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I don't think you really pay attention once you drive it a lot, it becomes 2nd nature. You don't really look as much just like most race car drivers go completely with feel. The engine, tranny, and throttle response becomes your communicator. When I drive stick I rather not have a conversation because I'm trying to anticipate gear shifts.
I don't think you really pay attention once you drive it a lot, it becomes 2nd nature. You don't really look as much just like most race car drivers go completely with feel. The engine, tranny, and throttle response becomes your communicator. When I drive stick I rather not have a conversation because I'm trying to anticipate gear shifts.
Just got home and was driving my 93 Chevy C1500 V6 5SP. Shifting is as automatic as steering to me and I wish everything I drive from here forward is manual. I drive some traffic but mainly back roads and those are a breeze. A full sized truck is supposed to be manual.
The Cadillac? It wouldn't be right and I am used to just sitting and steering it w/CC engaged.
It is 43 years since I have driven in snow. Back in those days I found a FWD was a better snowshoe bunny than a RWD. Never drove anything that was 4WD. They were much less common then.
I regard small SUV/crossovers as tall station wagons. We had a number of wagons and they were very useful vehicles. Every time we got a sedan, I ended up wishing we hadn't.
OP, if you like a mid-size crossover, then get one. Just test drive a few (Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage & the Ford Escape). Most of these are probably more reliable than the Chevy. I like the styling of the GMC terrain which is the twin to the Equinox, but again suffers from the same reliability issues.
Get a copy of the consumer reports new car and read about the different make/models.
Speaking as someone that has driven 4X4 vehicles since mid 70s, if you are driving in snow especially deep snow go for a 4X4 vehicle. I carry a tow strap (long) at all times when driving on regular 2 lane roads, especially where there is no cell service. I have towed many 2 wheel drive both FWD and RWD vehicles back into the drive lane out of snow banks.
Our main car is a 2012 Explorer which is a mid size SUV. It has AWD with a dial that lets you adjust for type of driving you are doing. Dry pavement, on to snow and ice, with all wheels working full time 4X4 and set to handle special conditions to keep tires from spinning, and keep traction. Push a button, in the middle, when going down steep roads or extreamely slick ones and it adjusts the transmission to hold back, also adjusts the brakes for that type of driving.
Yes studded snow tires are a necessity in snow country especially when mountains and hills are involved. The studs give it a grip to go if icy, and will greatly reduce the distance to stop. When they put the chain law into effect, where everyone has to put on chains to continue driving on the road, a 4X4 with studded snow tires qualifies the same as a chained up car and allowed to stay on the road. You don't take the risk of breaking a chain, and the chain tearing up your car for a few thousand dollars of body work.
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