LeX2K

I don't consider that a car.

tex2670

Yeah--my dad was pretty cheap. He didn't spring for 4WD, even though we lived in CT. But even FWD was pretty good in the snow with those frisbee tires on steel rims.

mmarshall

AWD is not necessarily a mark of cheapness...indeed, it can be a real boon. True, there is a little more potential maintenance, and the extra drag on the engine cuts a little into acceleration and fuel-mileage. But it could (?) also mean the difference between getting to your destination in bad weather or getting stuck and having to call Johnny-Tow-Truck (or, if still under warranty, Factory Road Assistance, which is usually just a AAA contract) to come and get you out. In some places, if you get stuck on an official Snow Emergency route without either AWD or winter tires, the jurisdiction, by law, will also fine you.

tex2670

Thanks for your thoughts, but trust me on this one--my dad was cheap and that's the sole reason why he didn't get the 4WD version. I think I have some better insight on this point.

mmarshall

Oh, I'm sure you do, him being your own father......no arguments there. I was just pointing out some things about AWD. Actually, it can be found on some surprisingly inexpensive vehicles, such as the Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek. In fact Suzuki, before they left the American market, had it standard on the $15,999 (to start) SX-4, with even a 3-position switch (which Subarus lack) for FWD, AWD, and AWD Lock or tough conditions.

My own Dad, who has been deceased for over 30 years, in his mind, never came out of the unregulated-vehicle age. He refused to drive anything with emission controls (which meant 1970 or earlier) and didn't have either the durable Chrysler Slant Six or small V8 engines.

mmarshall

Back on topic, Here's one of the better videos I've seen on the subject. It also goes into depth on some of the options that the workers themselves have, and the future of the plants.

Johnhav430

When you see a sign, "studded snows and or chains recommended," it isn't time to try out the CR-V with A/S!

Oddly this past week I spent in Portland, Oregon, there were so many vehicles with studded snows, you could hear them. I was told they average 3" annually, so I felt it was odd.

Johnhav430

I don't know what age your dad is, but I can tell you this, I read a book by a current US Senator and he described growing up and how he fears that today his own children can't make proper decisions etc. I get what you learned from your dad has equipped you to make decent decsions.

Not getting 4WD when you either don't need it, or can't justify the cost, is normal when you buy something. Marginal benefit should exceed marginal cost, in theory. Today, one can say less thought is put into decisions. Do I want a car for $1029/mo., $889/mo. or $1500/mo. Kind of like cell phones today, $55/mo., $41/mo., huh?! That's why when I saw iPhone Xs for $249.99 I had to take it, even though I am an android person. My buddy bet me that come black Friday it would be free--it never was, for once I nailed the deal.

mmarshall

Portland has (apparently) not outlawed studs like many other jurisdictions have.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

yeah you do know RT stands for Russian Television.

mmarshall

So what? I don't care where it was recorded, as long as it is accurate. The guy, IMO, made some good points. This isn't the Stalinist or Communist era.....not everything that comes out of Russia is necessarily evil.

LeX2K

Do you have a list of acceptable nations?

mmarshall

Good point, and not to mention the fact that this very forum (Club Lexus) is named after a Japanese-branded automaker...a nation we were one at war with. I see little point in making a big deal about Russia.

plex

iTrader: (11)

Way off topic but Russian hackers are part of the top group that target the US. They are very efficient at accessing the most secure networks. Anyway back to plant closings.

mmarshall

Back indeed. GM is now trying to defend itself from loss of subsidies....Good Luck.

https://www.wxyz.com/news/general-mo...plant-closures