Originally Posted by TheWeatherman (Post 639309)

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:

Originally Posted by Cunnos (Post 639407)

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??

Originally Posted by gufazi (Post 639439)

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?

Originally Posted by TheWeatherman (Post 639471)

Gufazi, you'll be alright in any temperature. Just be aware they just get a little slippy on even dry pavement. I already notice a big difference when the temp is below 50°. The colder the temp, the slippier they are. Snow on the other hand, I was stuck, on a flat surface, in about 1/4" of snow. Seriously.

Someone did put the recommended minimum temp on this forum at some point, I just don't remember the number.

Originally Posted by MightyBobo (Post 639513)

You realize that the stock Potenzas will not be "alright in any temperature", and that's patently false. The rubber will become so hard in cold weather, that traction in snow will be next to impossible. It wont be a LITTLE slippery, it'll be a joke and extremely dangerous.

Originally Posted by TheWeatherman (Post 639520)

The problem with traction in the snow is completely true. In very, very cold DRY weather, it's not like you're just going to go sliding off the road. I've also had the car for two Wisconsin winters. It's been out in temps well below zero. The tires are a little slippy on cold dry roads, but you're not going to die. To reiterate, snow is a completely different story. That's just asking for it.

Originally Posted by MightyBobo (Post 639529)

Well hell of course driving on pavement isnt going to make you slide around COMPLETELY, but driving on ANY snow will be asking for trouble.

So, when it snows, you're completely worthless until all the snow is cleared and melted off the ground - whats the point? Just fork over the $1000 or so and get some decent winter weather tires/wheels and call it good, for safety's sake...

Originally Posted by TheWeatherman (Post 639415)

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!

Originally Posted by MightyBobo (Post 639529)

Well hell of course driving on pavement isnt going to make you slide around COMPLETELY, but driving on ANY snow will be asking for trouble.

So, when it snows, you're completely worthless until all the snow is cleared and melted off the ground - whats the point? Just fork over the $1000 or so and get some decent winter weather tires/wheels and call it good, for safety's sake...

Originally Posted by Cunnos (Post 639535)

If i was going to pick a Jeep to buy for my winter car, i would have to choose between these two ( aka my previous Jeeps)

Originally Posted by TheWeatherman (Post 639543)

Very nice wording Cunnos! Ha ha!

You know what I love about Jeep Wrangler pictures? The more mud you have on them, the better other Jeep-lovers enjoy the pics! Those are some nice machines! I wish you could afford the latest gen for the sole reason I think you might know... If you have to drive them for the whole winter, it's nice to have something that's a bit more livable.

Now, as you were saying before though, it's nice to have something in the winter you just don't need to worry about. Park it anywhere and keep it as dirty as you'd like it. There's something to be said about that.

I'm thinking of the sound of the 4.0L I6 right now. I always loved the sound of that over a V6 anyday. No wonder you'd still like the TJ over the JK. The motor alone. I still think that's a great choice.

I see you are a hardtop guy. That will be much, much better than a softy in the winter, huh? I like the pics. Looks like you also like the maroon color on the Sahara. I can see you busting through drifts all winter with that TJ. Good choice my man, good choice!