Dodge Neon + Alaska = ???

[SgtBuddy]

I am looking to get an assignment to Anchorage in about 18 months. Still undecided on what to do with my Dodge Neon. It is a 1997 model, very clean, and I like it. (Read: paid off). I would rather not have a car payment for a while. Do you think the Neon can handle the Alaskian winters? I have started saving money, just in case, for a nice down payment ($20K+) on a *gasp* SUV. Here is my list so far: MSRP, some with options.

Avalanche 40,239
Trailblazer 37,460
Durango 38,840
Expedition 38,950
Explorer 2D 29,840
Explorer 4D 37,005
Explorer Sportrac 30,045
GMC Envoy 33,920
Honda Pilot 29,730
Jeep Grand Cherokee 38,015
Mitsu Montero 33,472
Oldmobile Bravada 35,745
Subaru Baja 26,218
Toyota Highlander 32,395
Toyota Sequoia 40,990

Subaru Impreza WRX 24,220
Subaru Outback 32,920
AUdi A4 Quattro 32,950
Audi A6 QUattro 38,110
Audi TT Quattro 36,845
VW Passat 4Motion 32,150

 

[Shantanu]

I'd get the GMC Envoy, although the Jeep Grand Cherokee's tried-and-proven 4WD could come in handy up in Alaska.

 

[CPA]

The SportTrac must be really decked out, because I nicely equipped one (leather, premium sound) should have an MSRP around 27K, then you should be able to get it down to 24-25k with negotiations.

 

[Maverick]

Jeep liberty is good too I hear

 

[NogginBoink]

Talk to the HR reps in Alaska... but I doubt your Neon will do you much good there. You'll want a 4 wheel drive with an engine block heater, I'd imagine.

 

[StageLeft]

It won't be great but look at the stats and you'll find i'm sure that the majority of people in Alaska have two wheel drive cars. All this means is you will have to avoid super heavy snowfalls until the snow removal kicks in basically. 4wd/awd is nice to have but I've done loads of snow driving and I've never personally been in a situation where a front wheel drive car was not adequate.

 

[Jittles]

I live in anchorage.

You will want a block heater and studded tires but 4 wheel drive isnt necessary. My mom drives a 97 Nissan Sentra and it goes and goes fine. You just have to be comfortable and competent in the snow. If you have never driven in a winter like we have in Anchorage, it's ok. You just need to get out and drive. At first be very very cautious but you'll be fine in a neon

 

[KEV1N]

WRX!

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: Shiva112
Jeep liberty is good too I hear

Man, I hear so much good stuff about the Liberty, but then there was that post that NSF4 had about it tipping over during testing.

 

[Valinos]

Escalade with 20" rims, biotch.

Bling bling.

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: Squisher

Originally posted by: Shiva112
Jeep liberty is good too I hear

Man, I hear so much good stuff about the Liberty, but then there was that post that NSF4 had about it tipping over during testing.

Do you realize how crazy you have to drive to get it to flip? Reread that article and look at the testing conditions.

 

[ElFenix]

fwd is fine as long as you're not trying to go over a snow bank... heck, the way most 4WD or AWD SUVs sit, they wouldn't make it either. damn things are turning into station wagons.

 

[DuallyX]

Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0

Originally posted by: Squisher

Originally posted by: Shiva112
Jeep liberty is good too I hear

Man, I hear so much good stuff about the Liberty, but then there was that post that NSF4 had about it tipping over during testing.

Do you realize how crazy you have to drive to get it to flip? Reread that article and look at the testing conditions.

I also believe it's been lowered since that time...if referring to the same instance I read about.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0

Originally posted by: Squisher

Originally posted by: Shiva112
Jeep liberty is good too I hear

Man, I hear so much good stuff about the Liberty, but then there was that post that NSF4 had about it tipping over during testing.

Do you realize how crazy you have to drive to get it to flip? Reread that article and look at the testing conditions.

very true. A Liberty is more stable than my Cherokee and i would have to try very hard(read: full turn with e-brake at 80mph) to get mine to flip. Hell, i even took out the rear sway bar and it is still ok. I have a higher center of gravity in mine, too. Liberties are fine.

You could do a SFA swap (picture) to make it even cooler

 

[MajesticMoose]

I would prefer to have an AWD sedan than an SUV or fwd car. There are quite options there. Personally I'd go for an audi if i could afford it.

 

[UNCjigga]

Subaru Legacy Outback L.L. Bean Edition = dream car for Alaska!
PIC

- OnStar Safe and Sound Satellite System (good to have in Alaska IMHO)
- "Boxer" H6 engine (6-cylinder)
- 19/26 mpg
- 212hp/210 lbs-ft
- AWD w/electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch and limited-slip rear differential.
- LL Bean heated, perforated leather seats (car also has rear seat heating ducts)
- Fastest heater I've EVER seen in a car...and I think you might need that heater in Alaska!

Only problem? $29,995. Subarus are expensive but I think this one will be worth it! Its good to know that this one comes loaded with features too...the only options you'll need are a battery & engine block heater, front nose guard (leather) and maybe a rear differential skid plate--all told about $262 worth of options. This one already comes with a trip computer, McIntosh Sound System with 6-disc in-dash CD with 8 speakers plus McIntosh subwoofer and weatherband radio, mahogany & leather trim, etc!

EDIT: I used to drive a '97 Subaru Legacy GT in New Hampshire, and this thing kicked arse in ice and snow. I remember driving through 18" of snow in this thing...uphill and downhill! No problems and this car never got stuck. Keep in mind that this car did not have the ground clearance of an Outback, did not have the limited-slip differential, and only had the 2.5l H4 engine.

 

[Occifer]

Whatever you buy, make sure the windshield is easy to replace, when I was up there this summer it seemed like every other car had a pretty severely damaged windshield. There are also a lot of crazy drivers up there. We were waiting in traffic for an accident to be cleared, and all of a sudden a van cruised up the shoulder doing about sixty. He must have passed a mile long line of cars and then tried to squeeze his way back in when he got to the front.



edit: because I left out a few words.

 

[Jittles]

Originally posted by: HighTechRedneck
Whatever you buy, make sure the windshield is easy to replace, when I was up there this summer it seemed like every other car had a pretty severely damaged windshield. There are also a lot of crazy drivers up there. We were waiting in traffic for an accident to be cleared, and all of a sudden a van cruised up the shoulder doing about sixty. He must have passed a mile long line of cars and then tried to squeeze his way back in when he got to the front.



edit: because I left out a few words.

So so true. You'll realize this when you are on a 65 max highway in winter and its snowing and you have to be in the slow lane because people still go 70+. One of which would be me

 

[piku]

Go for the WRX - you'll probably end up wishing it would snow every day

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Audi!

 

[klah]

Audi S4 !!!

edit: link fixed

 

[Thegonagle]

Winter driving is mostly about tires and skills. I'd keep the Neon for now, get a mounted set of snows, and then see how it goes.

I'm sure you can have a block heater installed for under $200, but you shouldn't need it on a regular basis until it gets really, really cold at night, like -20 degrees F. or colder. Few people in Minnesota have block heaters. Modern cars don't have much trouble as long as they're in proper running order, the spark plugs aren't overdue for replacement, and the battery is good (no more than a few years old, never been fully discharged by the lights being left on, running with a dead alternator, etc.).

 

[SgtBuddy]

Thanks for the replies. I have been there many times (I was stationed in Okinawa and we went up there for exercises). If I can drive a 40 pax bus in the snow, I think the Neon should do fine I should be getting up there in April of 2004, so the bad winter season should be coming to an end. I think I will keep the Neon and see what happens.

I really like the Audi though. The outback is my next choice since I do enjoy a nice long drive. The WRX will be like my Neon, a little buzzy.

While I was in Kuwait, I was "issued" many different types of Chevy SUVs. I really liked them. If they could handle our driving through the desert, they can handle anything. I liked the Trailblazer. Oh well, I still have 18 months to decide. I think I can narrow it down to a couple dozen by then.

Audi is #1 for now

 

[dirtboy]

I'd keep the Neon. If you've never driven in snow and you run off an blow your wad on a new car, then wreck it or damage it up there, you're going to wish you never spent the money. Do the damage to the Neon or buy a other used car.

 

[freebee]

When you get to Alaska and see everyone driving the Soobies, you'll want to get one. WRX with snow tires should be great up there. Or you could be a wussy like me and get a Forester.

...oh and try this for fun with an AWD car...on ice (or loose snow), drive a moderate speed, brake torque while turning, then floor gas....you'll spin in circles with all 4 wheels flinging snow everywhere.