can i put the blizzaks in 225/50/18 on all four tires on the stock 18s or do i have to go with the stock staggered set-up ?

The reason that you spend so much on a winter ride is because it was an Audi, they are known to be money pits. The very reason I didn't buy one. I had a subaru legacy w/4wd i bought for 1500 bucks, drove it for four winters and spent money on oil changes and a timing belt, then sold it for $1200. Definately worth it IMO. Subaru w/ winter tires = win

In the Jersey/ Delaware area we got anywhere from 8-14 inches of snow last weekend. My car was shoveled out and cleaned off and has not yet moved. If there is any amount of snow or ice on the roads..I'd much rather let it sit.Not taking any risk in a Z. My 350z drove like **** in the snow. Like someone already said..I have plenty of PTO accrued. I don't mess with the snow!

The 225/50/18 is technically too narrow for the 9" rear rim but it would fit anyway, and look a little stretched. Given that in NY area it's not snowing that often the staggered setup will offer better dry grip, and do fine in the plowed and not too deep snow. The Z can't handle anymore than about 3 inches of snow anyway because of the ground clearance.

I wouldn't mind the $1200 subaru option but parking in Chicago costs a premium. I'd have to find a local storage garage but I'm not that motivated and would rather drive my Z with the snow tires.

:iagree: soo a pos rustbucket with the engine blowing smoke, sagging suspension, leaking dampers, bald worn out tires, brake pads worn all the way to the rivets, floorpan falling off, windshield cracked, headlights weak, wipers unoperational is actually safer than a brand new state of the art sports car with snow tires, advanced suspension, high lateral grip, low ride height, excellent steering feel and communication of the road condition to the driver, along with abs, traction control, and vdc? say what? u sure it wasnt salvaged? over here an a4 2001 costs at least 6-10000 depending on condition and mileage. 1500 would get you exactly what i mentioned above: a pos rustbucket with the engine blowing smoke, sagging suspension, leaking dampers, bald worn out tires, brake pads worn all the way to the rivets, floorpan falling off, windshield cracked, headlights weak, wipers unoperational

:bowrofl::roflpuke2::icon18::inoutroflpuke: downgrading all the way down from a z to a versa cuz of a little snow. at least get a wrx or an evo instead. come on man, anything but a versa!

How do you know I even need GAP insurance? Maybe I own my car outright or made a decent down payment. Let me worry about me.

Thanks for all the input. Its going to be very hard to decide what to do.

When I have a car, especially a new one, I like to drive it everyday! I would get down and frustrated if I had to just look at my new Z all winter sitting in my garage. I'd go nuts!! Plus in NJ the last thing you want is to have to pay insurance on two cars, one of which sits unused all winter.

I do apprecite all your input. This seems to be a very active board (even more that the Maxima.org where I usually lurk!), so if I do get my Z I will be sure to return!

Thanks again

Regarding insurance, you should speak with your insurance company. Most will let you drop coverage on a car while you initiate coverage on another for part of the year. Just be sure to keep comprehensive coverage on whichever car you're not using.

Where in South Jersey are you? I drove around ALL south jersey in snow today.. Z drives like a dream on the snow with Blizzaks. :tup:

I'm assuming you have summer tires. They are absolutely horrible. EVEN me (with years of RWD experience) spun out my brand new Z with 300 miles last year on Route 322. Yup, 8pm at night with a busy two way traffic I spun my Z 180 degrees. This year I put some thinner winter rims/ tires and wishing for more snow :tup:

I drive my Taurus on crappy weather days, and the aftermath of the salt on the roads.

Out of all the great reasons to have a 2nd car in my case, #1 comes down to this. People are stupid. If they're going to smash into one of my cars because they think 4wd makes them invincible, I'll be driving my Taurus. It's happened before, and I'm sure it will happen again.

I drive my Z when it's dry, and the salt has been washed away. I'm driving it today, but I'll be in the Taurus tomorrow with the threat of freezing rain/snow.

It makes me appreciate the Z even more to have to drive my Taurus now and then.

It's pretty easy to assume that if you're bitching about parking or renting storage and how much that costs, then you are more than likely making a payment...then consider depreciation, even with a large payment, and well, let's face it, insurance companies don't like to pay out...it's against their business model. If you wiped out a bare-base model Z, you'd count yourself lucky if they paid $22K...

That and you don't have a 2nd vehicle, and can't see the logic in protecting your investment by getting some much more suitable for winter driving on a number of levels.

No offense, of course. Also, I, along with others are just offering advice. If you don't want advice you don't want to hear, don't ask for it.... :)

I got it off Craigslist from this chick who lost her license due to 3 DUI's. It was actually in pretty decent condition. I checked the car fax. Just needed new brakes. And it drives like a dream and I'm beating the crap out of it everyday lol! Things to note it does 140,000 miles, the bumper has some damage and the driver side headlight is weaker. I dont know if it's the ballast or just the bulb. In any case I'm loving it and it loves the snow. And if expensive repairs do happen I'll just buy another one lol!

If you got a Jeep, you could just put in in 4 Low and drive through buildings.....:tup: