All Wheel Drive (Vanity)

[newb2012]

What make and model would a freeper choose for an all wheel drive vehicle, with good fuel efficiency. Thanks in advance for your input and time.

[doorgunner69]

I had it on a 2002 WRX that I hotrodded a bit, but have to say I never needed it that I know of, but then, with the power it put down, could have been scary in rain a few times..............

[Spunky]

Loved my AWD 1996 Subaru. Now my daughter has it and it’s still going strong.

[doorgunner69]

From all I have read, Subaru is the most advances true AWD, as opposed to 4WD.

My wife had a very bad freeway experience with her 4Runner and hydroplaning ending in sideswiping the median barrier.

I convinced her that AWD was the best thing to get her over her fear of driving in the rain after that. It was becoming pathological.

Got her a 2014 Forester and I have heard nothing about rain since then.

[PA Engineer]

I have a 2003 Subaru Forester and live in the hills outside of Pittsburgh. Our driveway is 330 feet strait up (most people would call it a mountain).

During the winter months we put on studded snow tires (separate rims).

I have no complaints. I expect to get another 100K miles out of it and fallow the maintenance schedule. At 100k I replaced the struts as a result of wear and tear in Western PA.

A couple of caveats now. There is substantially more road noise (especially with the studs) than other vehicles. AWD is not the best for mileage performance. Finally, many of the new cars have electronic parking breaks. Our mechanic thinks Subaru will reverse this and go back to the hand break. The hand break can be used like a boat anchor when going down very steep and slick hills. It allows you to inch down without losing steering. That is an important consideration if you are driving in very hilly terrain.

Finally, according to other Freepers I must be a lesbian. I admit it. I love women. I've been married to a very fine women going on 29 years.

P.S. Foresters retain their value. It is very hard to snag a used Forester deal.

[Lee Enfield]

Just remember that any driving in bad conditions requiers attention Zillion wheel drive will not let you drive like normal in icey or snowy conditions.

[PA Engineer]

AWD does nothing to help with stopping.

I'll have to take issue with that. With a standard transmission, you can down shift and let the AWD slow the vehicle. I've done numerous times.

[arthurus]

I wouldn’t.

[Bob434]

I was travelling around the US when I got in a head on (slightly angled- the other car pulled right in front of me going into their driveway- hit her just as her tire crossed into my lane) 3 car accident, I wasw going 55 mph, other car was only going about 5 or so- careened off of her car, flew in air into the brand new suburban that was pulling out of the driveway (The woman I hit was waiting for that other suburban to move out of the driveway so she could pull in)

By suburban was was totaled, but only because my tire got shoved back and frame bent a bit- front got smashed in a little- but really not bad-

I spun her car around twice from the impact- she ended up in ditch back on the other side of road- She had kids I n the back seat

The suburban I hit was smashed in on driver’s side door-

The woman’s car was demolished-

I don’t know how, but for the grace of God, that no one was injured- none of us were wearing seatbelts- Everyone walked away fine- My dog actually got the worst of it- she was asleep in back- flew all the way into the windshield from the back- She was mighty shook up- but fine

Loved loved loved that suburban- it literally saved my life- Had I been in a smaller car or newer suv I don’t think I would have survived- The suburban was one really tough vehicle

[Bob434]

[[imagine that, a battery that lasted over 10 years.]]

Mine nearly 9 years- just died the other day-

[newb2012]

“Finally, according to other Freepers I must be a lesbian. I admit it. I love women.”

If this were true, there is no way I’d be able to buy one. LOL

[Bob434]

[[My wife had a very bad freeway experience with her 4Runner and hydroplaning ending in sideswiping the median barrier.]]

That is m ore the fault of the tires- not the vehicle

[ConservativeMind]

Consumer Reports has had the Forrester as their top car overall, including reliability. Its overall reliability since 2012 has only been Excellent or Very Good.

The Mazda CX-5 has only ever had Excellent or Very Good ratings for reliability.

The Audi Allroad SUV had Excellent for 2013, the only year there was enough use information to rate it.

[newb2012]

So far, I only got to check out a Rav4 and a CRV. Between the two I liked CRV better for its looks.

[newb2012]

Will certainly look into Forester.

[Daffynition]

Buy a car Made in America.

[PA Engineer]

If this were true, there is no way I'd be able to buy one. LOL

I have a funny story to share.

My Wife had a 2004 Turbo Forester and when it hit 100K we discussed whether we should do the maintenance or trade it in. The SUV was in mint condition so we did the timing belt, water pump and turbo. Standard maintenance.

Two months later on April 1st I got a frantic call from her. She told me her car was totaled. Of course the first thing I asked her was if she was ok. She replied she wasn't in the car. I'm a guy and it was April 1st. I hesitated at first but had to ask. Is this an April Fools joke? NOOOOOOOOOO! Ok Hun I'm on my way.

She is a Physician and was parked at the attached hospital garage. An elderly women became confused after leaving her doctors appointment and mistook the gas pedal for the break. Ugh. She totaled my Wife's car and a new jeep parked next to her.

I am sort of glad we didn't trade it in.

[toothfairy86]

I love my Subaru XV Crosstrek, and no, I am not a lesbian.

[Daffynition]

My son drives a CRV b/c it is a company car.....he says it’s a piece of junk.

He is 6’3” ....and his head hits the ceiling over every bump.

[ConservativeMind]

You raise an interesting point with manual transmissions. However AWD is not like 4-Wheel Drive, in which the wheels are working in tandem and slightly against each other (it’s why you can’t drive at 70 in 4WD mode).

AWD really only kicks in when there’s a hint of slip, to my knowledge, in acceleration. Downshifts that cause slippage might be able to use AWD, but for sure ABS/Stability/Traction control would.

Consumer Reports appears to think AWD engine breaking was not worth mentioning. To be fair, it’s not a standard way of assessing a car for winter driving.

Interesting thought, though, and I’d like to know more.

[newb2012]

May I know your suggestions?