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Toyota Prius. There is no need for a daily driver being a 4x4 or any SUV/truck for that matter.
If you want to go mudding, drive on the outer banks beaches, or go to Uwharrie and tackle their technical off road trials, then and only then buy a 4x4.
How about a limo with a personal driver, just joking.
I saw someone mention a Honda Civic. I drove a Honda Civic from RI to Raleigh area and onto Dallas Texas in the mid 70's. No problem even then with hills and such.
Although today it might be a bit scary with all the huge vehicles sharing the roads with you.
At present I live in Northern Arizona 7000 ft elevation and yes we get snow. Even here many fuel economy cars are sufficent. I rarely used 4 wheel drive and traded in my SUV for a minivan, which is necessary as I have a child that uses a wheelchair that doesn't collapse.
The used car lot of the dealer was full of SUV's. At least here the mindset has changed.
I have noticed more and more smaller vehicles being bought. Family down the street traded their monster Escalade for a small car. I haven't a clue what their MPH was on it.
It still comes down to personal perference and what you can afford. If you are 6'4" and have a long commute a small car might not do. Then again saving 100's of dollars a month might be worth a bit of discomfort.
I am looking forward to visiting the area at the end of summer or early fall.
Thank you for your responses so far. I would be going to the mountains on weekends often to go hiking with my fiance and our two boxers. What else do you advise?
We make trips up to the mountains 12 months a year to kayak, which usually means in crappy weather on dirt/gravel logging roads. We've never had trouble with either my accord or my wifes subaru. My suggestion would be a front wheel or all wheel drive hatchback (so you can stick the dogs in the back). Honda fit, subarus, matrix/vibe will all do fine.
Highly recommend this car....great on twisty mountain roads....it makes me smile every time I see it
I smile too! It reminds me of the car my dad used to drive when we would go and visit family in canada...........
If you have things to haul/move etc buy a truck. We have a boat and have a truck to haul it..............I drive a hybrid escape which I love. It depends on what you need personally and the type of car you like.
I'm not sure if it's available in Durham, but there are a number of active biodiesel cooperatives in North Carolina. If you consider a truck, consider a diesel. No retrofitting of parts, and biodiesel gets better mileage, less engine wear & tear, and much cleaner emissions.
I have an Audi A4. It is an awesome car - fast and GREAT on gas mileage (and the price tag isn't too bad either). It costs me about $35-40 to fill up now (which is still pretty cheap) and I get 500 to 530 miles on a full tank. You can also get this car in "quattro" which is four/all wheel drive or just two wheel drive like I have. I love my Audi.
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