[Specialbuddy]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

Why would you put weight in the back of FWD vehicles? I am confused.

My dad always does this too. I think it just balances the car out since most of the weight is in the front and if you have more traction in the front it can make the back end swing out around corners.

[Perferator]

Originally Posted by gonzo3165

Again, thanks for all of the helpful suggestions and info.

On a side note, on a whim yesterday I pulled into the Subaru dealership and was pleasantly surprised to find that their previously too small (for me...headroom and legroom) Outback wagon had been updated and up-sized as of 2010. It is as ugly as my Element, so that isn't a problem. At least it gives me another good fitting option, and maybe a better one for hilly winter MI driving. Looks like some test drives are in order.

One more answer to the OP questions.....you wont have any probs with finding mechanics in the Petoskey area. There are some here that live in Petoskey and will vouch for that. Diesel fuel is as abundant as needed, no probs there, either. I live over in Boyne City, just a 20min drive from Ptown and even we have mechanics and diesel fuel.

[wagonman76]

Originally Posted by Specialbuddy

My dad always does this too. I think it just balances the car out since most of the weight is in the front and if you have more traction in the front it can make the back end swing out around corners.

Yes because most FWD cars are very light in the back. Being able to go and steer is important but it's easier to control that. But keeping the back end under control is something that is a lot harder to do, especially when coming down a steep slippery curve. Or when an oncoming car won't move over and you get run into the snowdrift and slush on the shoulder. Usually when that back end breaks loose and starts coming around, you're a goner and you're going wherever the car's momentum takes you. That extra weight really helps keep the back end stay put.

Same reason it's best to put the better tires in the back regardless of FWD or RWD, and why some tire shops will ONLY put them on that way.

Oh and about diesel fuel, the question is more like who DOESN'T have diesel fuel? I'm sure there are some but I can't think of any gas stations that don't have it.

[darstar]

FWD can be dangerous if you are not used to it. I hate FWD, will never have it again. Putting weight in the rear only makes the front too light and decreases traction as well as steering , which can be poor even on dry roads. depending on the model and make..... The best bet is AWD , no doubt about it. .. If you are not a truck/4 x 4 person , I highly recomend AWD.. Take it from a lot of people who live in da U.P., Suburu Outback is a very popular vehicle around Marquette. I have 4 neighbors , and they all have at lest one Suburu. There is still no substitute for road plowing however, which , is always a problem in Lower Michigan , but , not up here in the U.P. Even the best AWD car will have a problem when the snow gets deeper than the body and chassis...no matter what you drive.

[gonzo3165]

I was pleased to find out about the Outback update starting in the 2010 model year. Several years ago I sat in one as I did some car research and it surprised me how small the driver's compartment was for a vehicle of its size. That has certainly changed, so I will definitely give it a test drive soon.

Again, thanks to everyone for chiming in!

Now, does anyone have a good source for finding houses for rent in the Petoskey/Boyne City region? I see a few in the Petoskey newspaper, and suspect that this along with word of mouth are the best sources. I'll be up there this spring some time for a look around.