Need help regarding good mountain cars (Ellijay, Blue Ridge: rent, to live in, cabin)

[earthgirl26]

Hello All,
I am going to vacation in Ellijay, GA on October 13th. Hoping to see some fall foliage. I went to Blue Ridge last October and used my Hyundai Elantra (not a good choice, I know now). My car wouldnt even make it to the top of Amicalola Falls. So this year i am renting a car. My question is for the mountains of Georgia, do you absolutley need a car with 4wd? Or just a car with more engine power? My best friends dad said hes willing to lend us his 2002 Dodge Caravan. Would that be a good choice or am i just better off renting an SUV from Thrifty? I am a floridian and everything here is so darn flat so i am a bit clueless when it comes to the right type of vehicle for the mountains.

[spotrod]

EarthGirl:
We used to live in Tampa and remember the only hills were in dade city. Well these hills are alot steeeper & you should be ok with at least a V-6 engine but a V-8 on some of these hills is reccomended. Don't be afraid to give it the gas going up. Being from Florida I really had to learn to drive differently on them especially Amicalola Falls. Are you moving here permenantly or just visiting?

[earthgirl26]

Thanks spotrod. Im only visiting. Im going up there with two other couples. We rented this great cabin in Ellijay, GA. This is our second time going up to the mountains in GA. It is just beautiful. We love how dog friendly it is, since im taking my dog up there again.
Yes i most certainly will not bring my car up there this time. I got a little frightened going up the mountains in my car. I was just confused as to what makes a better car for vacationing in the mountains. Whether its the 4wd or more engine power. We are renting from Thrifty and they said all SUV's had 4wd but someone told me it was not true.
Thanks so much for the reply.

[irishvanguard]

For some reason, many people use Subaru sedans for climbing truly steep driveways. It seems to be the manufacturer of choice. Don't ask me why.

Also, no, not all SUVs are 4wd!!!!! It is usually labelled somewhere in the interior of the vehicle if not outside.

[JBrown]

Assuming a clear paved road 4WD has nothing to do with it. It's strictly Hp.. The race up Pikes Peak year after year proves it...

[cotton]

You don't need 4wdrive to drive in the mountains, just a strong engine. Don't rent from those people who told you that all SUVs were 4wd - they are not.

Enjoy your visit. It is bound to beautiful this time of year.

[bebop420]

Has anyone had any experience with a Jeep Liberty? I know there are both 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder models. Just reserved for our trip and haven't been told what exactly we will get. Hopefully we won't have a problem.

[irishvanguard]

Originally Posted by JBrown

Assuming a clear paved road 4WD has nothing to do with it. It's strictly Hp.. The race up Pikes Peak year after year proves it...

Well........hp is ok on pavement until you are on a steep driveway in the rain or ice.