Best car for winter? (Portsmouth, Laconia: buying, school, maintenance)

[PossiblyMe]

Hey everyone, I ran into another question once again. Im going to be moving from Chicago to NH next august, most likely to Portsmouth or Laconia (sp?). I was wondering what you would recommend for a vehicle for the winters? I am not sure how to handle winters on the east coast, and was wondering if I can get away with a standard coupe car, or if an SUV is the obvious choice. We were making a joke and saying that I may as well get my '10 Camaro, an SUV for wet and snow, and a snowmobile for any blizzards. Now all I need is a lotto ticket with lucky numbers. Any help out there from you guys based on experience? Thanks much, have a good one everybody!

[Slalom]

Subaru's are great cars for NH.

[GregW]

I have a well used '96 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon I bought 60 K miles ago. With Cooper snow tires on steel rims purchased from a recycle yard this car is simply fantastic on ice and snow covered roads. After some empty parking lot practice after the first of second snow I barely have to slow down. In the summer, this car, with Nokian P3 tires on the original aluminum wheels, I can go just about as quickly as I dare.

As you are moving from Chicago, not exactly a snow free city, you should be OK with our winters. The only additional skill you need is handling snow covered down hill stretches. Braking on down slopes takes some practice. As does being on the wrong side of crowned roads in left hand turns.

In any cast I suggest buying a 5 to 10 yr old Subaru Or any other brand with All Wheel Drive, sedan or wagon. Have any body work (mostly paint scratches and rust repair) done and enjoy. Cars of this age are less than a third of new prices and the body work only adds a grand or two. You should be able to keep this car another 10 years or so.

I do not have any business interest in Subaru. I just think they make fantastic cars.

[fishnfool]

You'll be fine in any front wheel drive car. People freak out about driving in snow but it's really not a big deal. Unless you need to drive out in the middle of a blizzard you don't need anything special.

If you live in Chicago then you've obviously driven in snow before so don't worry about it and buy whatever car fits your budget.

[PossiblyMe]

Once again you guys have come through for me, thanks so much. I was actually looking at Toyota, Subaru, and Honda cars. I am driving a Cavalier right now,'99 model. It slides like a bastard in the snow but Ive gotten pretty good at controlling it when it seems uncontrollable. I am not a big fan of SUVs usually, and was really aiming at a Camaro, but after looking it up, it quite obviously would be treacherous in the snow, so that is a no go. I can definately see myself in a Subaru though, do you think the Impreza would handle well? I am a car virgin when it comes to maintenance and aftermarket upgrades that might be necessary. Greg I think you would be the chap to talk to about that, for obvious reasons hah.

Well once again everyone, thank you so much. If anyone else out there has any tips, please share!

[seamusnh]

I'd go with the new Camaro for May to October and an old Subaru for November to April... We have a Subaru Forester and it is great in the snow. If you have a large family, you might need a larger SUV (ex. Toyota Highlander). The new Camaro is awesome but it will be terrible in the snow. I am going to look at the Camaro SS when a convertible is available; instant classic!

[CrazyDave]

I get around just fine no matter the weather in a 1999 two wheel Dodge Dakota, and yes I will run out for a D&D hot turbo in it in the middle of winters worst snow storms.

[CrazyDave]

Originally Posted by PossiblyMe

Once again you guys have come through for me, thanks so much. I was actually looking at Toyota, Subaru, and Honda cars. I am driving a Cavalier right now,'99 model. It slides like a bastard in the snow but Ive gotten pretty good at controlling it when it seems uncontrollable. I am not a big fan of SUVs usually, and was really aiming at a Camaro, but after looking it up, it quite obviously would be treacherous in the snow, so that is a no go. I can definately see myself in a Subaru though, do you think the Impreza would handle well? I am a car virgin when it comes to maintenance and aftermarket upgrades that might be necessary. Greg I think you would be the chap to talk to about that, for obvious reasons hah.

Well once again everyone, thank you so much. If anyone else out there has any tips, please share!

A simple tire brand change may turn that slider into a traction king.

[GregW]

Possiblyme -

The use of snow tires in winter is the key. All season tires will work (my old Buick wagon (RWD with a 350 cid GM V-8 torque monster engine) has some well worn (worn out) all season tires and is the King of Sideways on snow. I had a RWD Toyota Corolla and even with snow tires and 200 lbs of sand in the trunk it was a handfull, but incredible fun, on snow, but was rarely pointed in the direction I wanted to go.

I have owned FWD Saabs and they were excellent once I learned how to drive them in slippery conditions. Again using snow tires was the key.

FWIW - an acquaintance runs a bad weather driving school near Littleton, HN. Google Tim O'Neil's driving school and contact them for details.

PM me if you want more information on setting up autos for NH winters.

Then we can talk about riding motorcycles in crappy weather.

[potatosoup]

Audi with Quattro is my first choice, but Suburu wouldn't be far behind.