Ranting Out Loud: A Four-Wheeled Four Seasons Dilemma

"Blake Noble" (no-bull) 01/25/2014 at 20:31 • Filed to: Rants

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The clouds had finally spared some room for the sun, the temperature was just cracking the freezing point. By the time mid-afternoon rolled around, a generous four inches of snow had fallen. The main thoroughfares in and out of town had been plowed, scraped, and salted some moments earlier, while the side roads still bore their coat of white, now growing threadbare in places from the blowing wind and the steadily creeping tires of cautious travelers.

It was on one of these faux polar passageways that the driver of a lifted red Ford F-150 decided that today was not the day to share the road with other passing motorists. And, unfortunately for me, I was a passing motorist asking to share the road. He had almost a foot to his right to spare. I didn't. I had a ditch and I was forced into it.

No, in case you were wondering, the driver didn't stop. He instead moved down the road at a relatively brisk pace for the conditions. Thanks to this considerate driver, I was now stuck. Was I furious? You bet.

I wasn't just upset at Mr. Red Ford Truck, though. I was also a little upset with myself. You see, in the Fall of 2013 I sold my four-wheel drive 2000 Jeep Cherokee because I had grown tired of throwing money at it. At that point, it had 283,000 miles and it wasn't trying to hide its age anymore. Since it wasn't my primary vehicle, I figured the time was right to give it a new home.

Now, as I sat in this ditch, I couldn't have regretted that decision more. It's not that I believed that I wouldn't have wound up off of the snow-covered tarmac if I still had it. I just damn sure knew that I wouldn't be struggling to get back on it.

I could try to buy my Cherokee back, of course. The new owner lives locally and I still have his number stored in my phone. However, from what I gather about him, I seriously doubt any reasonable offer of mine would transfer its ownership back to me.

That leaves me where I'm at right now. I'm more than willing to allow another four-wheel drive wagon of the sports-utility variety in my life. Not only would be it extremely useful during the winter months, I could also see myself using it for light off-roading and camping trips. That's why I had the Cherokee around to begin with, anyway. I'm also willing to swap out my Dodge Charger to get back in the four-by-four game.

There's a problem, though.

While I would be happy behind the wheel of another Jeep or even a pickup, I'm unsure how long I could live with it and it alone before I would start yearning for another rear-drive car. Let's face it. The SUV and the truck alike would be fun off-road and useful in inclement weather, but 90 percent of the time, they'll be driven on paved roads, in dry and sunny conditions. In other words, prime weather for a front-engined rear-drive car.

Obviously, the answer here is to buy an inexpensive four-by-four and an inexpensive sports car. In fact, I started to research this approach earlier today. While window shopping on Auto Trader, I discovered a peachy 2007 Pontiac Solstice for $8,000 with only 60,000 miles on the clock. From there, I hopped on over to Craigslist and found a ZR2 Blazer for under $2,000.

Perfect duo, right? Sure, and it would actually be cheaper than the payoff on the Charger when the dust settles. But insurance premiums for the pair ... man, oh, man .

I eventually made it out of that ditch, by the way, with the help of two guys in a pewter Silverado. It wasn't lifted. I'm appreciative of their hospitality. Now if I could only get someone to tow me out of the rut I'm in when it comes to preventing this story come next winter, I'll really be all set.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Blake Noble 01/25/2014 at 20:36

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I could be way off the mark here, but THIS came with 4WD and a Corvette engine...

A3R0 > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/25/2014 at 20:42

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Saab version was the same engine and all just the Saab GM thing.
I feel like the Saab is cooler.

MonkeePuzzle > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/25/2014 at 20:47

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only the auto was AWD though, manual only had RWD

just saying

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > A3R0 01/25/2014 at 20:48

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Really? To me I don't think it's possible to beat a bad ass SS truck.

MonkeePuzzle > Blake Noble 01/25/2014 at 20:48

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" as I sat in this ditch, I couldn't have regretted that decision more"

I sold my Impreza recently, then got my Civic stuck on a gentle slope the other day, my thoughts in the moment were exactly yours.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > MonkeePuzzle 01/25/2014 at 20:49

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They never made a manual TBSS O.o

A3R0 > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/25/2014 at 20:51

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Well, the difference between the two is badges. I don't know, I feel like the Saab looks sportier.

MonkeePuzzle > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/25/2014 at 20:51

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oh indeed, a friend had an auto awd and passed along this info to me, apparently she were a liar!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Blake Noble 01/25/2014 at 21:05

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You'll have to throw money at it but they can be had with a manual, a V8, and AWD. They are typical quattro beasts in poor weather and are nice wagons. Think of them as the german interpretation of the AMC eagle. Stick with the V8 and you should be fine. Get the twin turbo V6 and you will suffer immense pain.

CPT Speedbump > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/25/2014 at 21:07

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This has AWD as well, and it's faster.

Blake Noble > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/25/2014 at 21:14

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I hopped on over to Auto Trader to see if I could dig up a Trailblazer SS somewhere in the area. I found a 2007 model with 87,000 miles, give or take ... for $17,000 .

I will keep it and the Saab (thanks A3RO) on my radar.

Which, speaking of Saab, a 9-2X would be kind of cool ...

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > CPT Speedbump 01/25/2014 at 21:24

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And a Daimler-Chrysler auto-box. Not exactly known for their resilience...

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Blake Noble 01/25/2014 at 21:26

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They may be expensive, but their value could definitely made a case for. And on the 9-2X front, good luck. It's very hard to find a turbo in good condition for cheap.

CPT Speedbump > Blake Noble 01/25/2014 at 21:29

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Grand Cherokee Srt8, Subaru WRX/STI, or Forester XT (04' ish) or Legacy Gt can all make quick and fun awd's

Blake Noble > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/25/2014 at 22:45

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Huh. I forgot the Aero models only had the turbo.

Zoom > A3R0 01/26/2014 at 01:09

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From what I recall.... no 6 liter....but acceptable nonetheless.

Unless your 5.3 sucked oil like the Valdez......??

Zoom > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/26/2014 at 01:12

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Hate to say it (not really), I've worked on HemiJeeps, and V-8 Trailblazers. No TB unless the 6 liter.

Then you had better own an oil well.

Well, the 5.3 needed some serious oil also........

THOMAS5 > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 01:28

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bueno?

OldManMcKenna > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 01:31

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As the former owner of an open front and rear diff'd 4x4 vehicle of the sport utility variety, I can tell you that nothing is more infuriating than having 2 wheels in the snow and 2 wheels on a slightly better surface (like what would happen if you swerve to avoid morons like Mr. Red F150 and get stuck 1/2 on and 1/2 off of the road) and being stuck there. Without lockers at each axle or some kind of functional traction control, your 4x4 with a locking "center diff" is essentially 2wd. The wheels with the least traction will spin uselessly while the ones on the pavement/not in the ditch will sit there and look foolish.

Instead of aiming for a 4x4, why not get a well balanced, enjoyable rear driver with an LSD or traction control and a good set of snow tires?

Not much on the road was able to beat my factory LSD'd RWD Volvo with studded snows in the white stuff, not even my 4x4 Cherokee Sport (albeit w/All Seasons).

Kevin Rhodes > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 01:49

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Here is my British summer/winter dynamic duo:

rdkev > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 02:05

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A Solstice? You're kidding right?

Danger > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 02:18

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Old Audi Allroads. Bad mofos fo sho.

StayPutReachJump > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 02:47

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Got snow tires?

m3bassman > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 03:00

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Buy a fist gen Tacoma. Reliable. Drifts effortlessly on wet roads. Solid 4x4 setup with low range gearbox.

Cliff8928 > A3R0 01/26/2014 at 03:05

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This! The 9-7x Aero is almost identical to the TBSS, aside from the saab ignition switch, a better dual-slot navigation radio and factory equipped HIDs. The LS2 is where it's at. The 5.3 is more trouble than it's worth for something not that much better than the wonderfully smooth 4.2.

Admiral Asskicker > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 03:47

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I am in an oddly similar position. Just graduated college, found a job, and moved up to Madison WI. I currently have a 96 Cherokee with 200k on it. In a month or two I will probably be getting something newer, and you know, not 200k miles on it. The logical thing is some AWD thing (subaru or something), but I want some fun RWD action for my hard-earned money, and the MX5 and the BRZ are sitting there taunting me(among others).

Dunnik > THOMAS5 01/26/2014 at 04:46

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It's still the answer to everything, apparently.

kenhitch > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/26/2014 at 05:24

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I feel dirty for liking these

awhattup > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 05:51

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http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/corv…

Edmunds(Insideline) just took their long term Corvette through snow. Go see what happened.

SuPeRcHaRgER > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 06:29

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Dude, you're doing it wrong! The solution is to buy a Jeep for under a grand and then get a crotch-rocket, preferably a Duc : )

#TwoWheelsGood

John Coctostan > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 06:51

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Being in a ditch may just very well mean you are in a ditch, 4WD or no.

Alex87f > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 06:58

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-Cool? It's a Saab-badged Subaru, yes it's cool
-4WD? check!
-Winter-proof? With a good set of winter tyres this'll go anywhere
-Fun on tarmac? yes!
-Quick? The Aero does 0-60 in 6 seconds dead
-Wagon? Yes, it's a wagon

What do you think?

onhold > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 07:03

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Subaru WRX Sti hatchback - best of both worlds?

jalop1991 > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 07:04

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It's a poor workman who blames his tools. You had one—ONE—incident where you brainfarted and ended up in a ditch, and now you think—just like every soccer mom in the world—that you NEED a 4WD thingamabob to be "safe".

Here's an idea: don't brainfart like that again.

That all being said, your solution of an $8K Solstice (yummmm) and a $2K beater Blazer is a solid one. But then you back off because you ASS-U-ME the insurance for both would kill the deal.

Here's an idea: call your insurance agent and ask FIRST and gather the information before you let your ASS-U-Mption drive the deal into the ground.

In the end, it's all just numbers. And you may not like the insurance number (actually, I'm betting you'll be surprised at the FACTS that you discover on this), but don't focus on that. Look at the total package either way, and what each way brings you and/or takes away from you. Then decide.

But if you laser-focus on a single part of either method, you're just drilling yourself into a deep hole. Step back and look at the big picture: two cars, or one?

And quit brainfarting out there in traffic in the weather. If you didn't know the F-150 was going to be like that, well, you do now. Live and learn. Don't let a single incident and brainfart drive your life without serious, serious contemplation. Don't kneejerk.

MowtownMuscle1996 > Alex87f 01/26/2014 at 08:13

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I have to sell my mustang because of the weather, and this is something that I would love to have, but it's pricy. It's so badass and beautiful, a saab badged subaru.

Alex87f > MowtownMuscle1996 01/26/2014 at 08:26

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Sell your mustang because of the weather? Is the weather so bad that four winter tyres aren't enough?

GXP_Addiction > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 08:48

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Do it! The solstice is a hoot! I drive mine 600miles a week May through September and garage her for winter. I reccomend looking for a GXP because the 2.4l in the base model is a slouch the GXP puts 270hp at the rear and for very little money can see past 350hp VERY easily and reliably. If you want to chat more on the subject matter let me know!!!

hellaflushfj60 > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 08:50

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1987 Toyota Land Cruiser.
It's manual
It's four wheel drive
It's basically a wagon
It might "hoon"
A pussy magnet comes standard

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 08:51

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You don't mention where this occurred.

If it was one the areas that don't really get snow that often and are suddenly finding out that water can fall from the sky as a solid when it's not storming, perhaps you'd be better served by having a set of good all-season tires to put on you vehicle on the rare occurrence it does snow?

If snow is an annual event in your region, and you weren't on at least all-season tires, then I have to say I don't really have much sympathy.

Granted, Mr Red F150 was an asshat, and hopefully his reckless driving will yield him with a ditch in the near future as well. But not having the proper tires for the conditions when snowfall in a yearly event is just plain dumb. Especially when your vehicle is a relatively powerful RWD performance sedan. Snow tires are an even better idea, and better tires can almost negate the need for AWD/4WD in the snow.

Having said all that, if your car was wearing proper shoes, it sounds as if there was nothing avoidable about you trip to the ditch. I would also argue that while an AWD/4WD vehicle would have made it easier to get out of the ditch, in this case you'd probably still have had to visit it anyway.

AWD/4WD only helps gain traction to get moving. All cars already have 4-wheel braking.

I could be entirely wrong, it's been known to happen. I wasn't there, and while well written, your description is light on specific details, so I can only make assumptions.

Drive safe.

Gomer > Alex87f 01/26/2014 at 08:56

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I had a CTS-V I had to sell due to winter weather. 4 snow tires were not enough for me either.

The whole "snow tires and RWD" argument is supported only by those who live where it's flat.

My commute isn't flat, in 11 miles there's only 1 small area that's flat, and it's less than 1/10th of a mile. The other 10 miles are either going up, or going down.

Studded snow tires on a 2 wheel drive vehicle just don't cut it where there's real snow.

webmonkees > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 09:01

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~Deja Vu: Maybe a Jeep Cherokee, but nicer. At a point I sold my (totalled) DD and got the same model but in sedan, 4 years newer, 120K less, so mechanical issues have been a mere game of interpreting the past.

*

Gomer > m3bassman 01/26/2014 at 09:01

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I have an unnatural love for tacos. Not the food, the truck.

They're very expensive for what you get, but then again, when you go to sell it, they're still expensive and you make up for it on resale value. They're such a great little truck, I have many memories in a yellow single cab Yoda with a small lift and aggressive tires.

Come to think of it the food and the truck are both pretty great.

Lola D. Finney > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 09:14

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my buddy's mother-in-law makes $85 /hr on the computer . She has been fired from work for five months but last month her income was $12146 just working on the computer for a few hours. see here

­­a­s­h­4­6­.­­­­

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Zoom 01/26/2014 at 09:36

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The SS is the 6.0. That's the only one I'd recommend for someone with sports car intentions.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > kenhitch 01/26/2014 at 09:37

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Why is that? O.o

yamahog > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 09:50

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That's a nice XJ! Where do you live? I'm about to be in a similar situation, as I'm a Michigander trying to make a DD out of my lifted 97 XJ with 235k and a motorcycle in the summer, and considering adding a 2015 Mustang or Challenger. Right now the insurance on both is nothing (about $600/yr) but a new car would definitely jack that up.

Blake Noble > yamahog 01/26/2014 at 09:57

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Thanks! I live in Kentucky. Yeah, an XJ is surprisingly stupid cheap on insurance premiums. When I had mine, it was about $50 bucks a month.

Blake Noble > Alex87f 01/26/2014 at 10:00

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It's actually on my radar if the right deal wanders along. I kicked the tires on a base model with a stick last year and I thought it was a pretty fun car, although I'd really rather have the turbo (Aero).

yamahog > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 10:08

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I say go for the Blazer or another cheap XJ, and keep the Charger, FWIW. (Can you tell I'm biased?) If you can get into a used 4x4 for $2000 and insure it without comp/collision, it shouldn't break the bank and then you have a fun car and a useful, also fun, SUV.

Thisnewformatisrubbish > Alex87f 01/26/2014 at 10:10

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Mustangs are worthless in snow. And rain. They are great in high school parking lots and also mall parking lots. My secretary has one.

MowtownMuscle1996 > Alex87f 01/26/2014 at 10:13

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Well I live in michigan 1. 2 I'm 17 so I have no input on what we ( as in my parents and I) should do. I love this car too much, it's my first car and I planed on keeping for a while. That doesn't seem to be the case now. So I've been looking at Subies, mazdas, saabs, volvos, and I actually just thought of the scion tc and quite like that car. Any suggestions jalops on a car thats good for winter yet fun for a 17 year old kid who's world just revolves around cars and the car industry? No SUVs though, not a big fan of them, except the wrangler of course.

MowtownMuscle1996 > Alex87f 01/26/2014 at 10:13

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Well I live in michigan 1. 2 I'm 17 so I have no input on what we ( as in my parents and I) should do. I love this car too much, it's my first car and I planed on keeping for a while. That doesn't seem to be the case now. So I've been looking at Subies, mazdas, saabs, volvos, and I actually just thought of the scion tc and quite like that car. Any suggestions jalops on a car thats good for winter yet fun for a 17 year old kid who's world just revolves around cars and the car industry? No SUVs though, not a big fan of them, except the wrangler of course.

Thisnewformatisrubbish > Kevin Rhodes 01/26/2014 at 10:16

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You brave soul.

Blake Noble > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 01/26/2014 at 10:17

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This happened in rural Kentucky on a one-laner (meaning my trip to the ditch was basically unavoidable because of Mr. Red Pickup), and snow is an annual occurrence here. Granted, a typical Winter here doesn't feature stupidly high snowfall totals, but to think that some decent snow (or, at the very least/worst, ice ) will skip over us every year "ain't too bright," as some of the folks around here would say. We've received probably around a foot of snowfall in total so far this Winter, and the word from bird is that we still have plenty of the cold and wet stuff left to go.

Old-Busted-Hotness > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 10:19

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Next time just hit the son of a bitch.

Seitz > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 10:21

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I owned one of these for 2 years, the guy whom I bought it from did some extensive suspension work to it. Edelbrock struts and all sorts of other shit I didn't know.

The car was lowered by about an inch or 2 and had some very stiff suspension (Fully independent front and rear, by the way, Double Wishbones on all 4) I use to be able to take turns in it that I would have not dared with my dad's E90. In the winter, when the roads got icy, I use to play a game when I drove home from work called "How sideways can you get your SUV?".

Thing was a boatload of fun, reminded me of a slow rally-raid car. It was also loud even though it had no engine or exhaust mods to it.

EDIT: If you're into the sort of thing, 4WD can be had with or without a Manual transmission. I'd go for the v6, which is unfortunately, very weak (150hp) but better than the alternative. If you're ready for some digging, there is a Turbodiesel which can be had with all the bells and whistles.

Cyrus > Alex87f 01/26/2014 at 10:26

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Too bad it has a habit of eating motors. Speaking as an ex-owner.

STREPITUS > yamahog 01/26/2014 at 10:30

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2015 Mustang. You know you want one.

yamahog > STREPITUS 01/26/2014 at 10:37

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Well if I win that $45k Chrysler Group raffle I entered at NAIAS, that makes the decision a lot easier... Also, a Mustang means parking in the competitive lot at work, and boy have I gotten spoiled parking close to the door in the nice garage. DO WANT to test drive both for sure.

STREPITUS > yamahog 01/26/2014 at 10:39

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1. Win $45k

2. Buy Challenger

3. Trade for Mustang

4. ???

5. PROFIT! (well, probably not profit per se, but MUSTANG!)

yamahog > STREPITUS 01/26/2014 at 10:48

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No, no, no, all wrong.

1. Win $45k

2. Buy HELLCAT

3. Steal your Mustang

4. Start buying tires in bulk

Iamopenlyjudgingyou > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 10:56

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The details of the accident aren't clear. It sounds like the f150 was traveling in the middle of the road and you swerved.

505Turbeaux > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/26/2014 at 10:57

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I have never seen a 4.2 with a stick, only the 2.7T. I know of one built to 450 hp running through the 6M, and I guess that makes up for V8 grunt ok

A3R0 > Zoom 01/26/2014 at 11:02

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The Aero had the Corvette engine too!

The 2009 9-7X Aero is powered by the powerful, 6.0L small-block V-8 delivers 390 horsepower (295 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque. With 0-60 mph acceleration of less than six seconds, the 9-7X Aero is a treat for those who are passionate about the driving experience.

Eyaare > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 11:12

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Subaru.

Fuckin Mustang of the snow states, that.

Neat-O > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 11:14

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Hold on a moment, you do realize a extra set of snow tires to slap on in the winter (just two if its FWD imo) would make most 4x4 look stupid!? I mean, unless it snows over 8 inches.

FYI i useally dont post stuff but i just pulled out a Jeep Grand Cherokee with 4x4 out of a ditch, it had all season tires. Used a Honda Elememt to get it out (with AWD).

TwoWheelsAmazing > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 11:19

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I'm also from Kentucky, Louisville specifically and it's silly how much snow our area has seen. Since most of the time its very little to nothing. Guess its one of those freak years.

maximum_sarge > 505Turbeaux 01/26/2014 at 11:26

1

Mine has a 6M and about 800 hp on race gas. Guys running 1,000 hp are breaking half shafts on this and the B5 S4. The transmissions and everything else are plenty solid with more standard tunes in the 400 hp range.

The air suspension is the pricey part regarding repairs, but at this age, you just replace it all with new stuff and it's good for another 5 years, or you put a coil over kit on it and get rid of the air springs.

maximum_sarge > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 11:34

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I like trucks with a manual transmission and 4x4 so you can drive in 4x2 (4x[hoon]), unless you really need 4x4.

For SUV's, your options are:

Jeep XJ/LJ/TJ (190hp)/JK (new ones are 290 hp)

Toyota FJ (260 hp)/older 4runner (~220hp)

Nissan Xterra 260 hp 06+ (this is probably the best driving on-road, and the quickest and more reliable than Jeep; Source: I owned two TJ's and an LJ before I bought one of these).

There are some older SUV's with manuals and 4x4, but they'll all be less reliable than the above.

Gomer > MowtownMuscle1996 01/26/2014 at 11:35

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Depends on your budget, but there are great options at any price out there.

Look for older WRX 's, or G35X's. I've owned one of each, both were amazing. The G35X is auto only though. You have to get a RWD G35 for a manual.

505Turbeaux > maximum_sarge 01/26/2014 at 11:38

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yeah this guy has the original setup for suspension, just keeps up on it. It is his DD so I think he is at the limit of what can be considered reliable for a daily. 800hp? you are my hero. the 450 rips pretty good for the street though

maximum_sarge > MowtownMuscle1996 01/26/2014 at 11:39

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AWD over FWD any day. You'll still want snow tires if you're in western/northern Michigan or the UP. The Saabaru would be a great choice, IMO. Otherwise any Subaru or WRX would be smart. Most other AWD cars are going to be more expensive to maintain and less reliable (i.e. ze germans) and/or less fun (other Japanese and American options).

Alex87f > Thisnewformatisrubbish 01/26/2014 at 11:43

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It probably depends on your definition of "snow". Where I live, we nearly never get more than 4-5", and the roads are usually quite quickly cleared. I have a 2(F)WD car with winter tyres, and I've never come close to being stranded. It was actually a bit frustrating because the car wasn't as fun in the snow as I expected it to be.

Now as I said, we get 4-5" tops, 2 weeks per year max. So I really don't see the point of having to cope with a 4WD car in such conditions. Worst case scenario you end up taking the train to work two weeks per year.

Of course, if you get more snow, or more regular snow, it might be a different story.

Dropfox2 > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 11:59

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I did the same thing. I sold my grand cherokee around this time last year because I was sick of the mild snowless winters I was getting and wanted to build another honda and now this winter it's been the harshest winter I can remember without getting a blizzard. I did end up getting another grand cherokee in the fall because I missed mine so much. Picked up a 98 Laredo for $200 with a stack of receipts for maintinence and work the guy already did but the trans is toast. When I get my taxes back I'm gonna get we fixed and on the road and sell my honda.

472CID > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 12:00

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Driving a truck/suv is dull indeed, but a manual transmission makes it much more agreeable. My SUV is much slower and less sporty than my sedan was, but the 5 speed makes it a bit more fun overall.

kenhitch > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/26/2014 at 12:09

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Cause I'm not an SUV guy, certainly not an American SUV guy (I think they're great mules and that's it). And it's a Blazer, but with an SS badge and tuned for the street. Lol but it's awesome.

Gomer > Admiral Asskicker 01/26/2014 at 12:10

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It's pretty flat in Wisconsin and dosen't snow a whole lot (44 inches annually) so I think you'd be just fine for the most part. That BRZ would be awesome as a purchase right out of college.

Word of advice though, just fresh out of college I did something similar, bought a new WRX (2005). While I loved the car, and wouldn't take back the decision, it was pretty expensive for me just starting out. If I were you, I'd look for something used, cheaper, but just as fun. Save money for yourself. Find a used BRZ or even an RX-8, snow tires in the winter, hoon the shit out of it, and have money left over for beer.

STREPITUS > yamahog 01/26/2014 at 12:13

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I agree with and support steps 1 and 4.

Blake Noble > TwoWheelsAmazing 01/26/2014 at 12:23

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Freak year for snowfall? As far as the big picture goes, not really. We're creeping into February now and Lexington, for example, is apparently still a few inches below its average total snowfall , even after Mother Nature dumped around a solid nine inches or so. Like I mentioned, though, we're apparently not out of the woods yet . I'm obviously not a meteorologist, but that does sound like a hint that we'll probably get a nice snowstorm to blow through in the coming weeks. A snow storm isn't really out of the ordinary , either.

What has been exceptionally brutal about this winter has been the sub-zero temperatures and the accompanying wind chill factor. I mean, it's not out of the ordinary for back porch thermometers around here to dip below zero. In fact, records show it was fairly commonplace thirty to thirty five years ago. But the wind chill ... good grief. That's what's been so "freakish" about this winter.

Blake Noble > TwoWheelsAmazing 01/26/2014 at 12:44

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I also wanted to throw in a forecast chart — which has been fairly close so far — and an average total snowfall map for that post, too.

Winter '14 Forecast:

Average Snowfall Map:

When it's all said and done, this will turn out to be an average winter around here if you can believe it. With no thanks to the Weather Channel hyping up winter storms (whoever decided to name winter storm systems like hurricanes needs to be hung, drawn, and quartered on live television) and Old Man Winter's general erectile dysfunction the last few years, it just seems like it's more extreme than usual.

tapzz > Neat-O 01/26/2014 at 12:44

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Agreed.

The one thing that struck me every time I've been to Northern Scandinavia: 6 months of snow, conquered by platoons of RWD Volvos, BMWs and Mercs, as well as FWD Saabs and assorted Euro hatchery. How? Tyres

cu4x4n > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 12:55

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"...in dry and sunny conditions."

Done and done.

MowtownMuscle1996 > maximum_sarge 01/26/2014 at 13:15

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I want a subie so bad, but my parents think their cop magnets. And they also don't want to get me a car older that 2006. So Subies 2006 and up get costly. Idk what to do, all ik is I want a subie

MowtownMuscle1996 > maximum_sarge 01/26/2014 at 13:16

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I want a subie so bad, but my parents think their cop magnets. And they also don't want to get me a car older that 2006. So Subies 2006 and up get costly. Idk what to do, all ik is I want a subie

JCAlan > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 13:21

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Multiple vehicles. Embrace it.

Admiral Asskicker > Gomer 01/26/2014 at 13:34

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HA HA, well I already own an RX8.....kinda. Left it at home in WV with mother because I couldn't drive 2 cars at once, and had to dump a lot of my money into first-months rent/deposit/furniture/other moving stuff, so didnt want to drop mony on snow tyres at the time. I need to decide what to do with it, but having just an RX8 and a 200k mile jeep isnt the most reliable situation when I have to make it to work everyday, also it has a CEL on at the moment. Also 8s are notoriously finicky in cold weather.

As for new vs used: I'm not sure how much depreciation hits MX5s and BRZs. Also BRZs were recently released, so not many used, and MX5 for a good used grand-touring they are still around the 17k-18k price range if I remember right, thats a hard sell when I have seen new clubs go for like 22k. Don't want to look at used base models because 5-Speed and no LSD. Also I'm fairly happy with my salary at the moment, and can probably budget 25k.

Alex87f > MowtownMuscle1996 01/26/2014 at 14:10

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On our side of the pond, we could get 2.0R Subies, which had a 2.0 N/A boxer four with 160hp and the usual AWD system. While it was no WRX, with a stick they could be proper fun.

Maxaxle > THOMAS5 01/26/2014 at 14:33

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Lots more lift than I was expecting, and I suspect the rollbar isn't quite sturdy enough.

jalop1991 > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 15:16

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Winter tires are cheaper than anything else you're considering, btw.

Kylemaro > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/26/2014 at 15:22

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corvette engine? no ls engine yes. are they the same thing? no

Kylemaro > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 15:31

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You will not regret a zr2 blazer, so long as it isn't royally trashed. its got the capability (with some real tires, all terrains or better, non of that all season bullshit) to go anywhere you would ever need or want to. however for feeling safe, looking badass and being a legendary 4x4 alls i can say is K5

Kylemaro > StayPutReachJump 01/26/2014 at 15:32

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snow tires AHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAH

Zoom > A3R0 01/26/2014 at 15:49

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No shit. I learn something newish everyday.

A3R0 > Zoom 01/26/2014 at 16:15

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There's always something in the car world to learn!

Lahjik > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 17:53

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Sounds like it's time for a late-night visit to Mr. Red Ford Truck's driveway to remove his drive-shaft for him. So that he doesn't think you're stealing it, you can throw it through his windshield.

Arben72 > MowtownMuscle1996 01/26/2014 at 18:16

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I just bought an drive able aero for 2k as a project car. I bet I can get fully fixed for another 1000. They're out there you just got to look.

Thisnewformatisrubbish > Alex87f 01/26/2014 at 20:53

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We get 4 inches snow then swing to 65 and back to snow. That means ice under snow mix, which will trap low cars with stretched tires. But 9 months a year it's ok.

Foo2rama > Blake Noble 01/26/2014 at 21:24

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The 5.0 Cherokee is the truck equivalent of the Miata... It is the answer to all questions...

Philbert/Phartnagle > Blake Noble 01/27/2014 at 06:37

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You flinched and got two for flinching. :(

Rein44 > Blake Noble 01/27/2014 at 13:34

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I hate how every time it snows, all drivers assume the painted lines separating the lanes mean nothing. I'm trying to stay in my lane, which is useless when the dumbass next to me wanders into my lane on an inside curve!