Toyota Prius around Ithaca?? will it work? (maintenance, living)

[organick]

I am planning a move to Ithaca and plan on living probably 15 miles outside of town but will access town daily, or nearly daily. So my question is will a car like that make it ok in th winters?? I mean I have lived in montana so I know basically any front wheel drive car can make it in most snow.... but how are the roads maintained? Do most people outside town rely on AWD or 4WD? Any opinions are appreciated.

[Ellie C.]

Oh yeah - you'll be fine. There are a zillion Prius drivers around here. I think the roads are very well maintained in the winter. Of course a 4WD or AWD will hold the road a little better, but I drove a front wheel drive all this winter and never had one problem getting around.

As long as you don't live down a dirt road that has no maintenance in the winter, you be just fine.

[organick]

Thanks julie, good to know, in montana you learn to drive in ice ruts on all except the 5 most used roads in town. Just wanted to be sure the commute from outside of town will be reasonably safe. Thanks again