Going from an SUV to a car

[VandalSquirrel]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

I've never been scared in a car in horrible winter weather. It is lower to the ground and less likely to flip over in the wind, and if you do get stuck it is a hell of a lot easier to get out. If people feel unsafe driving definitely check into a defensive driving course, AAA usually offers them and sometimes it lowers your insurance.

In the grand scheme of things if you're afraid on the road there isn't that big of a difference if a semi hits you in a car or an SUV. It is a semi, honestly. I've got a car with SUV qualities (Subaru Legacy Wagon) and I feel completely safe, in control, have good features for snow and rain, and the gas and insurance are quite reasonable. The cost of a new one is ridiculous, but they last forever and there are many certified re-owned ones available.

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

It's worth mentioning that many small cars have better safety/crash test ratings than big cars. Honda has an all-five-star safety fleet. If you want a car that handles well in the snow, get a front wheel drive, or an all-wheel drive. But you probably know that. I feel perfectly safe in my Honda Civic, though I'll admit that the driver sits a little low which bugs me sometimes next to SUVs. And I get around in it in the snow better than many people with bigger cars and SUVs. People have a tendency to drive too cocky when they drive an SUV.

However, many cars these days position the driver up almost as high as in a crossover. I rented a new Ford Taurus the other day and I felt like I was driving a crossover - I was sitting pretty high up.

If you're looking for a compromise between a car and a four wheel drive, have you looked at Subaru? My fiance is a tall guy and wanted more room than a regular car, wanted a 4 wheel drive, but didn't want the gas hog of a truck. He is considering a Subaru Forrester.

Originally Posted by ZTA72

Subaru Forrester for the WIN! I absolutely love mine. It gets great gas mileage and it just perfect. Oh, did I mention it has 150,000 miles with NO problems ever.

I really want a Subaru Tribeca when I reproduce. The heated side mirror & wiper defrost plus heated seats make the winter so much nicer. The newest Subarus appear to be higher and look more like an SUV than ever.

There are so many Subarus in the Pacific Northwest and into the Rockies because they just make so much sense for our lifestyle.

[ZTA72]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

I really want a Subaru Tribeca when I reproduce. The heated side mirror & wiper defrost plus heated seats make the winter so much nicer. The newest Subarus appear to be higher and look more like an SUV than ever.

There are so many Subarus in the Pacific Northwest and into the Rockies because they just make so much sense for our lifestyle.

I will never be without a Subaru. I also had a Mini at the same time as the Forrester. It was cute, fun to drive, and at the dealer everytime I turned around. It turned a fun experience into a major pain. I sold it just as the dealer warranty was ready to expire.
I now have a VW EOS for a fun car to drive. I love it so far. It's fun to put the top down on a whim.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by VandalSquirrel

I really want a Subaru Tribeca when I reproduce. The heated side mirror & wiper defrost plus heated seats make the winter so much nicer. The newest Subarus appear to be higher and look more like an SUV than ever.

There are so many Subarus in the Pacific Northwest and into the Rockies because they just make so much sense for our lifestyle.

I like Subarus! Even though they don't fit into my lifestyle AT ALL (especially since I don't have a car and don't need one at this juncture). I suspect when Wee Munchkins are in the picture, it might be a good idea.

I think there's something to be said about being higher on the road. About a year ago, my dad bought this giant pick-up truck (one of those four-wheel deals). My mother, who doesn't even drive at all, loves it because you're higher on the road. I'm like, hello, that's why I suggested an SUV for you guys like fifteen years ago.

[aggieAXO]

I had the opposite problem-went to drive an SUV for a week while my car (3 series BMW) was being repaired and I freaked. I did not like the fact that I couldn't zip in and out of traffic, parking was stressful and I couldn't take corners like I was use to. I like being low to the ground. Fortunately, I don't have to deal with snow.

ETA
My car gets pretty good gas mileage-I only fill it up every 3 weeks.