Car for anchorage

Dr. Adam · 12-27-2006, 11:29 PM

Hey guys and gals Im considering going to UAA starting in the summer and would be up there for two years and was wondering if my current car could survive up in alaska. I drive a SVT Focus and im thinking of selling that and getting a wrx wagon. I will be living on campus so I wont have a garage, anyway I was unsure if I could rock the focus with some blizzacks and get around or not.

Thanks for any comments
-Adam

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LowNSlowNeon · 12-27-2006, 11:31 PM

Yes you can get around just fine.

Your car will do great...

I started up in Fairbanks (harsher conditions) with a slammed Dodge Neon... I did fine... I did almost a full winter without snow tires...

MikeyMike · 12-28-2006, 12:30 AM

ditto....minus the slammed neon.

cooparu · 12-28-2006, 12:39 AM

You'd be fine with the Focus and Blizzaks. A wrx would be much more fun though.

AK_2.5RS · 12-28-2006, 03:53 AM

I sold my ZX2 before I came up here, and I wish I hadn't.

Firestrike · 12-29-2006, 02:17 AM

Yeah, my focus has studless ice tires and it does very well. I say any front wheel drive car with decent tires and a semi skilled driver can survive in Alaska with no problems at all.

00Maddog · 12-29-2006, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyMike

minus the slammed neon.

+1 for focus working fine. one other thing if you are planning on selling the focus check to see if it's worth more selling it down there or up here...might be a big difference.

Mavrik · 12-29-2006, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firestrike

Yeah, my focus has studless ice tires and it does very well. I say any front wheel drive car with decent tires and a semi skilled driver can survive in Alaska with no problems at all.

thats me lol

FWD Pontiac Vibe with studless winter tires. Second winter and doin ok. It will be the last winter though... hopefully next winter I'll be driving 300 awd horses

Firestrike · 12-29-2006, 02:23 AM

Vibes are pretty nice. Good luck on the STI. ^^

EvolvedAK · 12-29-2006, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrik

hopefully next winter I'll be driving 300 awd horses

Your going to do an AWD conversion on a Ford Mustang?

crazy

AK_2.5RS · 12-29-2006, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian_i

Your going to do an AWD conversion on a Ford Mustang?

crazy

Nope. Hope is going make him buy a Lincoln Navigator to have room for the babies.

Jaylyons1 · 12-29-2006, 05:14 AM

I drove a Focus zx3 before I bought my STi and it did fine. Were quite a few wrx's that could easily pass me by though...(and did on several occasions). I know a guy who owns a svt and he gets around great too.

Nix_Evo · 12-29-2006, 09:47 AM

fwd does just fine up here. honestly we dont get that much snow, i was expecting SO much more than what we are getting. as long as you have fwd and the proper tires you shouldnt have any problems. just avoid those huge jacked up trucks, they like to run 80 everywhere thinking that the 4x4 letters on the side of their truck gives them some amazing stopping power even though there center of gravity is somewhere near where my roof is at... also watch out for the beater cars, a lot of them i guess cannot afford winter tires and are sliding around like MAD crazy. best bet when you first get up here if your not used to driving on frozen snow roads is to find a parkinglot to play in. once you get used to it then you can drive with everyone else, just dont drive crazy (its not worth the 5 minutes you save on a trip) and dont drive too slow or you might get run over. but best of luck dude and if you have any questions about the area ill answer what i can. (im somewhat new too tho not a native :-D)

Getagrip · 12-29-2006, 11:41 AM

Your SVT will do fine, unless you were planning on buying a car anyway, the WRX would be a great choice.
Also, check out the SCCA Solo2 (autocross) scene this summer, that is if you like driving.

Jake

Mavrik · 12-29-2006, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian_i

Your going to do an AWD conversion on a Ford Mustang?

crazy

Uh... HELL YEAH!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK_2.5RS: 16473257

Nope. Hope is going make him buy a Lincoln Navigator to have room for the babies.

Not very likely... and it would be a trailblazer if that was the case.

EvolvedAK · 12-29-2006, 01:22 PM

Trailblazers suck....piece of **** vehicle with a ton of recalls and problems. Had good reviews when it first came out..Now it's gone to crap. The resell value is crap to, due to all the problems. Trust me ...my mom has one. Worst car ever... Recalls, Drivetrain problems....hell their is even a recall for the damn windshield wipers on the thing.

Mavrik · 12-29-2006, 01:43 PM

I worked for GM for several years, never had any serious issues with those. Now the Envoy was horrible. I'd never buy one of those. But Hope likes the clearwire trailblazer, hasn't let her down yet.

EvolvedAK · 12-29-2006, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrik

I worked for GM for several years, never had any serious issues with those.

You worked for them before issues came out. I can go through old mail and show you all these damn recall notices my mom gets from the dealership. Their is always a problem with the car and my mom drives really light on that car. It's pretty much a go to work car. I really don't recommend it to anyone... Her next will be a Subaru...I always go on in this house about how good the car is and how it gave me no problems. So she will be getting some kind of wagon in the future. Unless the tribeca becomes less ugly.

Mavrik · 12-29-2006, 01:54 PM

I worked for them into 2005 infact. They had many blanket recalls across their truck/van lines for wipers. I'm sure there are other recalls out there. Be happy GM is sending out recalls instead of ignoring the issues like some other manufactures (IE Toyota) GM is doing what they can to keep the vehicles running safe.

EvolvedAK · 12-29-2006, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrik

I worked for them into 2005 infact. They had many blanket recalls across their truck/van lines for wipers. I'm sure there are other recalls out there. Be happy GM is sending out recalls instead of ignoring the issues like some other manufactures (IE Toyota) GM is doing what they can to keep the vehicles running safe.

Oh we get other problems they don't want to discuss. 4AWD doesnt like to work... it slightly turns on and than fails to do so.... many times I can't switch to 4WD hi. It stays stuck on 4AWD and just blinks forever that it's trying to. When my mom explained the 4AWD isnt working and all 4's are not fully engaging enough to do anything. They test drove it and said nothing is wrong... well if nothing is wrong than I think it's a piece of crap 4WD system.

I'd rather get another SUV honestly... but many SUVs on the markets have issues.. But I would personally shoot for like a Toyota or sumtin. I would say CRV from Honda..but man..Their "Real-time AWD" is a joke ...especially compared to other cars on the market. Watching that comparison video made me laugh. I mean don't get me wrong.. I like GM vehicles... I prefer them over Fords...because Fords suck to work on and have CEL lights always come on and what not(Old school fords, like 80s ones I like but not the 90s). But I really just hate the trailblazer. My step-dads suburban is great though, he had like one minor issue for the 4 years he's owned it.

Alaskan_awd · 12-29-2006, 01:58 PM

Your focus will do fine.

BTW, has any one else seen an abnormal amount of mustangs running around, I can't believe some people are using them as DD through the winter

.

Mavrik · 12-29-2006, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian_i

Oh we get other problems they don't want to discuss. 4AWD doesnt like to work... it slightly turns on and than fails to do so.... many times I can't switch to 4WD hi. It stays stuck on 4AWD and just blinks forever that it's trying to. When my mom explained the 4AWD isnt working and all 4's are not fully engaging enough to do anything. They test drove it and said nothing is wrong... well if nothing is wrong than I think it's a piece of crap 4WD system.

I'd rather get another SUV honestly... but many SUVs on the markets have issues.. But I would personally shoot for like an Acura or Toyota.

The Envoy has the same issue and has since they came out. Has to do with the body control module for the awd "falling asleep" Once they scan it with the Tech II and wake it up, it works fine. Its an electrical glitch.

EvolvedAK · 12-29-2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrik

The Envoy has the same issue and has since they came out. Has to do with the body control module for the awd "falling asleep" Once they scan it with the Tech II and wake it up, it works fine. Its an electrical glitch.

Well Lithia seems to neglect it when it comes to her car. Guess I shall make some phone calls today. Just cause she's a women they seem to talk to her like she doesn't know anything. I can go into a parking lot with that car right now in 4AWD...slam the gas and it will not engage, just constant slips and jerks.

Mavrik · 12-29-2006, 02:22 PM

Well have fun

siamiam · 12-29-2006, 02:51 PM

most of my winter cars have been RWD and i do fine

12-27-2006, 11:29 PM	#1
Dr. Adam Scooby Newbie Member#: 43206 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: columbus, ohio	Car for anchorage Hey guys and gals Im considering going to UAA starting in the summer and would be up there for two years and was wondering if my current car could survive up in alaska. I drive a SVT Focus and im thinking of selling that and getting a wrx wagon. I will be living on campus so I wont have a garage, anyway I was unsure if I could rock the focus with some blizzacks and get around or not. Thanks for any comments -Adam * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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12-27-2006, 11:31 PM	#2
LowNSlowNeon Scooby Specialist Member#: 79106 Join Date: Jan 2005 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Biloxi, MS Vehicle: 1998	Yes you can get around just fine. Your car will do great... I started up in Fairbanks (harsher conditions) with a slammed Dodge Neon... I did fine... I did almost a full winter without snow tires...

12-28-2006, 12:30 AM	#3
MikeyMike Scooby Specialist Member#: 112401 Join Date: Apr 2006 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Avon Lake, OH Vehicle: 2012 Chevy Cruze Eco Turbo	ditto....minus the slammed neon.

12-28-2006, 12:39 AM	#4
cooparu Scooby Specialist Member#: 67767 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Boise, ID Vehicle: 2010 WRX Red	You'd be fine with the Focus and Blizzaks. A wrx would be much more fun though.

12-28-2006, 03:53 AM	#5
AK_2.5RS Scooby Specialist Member#: 114704 Join Date: May 2006 Location: EVERYWHERE Vehicle: 1990 Mazda Miata BRIGHT ASS RED	I sold my ZX2 before I came up here, and I wish I hadn't.

12-29-2006, 02:17 AM	#6
Firestrike * Banned * Member#: 135785 Join Date: Dec 2006 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Anchorage, AK Vehicle: 2006 Impreza WRX LTD Cloaking Device Gray	Yeah, my focus has studless ice tires and it does very well. I say any front wheel drive car with decent tires and a semi skilled driver can survive in Alaska with no problems at all.

12-29-2006, 02:23 AM	#9
Firestrike * Banned * Member#: 135785 Join Date: Dec 2006 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Anchorage, AK Vehicle: 2006 Impreza WRX LTD Cloaking Device Gray	Vibes are pretty nice. Good luck on the STI. ^^

12-29-2006, 05:14 AM	#12
Jaylyons1 Scooby Specialist Member#: 113884 Join Date: May 2006 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, MD Vehicle: 2013 BRZ Black on Gold	I drove a Focus zx3 before I bought my STi and it did fine. Were quite a few wrx's that could easily pass me by though...(and did on several occasions). I know a guy who owns a svt and he gets around great too.

12-29-2006, 09:47 AM	#13
Nix_Evo Scooby Specialist Member#: 131304 Join Date: Nov 2006 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Anchorage Vehicle: 2008 Rabbit Black on Anthracite	fwd does just fine up here. honestly we dont get that much snow, i was expecting SO much more than what we are getting. as long as you have fwd and the proper tires you shouldnt have any problems. just avoid those huge jacked up trucks, they like to run 80 everywhere thinking that the 4x4 letters on the side of their truck gives them some amazing stopping power even though there center of gravity is somewhere near where my roof is at... also watch out for the beater cars, a lot of them i guess cannot afford winter tires and are sliding around like MAD crazy. best bet when you first get up here if your not used to driving on frozen snow roads is to find a parkinglot to play in. once you get used to it then you can drive with everyone else, just dont drive crazy (its not worth the 5 minutes you save on a trip) and dont drive too slow or you might get run over. but best of luck dude and if you have any questions about the area ill answer what i can. (im somewhat new too tho not a native :-D)

12-29-2006, 11:41 AM	#14
Getagrip Scooby Specialist Member#: 2045 Join Date: Aug 2000 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: anchorage,alaska Vehicle: BRZ, E90 BMW 330xi 05 Mustang GT (hers)	Your SVT will do fine, unless you were planning on buying a car anyway, the WRX would be a great choice. Also, check out the SCCA Solo2 (autocross) scene this summer, that is if you like driving. Jake

12-29-2006, 01:22 PM	#16
EvolvedAK Scooby Specialist Member#: 100354 Join Date: Nov 2005 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Anchorage, Alaska Vehicle: 2002 Chevy2DLevee AKLGT's Living Accessory	Trailblazers suck....piece of **** vehicle with a ton of recalls and problems. Had good reviews when it first came out..Now it's gone to crap. The resell value is crap to, due to all the problems. Trust me ...my mom has one. Worst car ever... Recalls, Drivetrain problems....hell their is even a recall for the damn windshield wipers on the thing.

12-29-2006, 01:43 PM	#17
Mavrik Scooby Guru Member#: 90347 Join Date: Jul 2005 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Anchorage AK Vehicle: 2013 BRZ & Imp 2.5RS Yamaha FZ8	I worked for GM for several years, never had any serious issues with those. Now the Envoy was horrible. I'd never buy one of those. But Hope likes the clearwire trailblazer, hasn't let her down yet.

12-29-2006, 01:54 PM	#19
Mavrik Scooby Guru Member#: 90347 Join Date: Jul 2005 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Anchorage AK Vehicle: 2013 BRZ & Imp 2.5RS Yamaha FZ8	I worked for them into 2005 infact. They had many blanket recalls across their truck/van lines for wipers. I'm sure there are other recalls out there. Be happy GM is sending out recalls instead of ignoring the issues like some other manufactures (IE Toyota) GM is doing what they can to keep the vehicles running safe.

12-29-2006, 01:58 PM	#21
Alaskan_awd Scooby Specialist Member#: 117002 Join Date: Jun 2006 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Palmer, AK Vehicle: 2010 >40psi, oh yes! POWERSTROKE	Your focus will do fine. BTW, has any one else seen an abnormal amount of mustangs running around, I can't believe some people are using them as DD through the winter .

12-29-2006, 02:22 PM	#24
Mavrik Scooby Guru Member#: 90347 Join Date: Jul 2005 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: Anchorage AK Vehicle: 2013 BRZ & Imp 2.5RS Yamaha FZ8	Well have fun

12-29-2006, 02:51 PM	#25
siamiam Scooby Newbie Member#: 129469 Join Date: Oct 2006 Chapter/Region: AKIC Location: faibanks-Northpole Alaska Vehicle: 93 automatic Miata black	most of my winter cars have been RWD and i do fine