Do I really need AWD? (Colorado Springs, Montrose: house, neighborhood, living)

[BarryK123]

Originally Posted by Westerner92

For what it’s worth, manual transmissions are great when driving on slick roads.

So are Teslas, with one motor for the front axle and another motor for the rear axle, so the front/rear power split can be divided EXACTLY where and how it's needed.

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by Westerner92

With all the money you save by not buying an unnecessary feature, you could get great winter tires.

Don't forget about the hidden cost of owning AWD - having to replace all four tires if you have an issue with one of them.

[harrison21]

Thanks for the replies, although they are so varied I'm still not sure what the answer is. I'll probably look at Subaru first and if I'm really not happy there think about looking at Honda instead. I don't know if the price difference is worth being extra anxious every single time it snows.

[sunsprit]

Originally Posted by harrison21

Thanks for the replies, although they are so varied I'm still not sure what the answer is. I'll probably look at Subaru first and if I'm really not happy there think about looking at Honda instead. I don't know if the price difference is worth being extra anxious every single time it snows.

one of the other advantages of AWD … such as the Subaru …

is found in the days when rainy puddles or snowmelt are deep enough to promote hydroplaning.

In my experience, with Subaru's and Audi's, the AWD is much more stable when driving in these situations.

I've seen many a day when I-25 was flooded in spots and cars weren't tracking well through that location. For me in my Subie with good quality all season tires, it was a non-event to pass through the area.

[townshend]

I was recently discussing this issue with a friend of mine -- we both are Texas transplants (him -- about five years ago to Colorado Springs; me -- this year to Montrose).

He owns a Subaru AWD. He recently bought a "third" car for his daughter -- It is a Honda with FWD and it came with snow tires on it. His comment comparing the two (he has never had "snow" tires before) is that his daughter's car can get around "almost as well as the Subaru". Of course, this refers to Colorado Springs in the winter.

I am currently driving a Honda Civic LX (no snow tires), and I do plan on getting chains for this first winter. Long term, his comment reinforces my need (and desire) to get an AWD vehicle. Yes, getting a new or slightly used car is a significant investment, but having two sets of rims and tires -- one for winter and one for summer -- and swapping them out and storing them every year (I don't have a garage and don't want to store them elsewhere) is a hassle I want to avoid.

I had rather invest in one vehicle that is good for both seasons. I recognize that AWD + snow tires is best; but I'm satisfied with less.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

Don't forget about the hidden cost of owning AWD - having to replace all four tires if you have an issue with one of them.

Not the case, one can buy one tire and have it shaved to match tread of the remaining tires.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by townshend

I was recently discussing this issue with a friend of mine -- we both are Texas transplants (him -- about five years ago to Colorado Springs; me -- this year to Montrose).

He owns a Subaru AWD. He recently bought a "third" car for his daughter -- It is a Honda with FWD and it came with snow tires on it. His comment comparing the two (he has never had "snow" tires before) is that his daughter's car can get around "almost as well as the Subaru". Of course, this refers to Colorado Springs in the winter.

I am currently driving a Honda Civic LX (no snow tires), and I do plan on getting chains for this first winter. Long term, his comment reinforces my need (and desire) to get an AWD vehicle. Yes, getting a new or slightly used car is a significant investment, but having two sets of rims and tires -- one for winter and one for summer -- and swapping them out and storing them every year (I don't have a garage and don't want to store them elsewhere) is a hassle I want to avoid.

I had rather invest in one vehicle that is good for both seasons. I recognize that AWD + snow tires is best; but I'm satisfied with less.

AWD drive doesn’t help you stop. Tires matter much more than drivetrain.

[Quietude]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

Not the case, one can buy one tire and have it shaved to match tread of the remaining tires.

Maybe it's easier here, but Tire Rack doesn't do it and I was unable to find a shop equipped with an OrbitTreader within a 50-mile radius the last time it happened. It can be done, but allow quite a bit of time (days/week).

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

AWD drive doesn’t help you stop. Tires matter much more than drivetrain.

How many times does this need to be said, largely out of context?

[Rickcin]

For the price difference on the initial purchase, the resale value, the safety and the geographical area in live, I would definitely go for AWD, in my humble opinion!

[Crazy4Chickens]

I don't live in Co, but I do live in SW Wyoming and based on what you wrote we get considerably more snow do in any given year. We already have more than a foot of snow on the ground, and it's not even officially winter yet. So based on that believe me when I say that you can drive a Honda Civic where it snows. I do every day. My Honda Civic has dedicated snow tires, Bridgestone Blizzaks and they go on at the end of October and off again sometime in May. The car does great on the roads. The only reason issue is ground clearance, but as long as the roads are plowed, I'm fine. I've lived here going on my third winter with this car and these tires, and I haven't gotten stuck once. The choice is yours, but if you drive smartly and get snow tires, you don't have to have AWD.