We have hurricanes every 5 years or so. You have winter every year. :)

When I was living in PA (around Ft Washington in the foot hills) I drove the honda when it snowed. But I agree 1000%, once you're moving, it doesn't matter what wheels are driving the car, unless you're one of those idiots that likes doing 60mph on the ice. A FWD car isn't going to stop any better than a RWD car.

Now if it's a winter like you all had last year with 30+ inches of snow on the ground...yeah, now something 4WD and tall is the only thing going to help.

I have a Wrangler that I drive when I'm hauling my dog around and for winter. Hopefully this winter will not be as crappy as this past.

lol, let's just say I have my stories to tell!
:ugh2:

i completely agree

but seriously... no one likes driving in a snow storm, just like no one likes driving in traffic. If you can, you stay where you are. Thats why i picked a RWD sports car with a manual transmission even though i live in the north east. I will occasionally get stuck in the snow, and get stuck in traffic, but i'm not going to pick my car that i drive all year based on that.

exactly. you have to deal with the snow maybe 12 days out of the year, and DEEP snow maybe 5... And unless you're up in the mountains that is only every 3 or 4 years. So the other 360 days of the year you want something fun to drive.



besides, if you have the sports car it's a great excise for not making it into work on those bad snow days.

It's one thing to love your car, but it's no Bugatti. Just drive and enjoy it. The Z won't melt in a little rain, nor will it fall apart with a little snow and salt.

yea, just wash the car a day or two after a big snow storm to get the salt and grime off the car, especialliy the undercarriage and suspension components

I drive my baby Hummer truck in the winter:

http://www.the370z.com/members/wgw37...18550-h3t1.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/wgw37...18551-h3t2.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/wgw37...18552-h3t3.jpg


WGW

I was originally going to put some snow tires on but because of the route i drive I its really not worth it to drive the car in the winter. Up here in Boston last year we had a handful of storms that dropped 6+ inches and every road, highway, etc was awful. I consider myself a good driver, but there are others out there that have no idea what they are doing when bad weather hits. The Z will be in the garage all winter.

Ohhh man those pictures are hard to look at. You are very brave my friend. I just dont wanna submit my Z to the snow, Ive had a few new cars and the winters in Boston do a number on your paint, especially the ice storms, and ESPECIALLY when your driving on the highway and a salt truck comes outta nowhere and salts the side of your car, i love that. The other thing that kinda sucks to, shoveling your car out. LIke ive said before, i had a bunch of Jeeps, start it up, put in 4wheel drive, and there is no shoveling or problems.

Welcome to the club Jim, i just PM'd you, another Z in MA!!!

Very jealous, nice combo my friend

just curios, what would be considered good snow tires/wheels? like would bigger be better? I have some 16 inch rims from my old toyota celica i was thinking of putting on for snow tires, good/bad idea? also is there a specific tire i should aim for?

i think a lot of people stated the blizzards are the best wheels

The ol' 2009 Infiniti FX35 does the trick in the winter for me. If I had the choice now, I'd do a 4-door Jeep Wrangler, but I'm waiting for the new one to come out with the Pentastar V6. I had no clue I was going to be buying a Z when I bought the Infiniti.

Edit: I think utility, and dollar for dollar, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the best values on the road. The new ones are actually quite livable. They just need some more power and a new automatic transmission. Looks like this problem will be solved shortly. I'd get a used, '07+ Jeep Wrangler if I were you. Great resale, and you can have some utility thrown in as well. They're also quite reliable. My bro has an '09 along with his Jeep SRT8, and both have been quite reliable. Just an opinion.

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1176/mycars1.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

There are many snow tire options but I like Blizzaks. As for rims/widths, narrower is better for deep snow. This allows the tire to 'cut' into the snow better and produces more pressure (smaller area of rubber on the road). You'll lose some dry performance with narrower tires, but snow tires neuter the car anyway.

16" rims probably won't clear any of the Z's brake packages, but absolutely will NOT work with the sport brakes. I have 18" winter rims that were cheap (~$120/rim) and work fine.

for wheels for snow tires, i wwould't go wider than the factory 18's 8.5"/9.5"

Good idea on waiting on the 4 doorJeep Wrangler. I had a 2009 4 door Sahara, such a nice Jeep, only problem was they took the engine out of the Chrysler minivans, modded them a bit for offroad use and then stuck ehm in the new Jeep. Thing had no power which was my major reason for selling it, and also cuz i wanted the Z. Whats the story on the new engine Pentastar they are putting in??

Ah ha ha! Check my edited post above.

Oh, and try getting the manual if you want more power in the Wrangler. That's what my bro's is and it can chirp the tires easily in 1st and 2nd. It's a 6-speed. I also can easily get 22 MPGs on the highway with it and about 19 city. That's not too bad. You can buy the new Pentastar Wrangler when it comes out. That should be a nice machine. Apparently, the 2011 has an all-new interior.

The Zeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Sounds like your brother is a Jeepster, as am I. The SRT-8 is a beast, and I absolutely miss the utility aspect of the Wrangler. You never have to worry about getting stuck or not having enough space. Very dependable especially where I live. I think i might go back and get me an old 97 TJ. I miss the old engines where the torque was there whenever you needed it. Being a new Z owner, i didnt realize how much care the car needed, thats why the Jeep is most likely a good option for me. I can throw crap in the trunk, roof, drive through mud, park anywhere and never worry about it

Hahaha thats awesome. its missing teh mcahine gun on the roof though. You need those when entering parking lots that are full of Hybrid drivers

Pentastar engine info
Chrysler's flexible new Pentastar V6 — Autoblog

:D
http://myc3g.com/photos/Jeep_Topaz_2.jpg

Excellent choice. That should allow you to save up some cash as well for when the Pentastar V6 Jeeps drop. You will probably find yourself driving the Z most of the year. The '97 would make good sense with the 4.0L I6. Make sure you keep a battery tender on the Jeep for when you need it badly. Also, you will find the Z as a "not so useful" utility machine, but 75% of your day-to-day things, the Z should do alright. Just think of if you have to move and need a trailer. There's your Jeep. You need to do a little landscaping? There's your Jeep. Picking up some new furniture? Jeep. Snow? JEEP!

All other times.... Z. I was trying to see if yours had the sport package. Watch out with these Potenzas when the weather gets below 50°. They get a little slippery even on dry roads. That compound on the tire works best when it's warmer. You still can cruise around when it's -20°. Just watch out with those tires. Always keep a battery charger around your garage with the Z in the winter just in case. The battery seems a little weak, though I haven't had a problem with mine. It just sounds worse than my other cars have starting in the winter.

Sidenote: My brother is a total Jeepster. He always has been. The new goal for him is going to be the 2012, redesigned SRT8. It's been caught out testing, so it looks like a go. 6.4L Hemi with 480+ HP and AWD? DROOL. Within this past year, he's made me become a Dodge/Jeep fan with all of the new products they are rolling out. Do some research on that Pentastar. It's quite interesting. That is going to be Chrysler/Fiat's world engine. When they put Multi-Air on it, it's going to be really powerful. THEN, they're going to start putting turbos on it as well. The twin-turbo 3.6 is estimated to have well over 500HP with Multi-Air. It will be one of the engines in the Maseratis. Wow.

RHA, that Jeep is... Drool. That thing destroys my Z. Trust me, I've tried. Not even close.

I use a 1989 BMW 325I. great car.

Jeep/Chrysler is also supposed to be coming out with an 8speed auto tranny in 2013 (I think). The "problem" with the SRT is that once you get into the 500hp area guys are having to upgrade the tranny. Of course there are some that have put 15K miles on the stock tranny with 500+ but most seem to have to replace it. The new 6.4 will have the same tranny in it which to me is odd because the tranny we have is the same one that was in all the 55 series MB AMG cars. SL55, S55, CL55... those cars were all 500hp (at the flywheel not the wheels) cars and I'm surprised AMG would cut it that close and not have a beefier transmission.

Thanks! The AWD is a huge bonus coming off the line. My warranty is up in Feb so I'm going to start some little mods on it. CAI, Diablo tune... Should be in the high 12s with just that.

I'm looking to get a Z in a couple months. I'm kind of waiting for the 2011's to hit the lots and see what kind of deal I can get on a 2010 in either the cherry, or if they will put NAV in it for me, a 40th. I'm just trying to decide if I want a 6MT or the 7AT.

yea the ole 4.0 I6 was the best, thing lasted no matter what i dragged it through, mud, water, snow, sand, there is a lot to be said for that engine. It just seems like the Jeep is the perfect compliment for a Z owner, you have one car that is high maintenance and another that you dont have to worry about.

I have the 40th so I think i have everything that the sport has, the only thing my car doesnt have is a Nav. When i store it in a few months im taking the battery out and putting it in my condo so it doesnt die. I also will be putting it up on a lift and increasing the PSI on the tires so they do not get ruined. On a side note, the Potenza tires are not the most reliable in wet conditions, noticed this a few times this year when takes corners on side roads, thank GOD for vdc.

I cannot wait to see what Chrysler puts out on the new Jeep models. I just read the entire article on allpar and it looks like the engines and models are getting many iimprovements that arebadly needed for the Jeep line. Time to start saving! PS---how do you like the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. personally i think the exterior looks like they are moving towards the "minivan 4x4" look like the Lexus and Nissan Murano which i dont like to much, but everything else looks great on the car, especially the interior

A black Ford 150 4 WD-only if there is snow or ice. Otherwise, I ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ


it.:driving:

Cunnos, if this is your first time having two vehicles for different parts of the year, here's my opinion. Make the two quite different from eachother. In my experience, you will really enjoy the differences between the two cars, and appreciate each for its' strengths and weaknesses. The process is quite fun. As far as your thoughts on a WRX... naw. You're trying to keep the sport around, and from my previous statement, for some people, ESPECIALLY those who really like Jeeps, it would get boring to you. I'd think you'd get into your heavily used WRX and say, "Aw, this thing. Okay. It will get me where I need to go." You get into your ol' I6 TJ and say, "Yeah! Let's go bust some drifts! I can't do this in my other car! Let me throw it in 4WD." That's fun. THEN, in the summer, you have the option of also cruising around with your top and doors off while being able to get all of your other jobs done. How fun is that? I really like the way you're thinking, and keep up that mentality. Though some may not agree with me, I think you and I sound like the same type guys. (Older, turbocharged WRXs seem to lose a lot of power as they age. I talked to a guy with one with the bugeye headlamps and he said, "I can't believe how slow my car is getting as it gets older." I don't know what it is, but that's my only fear with turbocharged cars. Things wear out a little more quickly. I could be wrong, but that's what he said.)

Sidenote: As far as the new Grand Cherokee, if they made the styling too wild, it wouldn't appeal to as many people. This previous gen WK Grand, I thought, was the most agressive GC to date. I really think the new Grand is much "classier" and I believe that's what they're going for with this. It's supposed to be their flagship, and with all of the great quality materials, looks like they hit it. Personally, I think it still looks agressive. It seems just a little weak with the taillights. The rest of it... I like. I think you and I might change our tune when they drop the SRT8. Like any car, you make a few minor tweaks and it can make all the difference. Have you read the reviews on the 2011? I have yet to find anything bad said about the truck. Supposed to be a really nice machine... Except for the stupid five-speed tranny, which works fine, but I just believe needs more gears. Five is so, middle-2000's. :icon17:

See Cunnos, here's someone who gets it. Something totally different from the Z! An F150. Sandra Dee probably likes driving the Ford as well and appreciates it for what it is. Am I in-line Sandra?

06 wrangler sport.

Oh yeah Modshack? I keep this fleet of Supercharged Range Rover Sports in my garage. JK. Dream garage. My parents. Jerks.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/9816/rover3.jpg

Yea I agree man, we are on the same page, having two completely different cars is the way to do it. Thats it, my decision is final----97 Jeep wrangler it is! Thanks for the help, i needed that guidance in such indecisive times! I already found one on cars.com, just like my old one!

I also agree with your thoughts on the Grand Cherokee, i dont think anything will top the SRT-8, ( i guess we'll wait and see), that thing just looks ferocious in terms of styling, its great. I think i will have to take another closer look at the new ones and make another assessment.

PS-should i post a few pics of the previous Jeeps, or do u think everyone here will cop a fit??

Nissan Altima Coupe with winter tires. Excellent car.

To make it pertinent, I have an idea. You can put, "Well, this is somewhat like the Jeep I have decided to drive in the snow." Picture post! Everyone else has posted pics of what they're driving. You're the thread starter, and I'd love to see, "the car you'd drive for the winter."

Problem averted. AK, it's still on-topic!

haha I think the thread starter should be able to add in anything they want. :D

I plan to drive my Z this winter but I have a question. I know you shouldn't use the stock summer tires on the snow obviously. But what is the lowest temperature you can safely cruise in. What is the so-called "glass transition" temp for the Bridgestone Potenzas?