

AWD sucks in that if you get a flat/damage you have to replace all 4 tires $$$$. AWD doesn't do jack squat braking on ice either.

If you gonna get AWD get a subbie, can't be beat for AWD, just check CR Mom's subbie 03 has had reliability problems.

Problem solved, where's the easy button?

[Teckeeee]

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

AWD does nothing to help you stop which I would argue is far more important than getting going. Discount Tire swaps tires for free if you have them mounted on cheap winter wheels and bags them so that they aren't dirty.

Discount is great, they are honest and factory owned nationwide No franchise nonsense, can you tell I like them

[Teckeeee]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Colorado Revised Statute 189.23.368 requires that all new residents purchase:
1. Subaru
2. Clothing from Sams Club so I can afford the best SEO guy
3. Pair of Crocs

Welcome to Colorado.

Fixed that for yer Dave

[blackmet]

A front wheel drive car and a copy of the first album by The Fray, and you're set.