Moving from NOLA to Richmond soon...do we need a car w/AWD? (home)

[NOLA207]

My family and I are buying a car now and will be moving to Richmond in a couple of years and I was wondering if a car with AWD is necessary for living there. Obviously, it is not necessary down here in New Orleans, but it may help determine what kind of car we buy. I've read winters aren't too bad there, but would AWD come in handy more so than not?

[jb124]

I highly doubt 4wd/awd is necessary in Richmond. Winters are fine here in NoVA so I assume Richmond isn't bad off either. We get a couple of good ice/snowstorms a year (maybe) and things usually shut down anyhow. No one ever really gets stuck, which is what 4wd/awd is for anyway. Just make sure it has anti-lock brakes.

[Jmier7]

I've driven in most snow and ice conditons without benifit of AWD or 4X4. You just have to remember that your vehicle will handle differently in slippery conditions. Remember to slow down.
Actually, better than AWD or 4x4, is taking a course in defensive driving, you know, where they put you through the 'skid pad'. It's fun, and you learn a LOT about driving. IMHO it's better than relying on technology. Also, a FWD vehicle is better than AWD/4x4 and especially RWD in slippery conditons, as you can steer/pull yourself out of a conditon. Just my $.02

[5stones]

my front wheel drive mini van drives great in the snow. (we lived in pittsburg before here)
seriously good tires and FWD make a big difference and remember to drive slower and give space inbetween cars, don't SLAM on brakes when you slide!!

The suggestion to take a driving course is GREAT!!

the problem with people getting 4WD or AWD they think thye then can drive on hte snow just as you can on dry pavement! you can't. It creates a false sense of security and most wrecks I saw this winter on 495.... we 4wd vehicles!

[EricD]

4WD or AWD will always be better that not in my opinion... but you'd use it 2 or maybe 3 times a year... and even then you wouldn't generally NEED it. Most stuff closes even if there's only a few inches of snow on the ground, so you usually shouldn't need to even go out on a snowy day.

[richmondpics]

You won't really need AWD or 4WD in Richmond... we get an occasional heavy winter storm, but the whole world seems to screech to a halt when that happens. You'll also think bread and milk are going out of style at Ukrop's!!! And that happens when they're only calling for an inch or 2. Still AWD may be nice to have anyways.

[mcmartian]

awd is nice in any state. but unless you're in the mountains or Ny state or further north not necessary

[htlong]

snow?????????? nothing to write home about east of richmond!