Forums: Climbing Partners: US - Mountain States:
Car advice for Colorado
RSS FeedRSS Feeds for US - Mountain States

Premier Sponsor:

 


bellaitalia


Apr 17, 2007, 5:56 AM
Post #1 of 8 (495 views)
Shortcut

Registered: Nov 10, 2004
Posts: 72

Car advice for Colorado
Report this Post
Average: avg_1 avg_2 avg_3 avg_4 avg_5 (0 ratings)  
Can't Post

I'm moving to Carbondale, CO in August, and I'm debating what kind of car to buy. I've never lived in Colorado before, so I'm unsure about weather/roads. Is it really necessary to have 4wd? Or can I get away with something that's front wheel drive and more fuel efficient? What about driving to trail heads?

I'm thinking about a Subaru Impreza if I go for 4wd or maybe a Prius if I could find a used one that's cheap enough. Any advice would be welcome.

Sarah


anykineclimb


Apr 17, 2007, 12:41 PM
Post #2 of 8 (488 views)
Shortcut

Registered: Mar 30, 2003
Posts: 3593

Re: [bellaitalia] Car advice for Colorado [In reply to]
Report this Post
Average: avg_1 avg_2 avg_3 avg_4 avg_5 (0 ratings)  
Can't Post

Subarus are pretty popular here as you get decent mileage but AWD capability. I'm actually thinking about switching to an Outback


grimace8777


Apr 17, 2007, 1:16 PM
Post #3 of 8 (482 views)
Shortcut

Registered: Jan 30, 2006
Posts: 15

Re: [bellaitalia] Car advice for Colorado [In reply to]
Report this Post
Average: avg_1 avg_2 avg_3 avg_4 avg_5 (0 ratings)  
Can't Post

IMHO I don't think that you need to have a 4WD vehicle. I do own a 4WD truck but I have plenty of other climbing partners that do not and we always manage. I think the only time it may have some advantages are early season when roads in the high country are still in poor condition. This problem usually works itself out in June and the worst thing that would happen is a little longer approach. Sometimes that's not all bad. Good luck.


reno


Apr 17, 2007, 1:17 PM
Post #4 of 8 (482 views)
Shortcut

Registered: Oct 30, 2001
Posts: 18283

Re: [anykineclimb] Car advice for Colorado [In reply to]
Report this Post
Average: avg_1 avg_2 avg_3 avg_4 avg_5 (0 ratings)  
Can't Post

anykineclimb wrote:
I'm actually thinking about switching to an Outback

You're a lesbian, ain't ya? Wink


anykineclimb


Apr 18, 2007, 2:17 PM
Post #5 of 8 (459 views)
Shortcut

Registered: Mar 30, 2003
Posts: 3593

Re: [reno] Car advice for Colorado [In reply to]
Report this Post
Average: avg_1 avg_2 avg_3 avg_4 avg_5 (0 ratings)  
Can't Post

reno wrote:
anykineclimb wrote:
I'm actually thinking about switching to an Outback

You're a lesbian, ain't ya? Wink

I DO like comfortable sandals...


desertdude420


May 16, 2007, 7:38 AM
Post #6 of 8 (412 views)
Shortcut

Registered: Sep 20, 2006
Posts: 294

Re: [anykineclimb] Car advice for Colorado [In reply to]
Report this Post
Average: avg_1 avg_2 avg_3 avg_4 avg_5 (0 ratings)  
Can't Post

If you are moving to Carbondale, get a 4x4... or befriend someone that can pull you out when you get stuck.


timstich


May 17, 2007, 3:15 AM
Post #7 of 8 (397 views)
Shortcut

Registered: Feb 3, 2003
Posts: 6267

Re: [bellaitalia] Car advice for Colorado [In reply to]
Report this Post
Average: avg_1 avg_2 avg_3 avg_4 avg_5 (0 ratings)  
Can't Post

A front wheel drive car is adequate for most roads in Colorado. We had an Accord that did well on snow and icey roads. Of course a 4 X 4 truck is better on dirt roads, but you need not drive on those for the most part.


desertdude420


May 17, 2007, 4:01 PM
Post #8 of 8 (376 views)
Shortcut

Registered: Sep 20, 2006
Posts: 294

Re: [timstich] Car advice for Colorado [In reply to]
Report this Post
Average: avg_1 avg_2 avg_3 avg_4 avg_5 (0 ratings)  
Can't Post

Driving around Colorado (esp. ski towns) without four wheel drive is like parachuting without a reserve chute. Chances are you'll make it, but even parking in an off-cambered, icy parking spot will make you wish you could just hit a lever to get out rather than walking around with your tow strap, looking for someone to yank you out.


Forums : Climbing Partners : US - Mountain States

 


Search for (options)

Log In:

Username:
Password: Remember me:

Go Register
Go Lost Password?



Follow us on Twiter Become a Fan on Facebook