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So an interesting update, the sales man from the dealership called and said someone wanted to buy my year and model of prius and asked if we would consider trading it in, that we could get a new prius v for lower payments (we have paid enough off I guess).
Now let's say, I don't believe him for a minute. I think he just wants us to trade in for a new car because we wouldn't be backwards on the car payment. I asked, and we could get a hylander.
So while a prius would work, I'm really thinking about the benefits of an suv. Heavier, higher, seems safer. Plus we will be mostly in a city but it would be good to have an option of driving out in the country. I also hate the idea of being stranded.
Snow tires are more economical than all-season tires. 1 set of snows + 1 A/S > 2 sets of A/S. You don't need much tread in summer, but people frequently have to chuck half worn A/S tires to be "safe" for winter.
Also, most folks downgrade their rim size for winter, thus getting a cheaper tire. My car has 18" stock rims, but 15" and 16" both fit for winter. There is a huge price increase from 16" to 18" tires.
I should have clarified the cost argument. In the long run, you're right. Even with that said, a number of people will base the choice on short term cost. If someone can only afford to drive a 15 year old beater, there's little chance of them spending $500 for snow tires and rims, especially if the tires/rims will last longer than the car.
In any event, I don't think cost will be an issue if they're now considering trading up to an SUV.
SUV is totally unnecessary unless you need the cargo room. If you do get an SUV to use in MN, make sure it has all wheel drive. It's nice to have, but mostly, SUV's without AWD in MN would take a bigger hit in resale value.
So while a prius would work, I'm really thinking about the benefits of an suv. Heavier, higher, seems safer. Plus we will be mostly in a city but it would be good to have an option of driving out in the country. I also hate the idea of being stranded. Any thoughts?
Just so you know, those of us who live in the country in northern MN have complete contempt for city dwellers who feel they must needs have a big honking SUV in the city, then come up to drive their hogs on narrow roads in the country, thinking they're safe and ignoring conditions. A SUV doesn't guarantee good traction. Top heavy SUV drivers are more likely to overcompensate and flip over on icy roads. The only people I know up north who are dumb enough to drive giant SUVs are weekenders.
If you want a SUV, get a smaller Subaru Outback. Then you'll really blend in!
Geeze, round here a hylander is a tiny suv. You're right though, it might be too large for my needs. Plus I got rid of my mini van so I couldn't agree to foster anymore wayward families kids. "Sorry, I don't even have room in my car for another". It actually works.
One issue with the prius, the heater sucks, massively. It doesn't even get below 40 here very often and it doesn't cut it, especially people in the back.
The snow tires guys always show up on these threads, but I wonder where in MN they live. Where I live, Roseville, the roads are cleared all winter. Snow tires would just get chewed up. It's not Lake Tahoe or Durango CO or even Maine. Anyway, I drive a Prius V in Minnesota and it works fine. I also have a Toyota Venza, Toyota Sienna, and 1995 Chevy Blazer at my disposal and I usually just drive the Prius.
I got my drivers license in Bemidji and dove a RWD pickup truck with lousy tires throughout high school. You can get away with almost any car here. The only thing I would suggest against is a soft top convertible.
The snow tires guys always show up on these threads, but I wonder where in MN they live. Where I live, Roseville, the roads are cleared all winter. Snow tires would just get chewed up. It's not Lake Tahoe or Durango CO or even Maine. Anyway, I drive a Prius V in Minnesota and it works fine. I also have a Toyota Venza, Toyota Sienna, and 1995 Chevy Blazer at my disposal and I usually just drive the Prius.
I got my drivers license in Bemidji and dove a RWD pickup truck with lousy tires throughout high school. You can get away with almost any car here. The only thing I would suggest against is a soft top convertible.
Do you find the heater adequate? We are looking at rochester, and while we want to stay in city limits, we might be on the northern side where we can have a couple acres. Any thoughts?
Do you find the heater adequate? We are looking at rochester, and while we want to stay in city limits, we might be on the northern side where we can have a couple acres. Any thoughts?
I think so, but I grew up in MN so I am immune to the cold. Today I drove around for about 40 minutes before realizing my heater wasn't on.
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