What do you guys in the Northeast do in the winter?

spearfish25

So instead of driving my Z with Blizzaks, I'm supposed to risk my life in a $1200 piece of crap car with bald tires that someone put 100,000 miles on? I don't see how that's a better alternative.

Parking spaces are also a premium in big cities. Having an extra car then costs you another pretty penny to either put the Z in storage or buy another space.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

kannibul

Can you rightfully say that a Z will drive well in snow?

I can't. I think driving the Z in winter would be akin to riding a snowmobile on water in summer instead of a jetski...or "muddin with a Z"

Some tools are better suited for other purposes. While you might be "safer" in your Z should get in an accident, you're more likely to get INTO an accident with the Z in winter, than with a "$1200 POS w/ 100K miles on it".

Storage units cost what, $75/mo? (I know around here they are $130 for ones large enough to store 2 cars) How much will your insurance go up, and how much will a rental cost you, and how long will you be without your Z...and how likely is it that you may total your Z or it not be "perfect" ever again?

Think of it as a $75/mo extra insurance policy that you'll have it come spring melt-off.

spearfish25

Yes. I have a 370 with Blizzaks and I've been driving it in the snow. I came from a 2008 Audi A4 with Quattro and the Z brakes and corners better than the Audi did (with A/S tires).

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

Zeto

I paid $1500 for a 2001 Audi A4 Quattro with 6 airbags with 140,000 miles with Blizzaks. The term "piece of crap car" is relative in this case. I DD'ed an S2000 and I had many close calls. Lesson learned. In any case there are very good deals out there to be had.

spearfish25

I had two Audi's before my Z. The amount of money I spent on repairs once my warranty was up quickly added up on my 2000 A4. For $1200, I went with winter tires and my Z can deal with snow. An old Audi, from my experience, is a money pit.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

Urbanracer

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

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09 Nismo - HKS | Berk | HPS | K&N | Zspeed
09 Maxima | 09 CBR 1000RR | 02 CBR F4i

spearfish25

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.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

DooDooBrown

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

Pharmacist

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

Zeto

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!