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Smart Shopper What's the best vehicle for my needs?
1145 messages, Last post on Sep 17, 2009 at 12:59 PM
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Replying to: plekto (Dec 29, 2008 1:08 am) Care to list which 4x4 vehicles will spin all 4 wheels at the same time? Me thinks I can do it counting on one hand.....but curious what your take is. |
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Replying to: plekto (Dec 29, 2008 1:08 am) They are all primarily fwd vehicles, not true 4x4s. For most people, they are fine for virtually all normal driving conditions - paved/unpaved roads, snow/ice/rain/mud (not serious mudding, mind you). If a real 4x4 is needed, then yes, something like a used 4Runner (et al.) is a better option.
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Replying to: stovebolter (Dec 29, 2008 7:37 am) And 25mph in really really bad weather, but it works, is a huge advantage. Subaru of course does this all of the time, which is nice. But most people don't go 50mph on ice and snow.(or shouldn't) But yes, none are a replacement for a real 4x4. And, as for the previous post, almost all larger 4X4s actually do give power to all of the wheels all of the time. You can see this usually listed as "part time 4WD" in the description, since you will destroy the transfer case running it on pavement for any length of time. But once engaged, it's the real deal. Doubly so if the system has locking diffs. Then you really only need one wheel to get grip to move. XTerra, Suburban, 4Runner, Durango, Explorer, almost *every* RWD 4X4 truck, and of course the big boats like a Land Cruiser, Expedition, Range Rover, Wrangler Unlimited, and so on. It's not going to try to be there to save you at 60mph in the rain. It's purely there for when you're stuck and in really bad need of traction. If you want a SUV with AWD for only the rain, Audi and Subaru are the only ones that do full-time AWD properly. Edit: Yes, Porsche(also Audi, technically), Mercedes, and BMW also have similar full time systems that work. But you *did* say 25-30k... 
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Replying to: plekto (Dec 29, 2008 6:41 pm) Most of the trucks on the road, and particularly the SUV's with part-time systems have open-differentials on both axles. Like the Jeep Liberty base command-trac. So you're really only driving TWO wheels at the same time. And the open diff will typically favor the wheels with the least amount of traction. So really, the electroncic systems could be better for the average driver.
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Replying to: sebring95 (Dec 29, 2008 8:09 pm) Actually *my* 4Runner is a bit older and has a manual transmission and actual gear levers to engage everything. IIRC, you can get a Patriot with 4x4 and manual transmission. No low range, though, but no gimmicks, either - really does go off-road if you want. The XTerra also can be had with a manual setup.
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Replying to: plekto (Dec 30, 2008 11:03 pm)
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Replying to: sebring95 (Dec 31, 2008 6:20 am)  They are at least trying and are decent in off-road conditions. Perhaps a more accurate criteria in my book, then, would be that the proper 4x4 has equal power to the front and rear without any computers or other idiocy trying to transfer power back and forth. And on a lot of vehicles, a locker is possible to add after market if you REALLY need it.(a Wrangler, IIRC, does come with the option from the factory...) |
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I am turning in my leased BMW325 CIA with 17,000 miles used on a 3 year lease having paid for 30,000 plus miles. I loved the car but don't want or need to pay as much this time around. I would like some suggestions on a lease payment for $300 - $400 per month with little or no down payment. I don't care what kind of a car it is so long as it is new - I only use it for back and forth to work and shopping. I like the honda civic and the infinity but don't think they would lease that low. Any ideas? Thanks collins3
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Replying to: collins3 (Jan 04, 2009 10:42 am) 2009 Civic Featured Special Lease $189.00 per month for 36 months. $1,999.00 total due at signing. Includes down payment with no security deposit. Excludes taxes, titles and fees. For well-qualified buyers. You can also lease 2008 Infiniti G35 Journey for $349 a mo with $2653 down. However, IMHO, the most economical way is to buy, don't lease, yourself a Civic LX for about $17K or Accord LX for $19.5, or Hyundai Sonata GLS for $15K and keep it for 10 years. |
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Replying to: collins3 (Jan 04, 2009 10:42 am) |
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