late 20's professional relocating to Milwaukee, question in buying a car (home, luxury)

[kevinzzz]

Hello, everyone here:

Finally found a good forum here,

Since a lot of snowing days in Milwaukee, what kinda car would be nice to have in this city for a single 20's male.

My major concern is about safety of driving in bad days, so a quality SUV or crossover would be something I wanna look for? like X3...

What kind of car features would be a must? like AWD, heated seats?

Greatly appreicate for all replies.

[newto53202]

maybe I'm a bit silly, but I've never really understand questions like these. We live in a city, the streets are cleared on a (fairly) regular basis. You aren't going to be offroading on 3 feet of ice. A lot of people like to have 4 wheel drive for winter, maybe you could look into that if you're concerned I guess. A heater that works would probably be good enough, but if you really want luxury, heated seats, sure.

[43north87west]

I've driven European rear wheel drive sedans in Milwaukee for the last 20 years. I still have one. The roads do get bad once in a while. However, the biggest issue is having very good tires, not so much having AWD.

The AWD would be a big benefit if you parked on the streets. If you park underground, it's not necessary. If you park on the street, AWD helps you get in and out of snowbanks that are formed by plows and other cars parking. AWD is very nice, and if you can afford it and the car you want is optioned with it (or standard) then you won't dislike it.

Heated seats and outside mirrors are a very nice feature, and almost mandatory if you have leather seats. Also carry a shovel just in case of emergencies. I have gotten more than one car (including 4wd SUV) hung up on snow so that all 4 wheels were spinning. Ten minutes of shoveling and I was back on the road. Please understand this is not a common occurrence.

[Milwaukee City]

Good Post 43/87.

The most important thing to have is a small shovel or and ice scraper. Also keep in mind where you are parking, if you park on a side street at 8am for work chances are when you come out at 4 or 5 the city plows will have plowed that street 6 or 7 times over meaning you may now be plowed in again. Especially if you start work at 6 or 7. Tires are really important, I used to put on just winter tires starting Dec 1 thru April 1st and that helps greatly.

You don't need a truck or suv in Milwaukee, maybe out in the sticks but in Milwaukee County the streets are plowed very well IMO. However I do live where I am surrounded by 4 very busy streets so my streets are usually clear by 8am anyways due to all the buses and rush hour commuters.

Drive slow and anticipate the other drivers next move and you'll be fine.

[Nuclear_Art]

Anywhere in the city the streets are plowed quickly. As long as you drive smartly, a front wheel drive car will work well. I've driven them all and found a front wheel drive car works better than a 4x4 Jeep Cherokee unless you have lots of weight over the rear axle.

As has been said before you can have a vehicle that drives through snow like it was dry pavement but the hazards are in people that have no clue on how to drive in snow with crappy cars. I've had close encounters with those people and was only able to avoid them because I was driving slow and cautiously. Good anti-lock brakes will save you from more winter weather accidents than AWD.

[jlawrence01]

What is more critical than the VEHICLE that you drive is the condition of your tires and YOUR ABILITY to adjust your driving behavior to the weather conditions.

I have not had any problems getting around in a Toyota Corolla in any weather. However, after a while, you decide that it is better to stay home than to drive in an ice storm.

One more thing. Carry things like blankets, a shovel, flares and the like in case you do run off of the road. You may not use the stuff for years but the one night your car breaks down when it is -7F and you wait 75 minutes for AAA, you will be glad you have it.

[kevinzzz]

thank you all so much!!!

[slamont61]

I'd suggest a VW Jetta. Good tires and Front Wheel Drive is all you'll need. I drive one in North Central Minnesota, Milwaukee would be a walk in the park comparitively. Can't beat the better gas milage either.

Watch out for idiots on the highway when the roads get slippery, you'll see car after car in the ditch. It won't be due to anything more than un-safe driving, not the lack of Four or All Wheel Drive.

[kevinzzz]

Originally Posted by slamont61

I'd suggest a VW Jetta. Good tires and Front Wheel Drive is all you'll need. I drive one in North Central Minnesota, Milwaukee would be a walk in the park comparitively. Can't beat the better gas milage either.

Watch out for idiots on the highway when the roads get slippery, you'll see car after car in the ditch. It won't be due to anything more than un-safe driving, not the lack of Four or All Wheel Drive.

Does that happen a lot on the highway???, sounds scary...

[slamont61]

Originally Posted by kevinzzz

Does that happen a lot on the highway???, sounds scary...

Yes, you'll see it every time the roads turn slippery. Drive too fast and off you go, so it's avoidable.