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Why buy it if you're not going to use it??Jun 21 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line That shiny new 4WD sure looks good, but was it worth the expense?
In deference to all of the "If your gonna buy an SUV, Don't be a wuss!" authors out there, let me inject a little common sense here. Don't buy it if you're not going to use it. If you really feel like you need that extra front (or rear) axle, then get it, but you're wasting your money if you never take it off-road or don't drive in snow. Even then, a good set of tires will overcome the snow issue, and a two wheel drive truck with some sort of traction control will take you just about anywhere you want to go, except maybe to the top of Mt. Everest. So, you ask, who are you to say what works and what doesn't?? Good question! I'm Pete. I'm a member of a group called the Inland Empire 4 Wheelrs (misspelled on purpose...long story). Off-roading is my hobby, and I own not one but 2 4WD vehicles. Having done this for a few years, I can tell you some things that are true: 1. People who drive 4WD SUVs in winter get stuck more often than those who don't. - This is because a lot of people just assume that you can't get stuck with 4WD. Not true. We like to say that 4WD really means "The ability to get stuck farther from help". 4WD does you no good unless you know how to use it. 2. People who drive 4WD vehicles spend more money on gas, vehicle maintenance, tires, and insurance. - That 4WD option will set you back about $4K. Your tires will wear out faster, and All-Terrain tires are pretty expensive. Insurance is always higher, because even if you never set foot in the dirt, you could. Also, you now have an extra axle to maintain. That's more things that need lube, and more things that can break. 4WD vehicles get worse gas mileage than their 2WD brothers. 3. People who drive 4WD vehicles are just generally smarter than the rest of the population...just kidding. - After all...I drive one All jokes aside, there are a lot of reasons to NOT buy a 4WD the next time you go SUV shopping. Then again, there are a lot of reasons TO buy a 4WD vehicle: 1. They generally look tougher than their 2WD bretheren. 2. They can get you out of the bad stuff in a hurry, if you know how to drive the vehicle. 3. They generally have heavier-duty chassis' and framework, so the truck is stronger in many senses. 4. You can modify your truck and go places you've never dreamed before. The moral of this story is: Think before you buy. If that shiny new Ford Exploder...er...Explorer is never going to get any closer to the dirt than the local ball field, then don't buy that 4WD option. It costs (on average) about $4K more, it'll wear out your tires quicker, and your insurance will be higher. On the other hand, if you plan on seeing the great outdoors and taking advantage of the wonderful opportunities for getting close to nature that this great land has to offer, then you'll want a vehicle that can take you there. Just a note, though...If you do plan on buying that 4WD option and taking it into the dirt, do some homework. Don't just head out into the woods. Make sure that dirt road you're looking at isn't private or restricted land. Find a local club in your area. Take some basic 4 Wheel Drive lessons and learn how to drive your truck. Tread Lightly! Keep the land open for everyone to use. Of course, the next truck I buy will have 4WD, but that's because I know I'll use it. What are you planning to do with yours?  |
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