Purchasing an SUV

[cp]

Hi...this is my first time posting on this site. I need a little advice. I want to purchase an suv mainly because Ive had too many close calls with the snow and ice. I'm looking to get the best bang for my buck but have to keep it modest. Im looking at the terrain, equinox and rav 4. Still debating front wheel or all wheel drive and I hear front wheel is ok on an suv because of the extra weight and that gas is way too costly with an all wheel drive. Any suggestions or comments?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

An SUV is not going to stop you from having an accident. It doesn't matter how many wheel drive you have on ice. For years, I drove a Mazda MX6 with a front wheel drive in upstate NY with absolutely no issues - and many cars out there are front wheel drive. After the MX6, I drove a Sentra (also front wheel drive) with no problems either.

What will stop you from having close calls is driving carefully and in accordance with the weather conditions. That means keeping your speed down, keeping your car under control, don't make any quick moves and don't gun your engine. Anticipate movements and start slowing down at stoplights/signs long before you normally would need to. I see LOTS of SUVs that have gone off the road because people think that just because they have an SUV, they can drive like you can when the pavement's dry. You can't. I saw a Jeep go into the trees last winter because he was driving like a bat out of hell and no respect for the weather. His 4 wheel drive certainly didn't keep him on the road.

That being said, I have a Forester which is an all wheel drive car. I did not buy it because of the AWD but because my Sentra was too difficult for me to get in and out of with a bad hip. Since I did not want a pick up, I needed something with a higher profile and the Forester, Rav4 and CRV were on my short list since all of them set up higher. I don't drive any differently with my Forester than I did with my Sentra.

My car does not get good gas mileage, not anywhere near the Sentra. Not only that, if I replace one tire, I have to replace them all.

[cp]

Sounds pretty reasonable and I am VERY careful in the bad weather. I also like being higher up in an suv...but I did get stuck on a hill with ice getting out of a community garage n I couldnt help but notice that my neighbor with his escape (front wheel drive) made it up and out with no problem. My other neighbor who drives a saturn couldnt get out either. Maybe it has something to do with the heavier weight of the suv?

[MN-Investor]

I bought my '96 RAV4 new and, for the most part, have really liked it. The only drawback was, at 120 horsepower, it was really underpowered. It's time for a new car and the '11 RAV4 is on my short list. This time I'd get the 6-cylinder. The 6-cylinder AWD has a MPG city of 19 and highway of 26. The 4-cylinder FWD has a MPG city of 22 and highway of 28. Not a significant difference for my purposes.

All wheel drive is nice and I'd recommend it. But more than that, I'd recommend a good set of snow / ice tires like Blizzaks. My RAV4 came with a worthless set of tires which was awful in snow. My DH ordered a set of Blizzaks mounted on steel rims for my RAV4. The difference was phenomenal. The RAV4 could climb up an icy driveway which most cars couldn't. It gave me better stopping ability. Each fall and spring DH would switch the tires out - it was easy since they were already mounted on rims and balanced. Any good garage can do that for you. I also recommend TireRack.com for where to get your tires. We've had wonderful luck with them. BTW, my current winter tires are Michelin Arctic Alpins. Yes, you do have to be careful driving, but good winter tires do make a difference.

[Sharon]

I drive a 01 Chevy Tahoe with 4 wheel drive. The 4 wheel drive does help with ice /snow but I still drive cautiously when conditions warrant. I have a 23' travel trailer which is why I drive an SUV.

Actually my 65 mustang was the best snow car I've ever had. I would put studded tires on the back and throw the regular tires in the trunk for weight and off I went.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

I had a 66 Mustang as my first car. It was cherry red. (happy sigh)

My wonderful DH has been very happy with his 2002 Ford Explorer, but we don't deal with ice and snow here ... just fog.

[cp]

I have a lot to think about. The tahoe is a bit big for me but I do have the new rav4 on ly list.

[olderburgher]

You need to provide more info. Are you single or do you have a large family to haul around in the new car? If a you haul a large group the small SUVs aren't for you because they are small. You can look at a Subaru Outlook if a small one is okay but that hauls 4 people at most. Do you deal with mostly ice or mostly snow? If it is ice consider buying studded winter tires for what ever you buy if they are legal where you live. Studded tires are great for ice but a potential problem in snow. Also look at tire chains which can be slipped on.
Will you look only at new vehicles? I have bought and driven 3 used SUVs (I am currently driving the third one.) All were from Ford and all served me well. Moreover, all were bought for less then $20k, saving me nearly $30,000.

[jsjjkelly]

Hi!

I don't have one of the SUV's you mentioned, but I currently drive an Expedition, and before that I had an Explorer. Being we just moved back to FL from AK, I feel like I can offer you some insight.

We grew up in Ohio, and when winter came, my family would put studs on the tires that would propel the car (like a rear wheel drive only got them on the back). It was to help them get going.

In Alaska, even the trucks put studs on all 4 tires. If you truly deal with ice every day, you need them to help you STOP. Getting going is nice, but not stopping causes big accidents.

My husband has an all wheel drive car. Boy did the 2 handle differently. On really icy days, my husband would take my truck because it was heavier, and it had the studs to help it stop. The all wheel drive was nice when it was snowy, but at times you'd feel the stability control thing trying to help the car stay on it's path. Kind of creepy when you're not used to it. But nice that you're not sliding around.

Whatever you decide on, you just need to practice how to handle it. I got used to how my big truck would handle on the ice. I also felt fine in his allwheel drive car. My friend had a 2 wheel drive mini van, and she would slip and slide all over. Definitely not a fun ride.

I'm sure you'll pick the right SUV. If they offer the all wheel drive function, I'd definitely consider getting it. My expedition is only rear wheel drive too, but I'd take it back up there if need be.

Shawn in FL

[kadee]

If weight is what you are worried about....I used to haul 4 concrete blocks in my trunk & it made my old LTD stable & I got around where lots of others were in the ditch!
Like the others have said...it's the tires and/or studs/chains!

[domeasingold]

I own a Hummer H2. You don't want that. It is a very good foul weather vehicle. Think about what you are going to be driving during the good weather. Maybe the Subaru or the CRV if you are just starting out with a all season vehicle. Best advise; wait a couple of months then think about it for next winter.

[Deleted]

I have those same issues. I live in a NYC suburb. While we don'
t always get a lot of snow, my problem is a little different. Whether it's a small amount of snow or just wet roads, my 4 cyl Camry often spins the front wheels, with not much traction. I was wondering if a larger car with 6 cyl or a small SUV, which I believe will have less torque, would lessen these traction issues.

[montanatransplant]

We drive a 1994 Rav4, and a 2004 Toyota Highlander. Very satisfied with both.

[cp]

Getting lots of good info here and Oh yes...thats my exact prob. I have an 05 4cly camry, front wheen drive and Im in the nyc suburbs too. Traction is my main prob. The CRV was on my list too and I am going to wait this out til the summer most likely. Im aiming for a GM SUV cuz I have the GM Card so I'll get a fair chunk of change knocked off, thus Im leaning toward the exuinox or terrain. I want to buy new because I plan on keeping it long term! ****Also...I hear that with suv's, that 60% of the weight is in the front of the car so I will get good traction with a front wheel drive...good enough to avoid the added expense of all wheel drive. Anyone know if this is true??

[Opti]

Jan 25, 2011 15:48:25 GMT -5 @charaya said:

I have those same issues. I live in a NYC suburb. While we don'
t always get a lot of snow, my problem is a little different. Whether it's a small amount of snow or just wet roads, my 4 cyl Camry often spins the front wheels, with not much traction. I was wondering if a larger car with 6 cyl or a small SUV, which I believe will have less torque, would lessen these traction issues.

This sounds more like a tire and possible speed issue. If you do not have enough tread on your tires you are going to do badly in snow and rain. Also, adjusting your speed and how you drive helps a lot too. You may need to start slower than you'd prefer to drive effectively in the rain and snow. Many people are unaware too that keeping a minimum speed of 20 mph can help insure you don't get stuck. If your car can't do 20mph on a snow covered road, you shouldn't be out.

I strongly agree with the snow tire advice. I'm a fan of Blizzaks too. SUVs can be helpful in snow as they are higher and often have tires developed more for traction in snow than most passenger cars. They can be deadly on ice and its good to remember they are easier to tip over and so its wise to drive more smoothly than you might in a regular car.

[Opti]

cp and charaya I'd also recommend speaking to someone at Tirerack.com and getting their advice. I have family members in the snow covered midwest who regularly deal with more snow than the NYC burbs and I think they are doing OK. One has a Camry, the other a Solara.

[998fbird]

cp I recently purchased a Nissan Rouge and wanted to recommend that you at least look at the rogue. I started out thinking I wanted a CRV but after driving the following: Toyota rav4 and matrix, chevy equinox, honda crv and nissan rogue I really liked the rogue best. I also drove both the front wheel drive and the awd and liked the ride of the awd best. I plan to keep this vehicle for a minimum of 10 years and just like the ride and mechanical performance of the rogue best at of everything I drove. I took a friend with me and put each vehicle thru its paces. Believe me, for me it was all about what performed best and the rogue really did it for me.
As for performance in the snow I have always found the keys are good all weather radials, a full gas tank, and lots of care and patience as a driver.
Whatever you buy I hope you like it as much as I enjoy my rogue.