tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post647896559068242266..comments2023-11-10T04:17:00.492-05:00Comments on View From The Porch: Random car shopping thoughts...Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-55279866447404219032013-01-03T10:06:11.964-05:002013-01-03T10:06:11.964-05:00"I feel your pain on winter 4WD shopping - 3 ..."<i>I feel your pain on winter 4WD shopping - 3 years ago, I bought an Audi A4 quattro in mid-November in MN. Every time I found one, I'd call the dealership only to have them tell me, "Sorry, we sold that an hour ago."</i>"<br /><br />To my advantage in the negotiating process, it was the last day of the year.<br /><br />To the dealership's advantage, I was buying a snow-covered Subaru on a snow-covered lot.Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-82618070807232439442013-01-03T09:55:15.306-05:002013-01-03T09:55:15.306-05:00I feel your pain on winter 4WD shopping - 3 years ...I feel your pain on winter 4WD shopping - 3 years ago, I bought an Audi A4 quattro in mid-November in MN. Every time I found one, I'd call the dealership only to have them tell me, "Sorry, we sold that an hour ago."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-44140204160080364742013-01-02T17:06:17.124-05:002013-01-02T17:06:17.124-05:00Where to start, okay old cars. I drove RWD sedans ...Where to start, okay old cars. I drove RWD sedans - in the midwest - with no snow tires from 1967 to roughly 97. And seldom got stuck. Now I won't be without 4WD.<br />SAABs - I worked as a mechanic in the late 60s/early 70s. First Saab I opened up to adjust the valves really impressed me. The areas most folks never see looked like a jewel, at least to a guy familiar with Chevy valvetrains. No idea about today's versions but those were beautifully made.<br />Old Chevy V8s - You can run them with half the oil, half the water, hotter than blue blazes and they'll just keep chugging. Drove the boss's Chevy II with a tired 283 as an errand car and just kept adding oil. Add in a couple of 350 powered, late 70s station wagons, two 2WD pickup and several race car engines and I think it's as important to the car world as the Model T.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-32935420296425630542012-12-31T23:44:06.549-05:002012-12-31T23:44:06.549-05:00I'll bet that short-bed RWD Dakota with a V-8 ...<i>I'll bet that short-bed RWD Dakota with a V-8 and sport tires would have tuck & roll upholstery after I drove rode in it down an icy road, clutching desperately at the wheel while the rear tires made like an uncoordinated puppy on a slick tile floor.</i><br /><br />How'd you know what Stingray used to drive?<br /><br />He liked making its tail wag out of high spirits.LabRathttp://www.atomicnerds.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-4720345770179551072012-12-31T23:06:26.848-05:002012-12-31T23:06:26.848-05:00I stil totally dig my 06 X-type, in Ultraviolet. ...I stil totally dig my 06 X-type, in Ultraviolet. Looks good, eats snow and rain. Corners like a...well, cat. Interior could have been better. A manual is hard to find, though a Jag tech informed me once that his observation was you'd be replacing the clutch every 50k miles. I got to try one once, it was fun.<br /><br />Early examples had reputation for some minor issues, try for an 04 or later.Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11524951589227557951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-71561558384811097642012-12-31T20:26:45.566-05:002012-12-31T20:26:45.566-05:00I was kinda pulling for the Jaguar badged Mondeo m...I was kinda pulling for the Jaguar badged Mondeo myself ...Cincinnatushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10424218376882403880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-59178544577255821622012-12-31T19:55:48.225-05:002012-12-31T19:55:48.225-05:00I had a V-8 Dakota and as long I moved my tool box...I had a V-8 Dakota and as long I moved my tool boxes towards the tailgate, I had no problems with traction. The V-8 Dakotas came with a posi rear end standard. And I used to own an 86 Saab 900, and the newer Saab as far as I am concerned are nothing but junk. From the stupid Eco-Tech engine that had enough pep to get out of the way of a snail or a turtle, plus the way they started burning oil after 30k miles and leaking from the valve cover gasket shortly afterward. The old Saab 2.0 I engine in mine had 347k miles before I had to replace the water pump and the alternator. The clutch went out at 410k miles. I wish I still had that car though. 43 mpg on the highway, and it tracked so true steering was almost an afterthought.Mark/GreyLockehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11801317480220161225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-32803241183635786302012-12-31T18:23:51.725-05:002012-12-31T18:23:51.725-05:00I've been looking for a used 4x4 truck for a c...I've been looking for a used 4x4 truck for a couple months now, every dealer I talk with tells me the best buys are going to the hurricane Sandy areas and that has hurt availability and price. I have a company FWD Escape that has surprised me several times while working on construction sites with hills and mud together, lots better than the F150 I used before that one.blindshooternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-33088206906047165502012-12-31T17:33:23.380-05:002012-12-31T17:33:23.380-05:00"I'll bet that short-bed RWD Dakota with ..."I'll bet that short-bed RWD Dakota with a V-8 and sport tires would have tuck & roll upholstery after I drove rode in it down an icy road, clutching desperately at the wheel while the rear tires made like an uncoordinated puppy on a slick tile floor."<br /><br />My 2001 Dakota 2WD did surprisingly well in a couple of snowy winters. It got me where I was going and back with no issues. In fact, it does better in snow than on wet roads. When the road is wet, it_will_not_stop. Makes for some hairy rides, at least I live in a part of Texas that rain has forgotten.George Pollardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16606670133925029987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-90686744367450470712012-12-31T16:48:30.381-05:002012-12-31T16:48:30.381-05:00Oldtean, I do something similar, except it's a...Oldtean, I do something similar, except it's a Chevy Silverado, and it's in front of the axle and it's tools, Spontaneous Camping / Hunting supplies, water and ammo.<br /><br />If ya gotta haul ballast, make sure it's <i>useful</i> ballast.rickn8orhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16911803300343351338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-69136849257334792892012-12-31T16:47:08.255-05:002012-12-31T16:47:08.255-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.rickn8orhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16911803300343351338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-87895453312226263062012-12-31T16:40:55.810-05:002012-12-31T16:40:55.810-05:00Based on my '90 Dakota, driving in ice/snow is...Based on my '90 Dakota, driving in ice/snow is, indeed, rather sporty.<br /><br />Also, anecdotal evidence suggests that Chrysler still makes Dakota trannys out of the same cheese GM makes truck door hinges from.Dranghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08082177597135236652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-38867540486818472512012-12-31T15:32:10.998-05:002012-12-31T15:32:10.998-05:00Another option you might want to consider is the A...Another option you might want to consider is the AWD Suzuki SX4 Crossover. They're <a href="http://truedelta.com/Suzuki-SX4/reliability-726" rel="nofollow">reliable</a>, inexpensive and economical to drive. The downside is that Suzuki is ending their automotive presence in the US market (I blame GM*), although that might result in some bargains on new Suzukis.<br /><br />*GM used to own about 20% of Suzuki. When GM was facing bankruptcy, Suzuki bought back the stock GM owned to give GM some much-needed cash. GMAC promptly showed their gratitude by no longer <a href="http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_car_dealership_floor_plan_financing" rel="nofollow">floorplanning</a> Suzuki dealers, which was a major factor in Suzuki losing so many dealers.AuricTechhttp://aurictech.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-8390081324736785382012-12-31T14:59:23.247-05:002012-12-31T14:59:23.247-05:00If you can find one at a decent price take a look ...If you can find one at a decent price take a look at used Jeep Patriots. The 4x2 version is good for 6-8 inches of fresh snow if you're careful; the 4x4 version acts like there's nothing on the ground.ScottHnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-64170731960709429072012-12-31T14:34:15.686-05:002012-12-31T14:34:15.686-05:00I'll second the recommndations for the outback...I'll second the recommndations for the outback. We did trade ours in but mostly because it wasn't big enough for the family. It did go up hills in the snow that had jeeps sitting in the ditch though.Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02996122023499439670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-47630490058258928322012-12-31T14:29:02.861-05:002012-12-31T14:29:02.861-05:00One of the issues you will have in looking for a u...One of the issues you will have in looking for a used Subaru is that Subaru owners keep their cars far longer than most other car drivers. This limits the supply of used Subies without problems on them already.<br /><br />We have a Subaru Outback. IMO, it is a more capable car on paved roads with snow than our 4WD vehicles. We have four vehicles and three of them are conventional 4WD's, and then there's the Subie Outback. If I absolutely had to get somewhere NOW, in the snow in Wyoming, we'd grab the Subie.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-85513865616160682692012-12-31T13:43:38.694-05:002012-12-31T13:43:38.694-05:00I am sure you know how to do what I do with my RWD...I am sure you know how to do what I do with my RWD F150 pickup. I put about 250 lbs of cinder block in a metal tool box bolted down right behind my rear axel and it works. <br /><br />While it is not as good as four wheel drive I am careful to keep the back end behind me and it is kind of like having a fat guy standing on the back bumper.<br /><br />Of course if I have ice, which is not often in our part of Texas, I just make a pot of coffee and stay home since no one here knows how to drive on that stuff anyway. A slightly slick Christmas day was like bumper cars on our freeways this year.OldTeannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-57166270685398013072012-12-31T12:44:20.545-05:002012-12-31T12:44:20.545-05:00Here's hopin you find an affordable one, and n...Here's hopin you find an affordable one, and not making any recommendations! :-D<br />Old NFOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16404197287935017147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-88819954935468661352012-12-31T12:43:30.679-05:002012-12-31T12:43:30.679-05:00Supposedly Colorado's largest Subaru dealer, w...<a href="http://www.cars.com/dealers/152324/heuberger-motors" rel="nofollow">Supposedly Colorado's largest Subaru dealer</a>, which ought to make it one of the nation's largest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.monumentmotors.com/" rel="nofollow">This outfit is a used Subaru specialist</a>. But both are in Colorado, where the 'Roo is extremely popular.<br /><br /><br />I looked at a Forester a few years ago but ended up with a Jeep Liberty because the Liberty had a real low-range gearbox. However, if you do not often drive down steep rocky or snowy slopes, you don't need low range. <br /><br />Some Subarus are not so comfortable for tall, leggy people.Chas S. Cliftonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00923547685265741325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-39914160271739064952012-12-31T12:03:18.720-05:002012-12-31T12:03:18.720-05:00There is one place where FWD really is inferior in...There is one place where FWD really is inferior in winter weather to AWD... it's when you go uphill. That weight on the drive wheels starts to shift backwards. The torque of the engine is also going through only one pair of tires instead of two, meaning you're more likely to start spinning and losing traction. Winter tires can help this, but won't fully remedy it.<br /><br />But then, if you have a flexible schedule, FWD is likely more than good enough. I don't even consider non-AWD anymore, but when we have to go we HAVE to go and we have some hills that get surprisingly ugly in the winter.<br /><br />I will say, though, that if a 4x4 Jeep with Blizzak DM-V1s fitted can't get you there there's no wheeled vehicle that will pull it off.The Raving Prophethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08830254881182697135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-25915696409414687972012-12-31T12:01:03.575-05:002012-12-31T12:01:03.575-05:00Gads...
Now I miss my old SAAB.
Had a '67 95 w...Gads...<br />Now I miss my old SAAB.<br />Had a '67 95 wagon.<br />Couldn't make that thing break loose in the snow and ice. And gods know I tried.<br /><br />And consider looking at one of the new VWs. A buddy is a VW tech for the local dealership so I've gotten to play with a few and they are fun. And the Golfs can take a bunch of long gun cases in the rear. Just a thought.<br /><br />Also, car sales guys use to look at me odd when I would be looking because I had my hockey bag with me. First test was to stuff it in the trunk. If it didn't fit I didn't need to go any further. (I was a goalie too so BIG bag)<br /><br />Now my benchmark is a pair of hard sided double rifle cases. Heh....that really makes the sales weenies look at me odd.<br /><br />BGMBGMillernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-25056599049361876502012-12-31T11:15:33.854-05:002012-12-31T11:15:33.854-05:00Sport Pilot said...
"While you’re shopping c...Sport Pilot said... <br />"While you’re shopping check out the Hyundai cars and SUV’s, they’re well made with good engines and drivetrains. The Santa Fe is a smaller SUV and is available in AWD or FWD and has an available peppier engine. Yes, I confess to seriously considering one of these myself"<br /><br />Just got a V6 AWD Sante Fe last spring. Traded in a used up Outback Sport for it. So far it's been excellent. Had to travel to an out of state dealer to find the one I wanted though as our local dealer is a low-down lying snivling little rat faced git.Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02996122023499439670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-22700704149853511242012-12-31T11:11:46.761-05:002012-12-31T11:11:46.761-05:00"... it would appear that GM broke Saab...&qu..."... it would appear that GM broke Saab..."<br /><br />I'm thinking that not only could the New GM break an anvil in a sandbox, it would lose one of the pieces.<br /><br />"But he sold that corvette motor before he told me :( since it kept running fine.<br /><br />~Glamdring"<br /><br />BAD Grampa!! No birthdays at Hooters for you!<br /><br />Scott J and Robert-- I don't remember either of those events so much (Old-timer's disease) but I DO remember the ice storm which immobilized Memphis my first winter back here in twenty-plus years (93-94). Rolling in my hotrod '71 Nova, and finances didn't allow for any upgrades/trades. <br /><br />But now the only place I HAVE to go is the mailbox, and I don't have to do that every day.<br /><br /><br /><br />rickn8orhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16911803300343351338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-84460117200345513452012-12-31T11:03:41.024-05:002012-12-31T11:03:41.024-05:00Yes, Robert, I was having a time warp induced by n...Yes, Robert, I was having a time warp induced by not enough coffee intake.Scott Jnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-60072976678274169242012-12-31T11:00:33.293-05:002012-12-31T11:00:33.293-05:00This will no doubt raise some ire but do all Subar... This will no doubt raise some ire but do all Subarus come with your choice of 'environmental' bumper stickers?Dukehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04775363118892957212noreply@blogger.com