[yveskleinsky]

Hi everyone,

So I am moving to Haslett in May, and would like to get a different car before I move out there. My current vehicle is a 4wd Nissan Pathfinder. I was wondering if you guys who live in MI would recommend that I buy another AWD/4WD vehicle or if I can get away with front wheel drive. Any thoughts?

[zthatzmanz28]

AWD or front wheel drive will get you you around Haslett. If you like to tavel the backroads you will want 4wd. The Pathfiunder will do well on 90% of the Ingham County roads in the winter.

[aoletsgo]

Maybe, maybe you will need 4WD one day a year in mid-Michigan. Unless of course you are off-roading, pushing a snow plow, pulling a boat out of the water on a steep ramp, ect. I even know people who get by with FWD (with winter tires) in the Keweenaw where they have big hills and get over 400 inches of snow in the winter.

[teachbeach]

Haslett is flat, flat, flat~they are good about getting the main roads and the bus routes cleaned, eh...not so quick on the other streets. Even with 5 or 6 inches, you're never stuck for more than 1/2 a day, the main roads and highways are usually wet and clear by middle of the day. You'll be fine with either/any of your choices. Registration of your vehicle is based on purchase price, so maybe you should consider that instead?

[tuebor]

I lived in the Keweenaw myself for 5 1/2 years and drove a FWD Olds Ciera (V6). I only got stuck twice that I can remember, and once was because I accidentally turned onto a road that was closed. 4WD is not necessary for Haslett.

[JGatti]

In all the years I lived i Michigan I'd say I did not NEED it often but I personally LIKED to have it. I used it even when maybe it wasn't needed but I often traveled roads that would go from eh ok to really bad all within the same mile. So I'd leave it on. Personally I prefer it. Need it as in cannot survive without it? Nah.

[dragon_fly_12]

Definitely not necessary, but convenient on the couple days a year the roads are REALLY bad. I have always had 2wd, both front and rear, and had minimal problems getting around. Purchased a 4wd truck more recently for my hobbies, and it spends much of the time looking pretty in the driveway. I took it out twice this winter to make the morning commute a little easier.

[Tyryztoll]

I've lived in one of the snowiest places anywhere for 6 years now with a rear wheel drive light pickup and have not had a problem. Some extra weight in the bed and plenty of common sense have done right by me. We have some fairly hilly spots around here, too. Would I like to have a 4WD? Sure would. Do I need one? Apparently not. You'll be just fine if you watch out for the idiots and don't drive like one yourself.

[Nephler]

Simple answer is, no, you do not need a 4WD. You really don't need one in the southern part of the state.
Many people get along just fine without 4WD, even where there is much more snow.

[Gorath]

A good set of tires, properly inflated, is much more important than 4WD when driving on snow.