Best car for winter? (Washington: top, drive, meteorologist)

[CrazyDave]

Originally Posted by StAcKhOuSe

bicycle.

for some reason, i automatically hate everyone who drives SUVs now because they all drive like morons and try to run me off the road

I worked as a delivery driver for a small auto paint supply store about 10 years ago ( R&M Supplies, now defunct ) I drove a two wheel drive Chevy S10, successfully navigating I-93 north two times a week as far as Plymouth all winter long. During these runs many a time I was passed by somebody in a Jeep or SUV, only to find them off the road a few miles later.

[GregW]

AWD cars like some SUV provide inexperienced drivers with a false sense of security. Skill and practice are still the controlling factors on slippery roads.

[NewNHguy]

Originally Posted by Slalom

Subaru's are great cars for NH.

+1

Both my wife and I drive Suuubi outbacks;
Her's, a 2001 standard with auto trans, and Mine a 2005 Limited Outback, stick shift.

We are on our third Subaru, out first being a '97 outback. They are solid, dependable, and run forever.

Being a kid at heart, I drove our 2001 into a snow drift, trying my best to get it stuck...
not abusive, but not afraid to get dirty either...

Well as subaru advertises, "the wheels that slipped" went to
"the wheels that gripped", and I drove thru a 3 foot drift like it was not there. I've crossed 30" streams with my 2005, to get to a hunting camp....No hesitation from that car either.

I am sold on these safe solid cars.

Subarus are five star crash test rated (for both front and side protection). I am fairly sure most models come with side curtain airbags. Subaru also triple reinforces the side impact beam of the vehicle. Even with the excellent safety ratings of the outgoing model, the redesigned (Forester) is a heavier vehicle that gets lower MPG.

For the OP: I think a certified used Subaru is an excellent value overall. (I don't see the appeal of buying new when you factor in rapid initial depreciation).

My 2005 has side curtain, and pass/driver airbags, as well as airbags in the B pillars.

I saw a show on one of the car channels that showed that Suuuubi designs the car around an internal roll cage of sorts, making them incredibly strong in an accident.

Mileage:
Ou 2001 [auto trans] gets about 33mpg on the highway, moving with traffic 'speeds', and our 2005 [manual] gets about 30mpg highway, again, at traffic speeds.

[WannaComeHome]

Originally Posted by NewNHguy

Mileage:
Ou 2001 [auto trans] gets about 33mpg on the highway, moving with traffic 'speeds', and our 2005 [manual] gets about 30mpg highway, again, at traffic speeds.

ok... so how is the repair cost when it needs any kind of 'under the hood' type work? My friend said it cost a lot more on her corolla AWD because the AWD made everything so much more complicated and difficult to move around.

See, if you do a lot of off-road recreating - like going to a lodge - AWD or even 4WD is sensible. But for most people, we stay on roads and really just don't need it. It makes people think they can drive on anything (like ice) as normal, and I see so many 4x4s abandoned on the side of the road as soon as the snow/ice starts.

[GraniteStater]

I do lots of driving on dirt and gravel roads since I live in the country so AWD is really a necessity. I've seen mud so deep it was literally frightening. You really learn to become a more patient driver.

[NewNHguy]

Originally Posted by WannaComeHome

ok... so how is the repair cost when it needs any kind of 'under the hood' type work? My friend said it cost a lot more on her corolla AWD because the AWD made everything so much more complicated and difficult to move around.

See, if you do a lot of off-road recreating - like going to a lodge - AWD or even 4WD is sensible. But for most people, we stay on roads and really just don't need it. It makes people think they can drive on anything (like ice) as normal, and I see so many 4x4s abandoned on the side of the road as soon as the snow/ice starts.

Honestly, I cannot state what repairs cost, because short of SCHEDULED maintenance intervels, they really don't need much.

these were NJ prices:

Muffler for the 2001= $350.00
45K service for the 2001= $400 [sched. maint]
Rear brake job, complete on the 2001= $350

These repairs did NOT happen all at once, but rather were spread over about a year and a half....an oil change @ the dealer costs $20.00;
that's less thn I could purchase the parts for and do it myself.

The 2005 has needed nothing, [knock wood]short of oil changes, and a bum window switch...the switch was covered under my extended Warranty.

As far as needing or not needing AWD, AWD actually gives you more control of the vehicle, wet or dry. Subaru has two types of systems;
the auto sensing AWD, which applies power to non slipping wheels, and retards the slipping wheel:
and symetrical AWD, which applies balanced drive to all 4 wheels....it's NOT 4WD, it's just more stability and control.

[I've been a mechanic since 1984][and I've had enuff]

[WannaComeHome]

these were NJ prices:

Muffler for the 2001= $350.00
45K service for the 2001= $400 [sched. maint]
Rear brake job, complete on the 2001= $350

wow, I don't think any of my scheduled maintenance for my '03 Town & Country van ever cost that much! And I go to the dealer.

[NewNHguy]

that's Jersey 4 U

[Mrtwigg]

There are two subjects most guys want to "Internet Experts" on, one is sports and the other is cars.

First I'll admit to knowing next to nothing about sports. As far as cars in winter, I learned to drive in Alaska. Subaru owners tend to be more than bit cultish in thier passions about their choice conveyance.

My personal experience is this:

Fuggabout Camaro's and any other rear wheel drive vehicles.
Cross 'em off your list and move on.

Third choice: Front wheel drive with snow tires, preferrably studded will get you there and back most times with the exception of steep hills and ice. You have to know where you can and cannot go with front wheel drive.

Second choice is a small AWD wagon as in the cultish Subaru or Honda CRV / Toyota Rav4 again with, snow tires If you will be up in the hills get 'em studded. You'll be glad you did.

First choice would be something, anything with a either a selectable four wheel drive or AWD/4WD. That'll get you through all but the deepest unplowed roads, and if you live far enough back in the woods, then again, studded snow tires.

Are studded snow tires really necessary ? No not really.
But if you can afford to keep two sets of tires and switch 'em over twice every year you'll be able to get out anywhere, anytime.

That is unless you just can't drive on snow and ice. Four wheel drive isnt some magic "Road Magnet" to keep you on the highway whilst you zip along sipping on a dunkies and yakking on your cell phone.

Your world cannot end at the tip of your nose ecspically when driving in bad weather.
Just google "Driving in snowy weather", or go here.

[dubthang]

What you drive is irrelevent. It is all about how you drive. Listen to CrazyDave. I too have a two wheel drive truck (a Chevy Silverado.) I don't have any major issues. My past trucks were the same as well. I also have my commercial license, and believe me, I have seen every type of car go off the road while I fly by in my rear wheel drive dump truck, transit bus, plow truck, reefer truck, etc.

I assume that the Cav is paid for. Keep it. Even if you owe on it, it can't be much. Get a set of quality dedicated snow tires (you could even get studded ones,) and you'll be fine.

Then go buy your Camaro.

It's NH... not Siberia.