Calgary Car Talk - Page 13

kw5150 · #**241** Posted **Nov 1, 2012, 10:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFRENCH

did you pick up Xi-2's or Xi-3's? So far the only difference I can tell is the alternating tread blocking between the center channel and the diagonal cut away on the central blocking.

Not sure, they came with the car and havent checked fully. I will check tonight.

Gorgeous · #**242** Posted **Nov 3, 2012, 8:46 AM**

Hello guys!
recommend me please , which is better buying a small car (sedan) or a suv in calgary ? I think suv is more suitable for calgary , alberta .. what would you suggest me? thanks.

Bigtime · #**243** Posted **Nov 3, 2012, 2:14 PM**

What is your reasoning that an SUV is more suitable for Calgary? Winter driving? If that is why I see just as many SUV's in the ditch in the winter as I do regular cars.

So go with what you like and equip properly and drive for the conditions!

suburbia · #**244** Posted **Nov 3, 2012, 3:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigtime

So go with what you like and equip properly and drive for the conditions!

There are some cars that you simply cannot equip to drive in some conditions. My nephew has a corvette, and I don't think you can do anything to that such as to allow you to drive all year long.

I think the SUV route is more about life-style than climate. We go camping a heck of a lot, and I don't think we'd be able to get all of our gear in without having one of our vehicles an SUV. I think the kid also added to it (it is simply easier to get them in and out in a slightly higher vehicle - and some of their stuff is bigger than singles think).

In the past I have had a corolla and then a 626, and while there are certainly a few instances where they couldn't hold a candle to the SUV's I've had in recent years, one can certainly manage with them. I will tell you, however, in winter time my SUV gets a whole lot more kilometers than my wife's yaris (irrespective of tires, I should add). The odds of the yaris not being in the ditch is likely related to that.

Regarding SUV's in ditches, I don't think that has been tested very well (# of stuck in the ditch situations relative to kilometers). I do know that the last time I was in a ditch it was to get around a BMW, a pick-up and another car who couldn't make it up a hill and were blocking a road. Pick-ups are the worst! I'm sure you've seen such situations in your more than capable vehicle Bigtime.

floobie · #**245** Posted **Nov 3, 2012, 6:04 PM**

*Brace for Euro-snobbery*

I get why people get SUVs to some extent. Cute-utes in particular (CR-V, Rav4, Tiguan, etc...) are pretty great all-rounder vehicles. But, I find it odd that wagons are rarely ever considered in North America. A regular mid-sized wagon (BMW 3-series, Audi A4, etc... size) easily has as much cargo area as cute-ute or crossover, and regular sedan levels of clearance (ie. plenty). I just don't get the stigma associated with wagons. I mean, should I ever need more cargo space than my GTI can offer, the prospect of being able to buy a car that offers that, without sacrificing handling and adding a crap load of weight (ie. every SUV/crossover ever), is extremely appealing.

I'd agree that the choice to buy an SUV is more lifestyle than climate related. The popular argument for extra ground clearance, I think, is hyperbolic. If my mom can handle even the biggest of snowfalls we get here, and make it up the hill our house is on, in a FWD Audi TT (i.e. very low to the ground) with winter tires, you can't argue that the clearance of an SUV is in any way necessary. Slightly helpful? Sure. But, anything beyond that... no. To function in the city, it isn't even remotely necessary at all. A Corvette might be a bit of a stretch for year-round use, mostly because of the extremely wide tires combined with RWD. Then again, it's entirely possible to drive a 911 in winter conditions... hell, the AWD versions are great winter cars... so, I do think people's ideas of what works and what doesn't aren't very well calibrated.

And indeed, pickups are the worst. The weight distribution is atrocious, but pickup drivers seem to be consistently over-confident in their vehicle's abilities. If we're going to talk "type of vehicle seen most often in the ditch", it is easily pickups.

Gorgeous · #**246** Posted **Nov 3, 2012, 6:22 PM**

what about Hyundai tuscon ? I love that car

Innersoul1 · #**247** Posted **Nov 4, 2012, 12:41 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gorgeous

what about Hyundai tuscon ? I love that car

Good car as is the Santa Fe. Have you considered th new Ford Escapes, really well equipped with some good deals going around

Gorgeous · #**248** Posted **Nov 4, 2012, 6:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innersoul1

Good car as is the Santa Fe. Have you considered th new Ford Escapes, really well equipped with some good deals going around

Do you mean escape of 2013 ? yeah i have made it on the website but it's really expensive for me =D

kw5150 · #**249** Posted **Nov 10, 2012, 12:32 AM**

Update!! Got Blizzak WS60's put on the BMW 325 and they are awesome.

(I was not able to install all of the michelin pilot alpin's that came with the car because one was quite damaged. Instead of finding 2 alternate tires, I found a set of blizzaks with 80% tread left for 250.00.)

I had no idea that a BMW could be so good on the roads in the winter. Truly a happy camper here. I highly recommend the Blizzak WS 60's.

kw5150 · #**250** Posted **Nov 10, 2012, 12:34 AM**

Agreed on the "no need for an SUV, cuz my mom drives and Audi all winter and loves it" I have driven in some of the worst snowstorms and I have never had a pickup or an suv.

Quote:

Originally Posted by floobie

*Brace for Euro-snobbery*

I get why people get SUVs to some extent. Cute-utes in particular (CR-V, Rav4, Tiguan, etc...) are pretty great all-rounder vehicles. But, I find it odd that wagons are rarely ever considered in North America. A regular mid-sized wagon (BMW 3-series, Audi A4, etc... size) easily has as much cargo area as cute-ute or crossover, and regular sedan levels of clearance (ie. plenty). I just don't get the stigma associated with wagons. I mean, should I ever need more cargo space than my GTI can offer, the prospect of being able to buy a car that offers that, without sacrificing handling and adding a crap load of weight (ie. every SUV/crossover ever), is extremely appealing.

I'd agree that the choice to buy an SUV is more lifestyle than climate related. The popular argument for extra ground clearance, I think, is hyperbolic. If my mom can handle even the biggest of snowfalls we get here, and make it up the hill our house is on, in a FWD Audi TT (i.e. very low to the ground) with winter tires, you can't argue that the clearance of an SUV is in any way necessary. Slightly helpful? Sure. But, anything beyond that... no. To function in the city, it isn't even remotely necessary at all. A Corvette might be a bit of a stretch for year-round use, mostly because of the extremely wide tires combined with RWD. Then again, it's entirely possible to drive a 911 in winter conditions... hell, the AWD versions are great winter cars... so, I do think people's ideas of what works and what doesn't aren't very well calibrated.

And indeed, pickups are the worst. The weight distribution is atrocious, but pickup drivers seem to be consistently over-confident in their vehicle's abilities. If we're going to talk "type of vehicle seen most often in the ditch", it is easily pickups.

Innersoul1 · #**251** Posted **Nov 10, 2012, 6:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by kw5150

Agreed on the "no need for an SUV, cuz my mom drives and Audi all winter and loves it" I have driven in some of the worst snowstorms and I have never had a pickup or an suv.

That being said, I assume that your mom's Audi is Quattro equipped, this separating it from your average car.

floobie · #**252** Posted **Nov 10, 2012, 6:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Innersoul1

That being said, I assume that your mom's Audi is Quattro equipped, this separating it from your average car.

My mom's isn't. Just FWD. I drove it yesterday, and it did great. Quattro does make a car truly godly in snow (from driving my dad's S4), but even without it, you can do quite well.

Full Mountain · #**253** Posted **Dec 27, 2012, 11:14 PM**

When is the best time to buy all season/summer tires? (I say all season/summer because I currently have an all season as a summer tire) I need to replace my existing set (threads showing on the shoulder) and would like to get a good deal. Also any recommendations as to the best place for tires close to the beltline would be appreciated.

Jimby · #**254** Posted **Dec 27, 2012, 11:48 PM**

I don't know the best time to buy, but I have found KAL Tire on 42 Ave SE to be reliable and I'm sure their prices are competitive. It is a very close walk to the CTrain station if you have to get downtown.

suburbia · #**255** Posted **Dec 28, 2012, 12:05 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimby

I don't know the best time to buy, but I have found KAL Tire on 42 Ave SE to be reliable and I'm sure their prices are competitive. It is a very close walk to the CTrain station if you have to get downtown.

How do places like KAL Tire compare to on-line vendors like Tire Rack?

Also, if you do end up getting tires on-line, which outfit will load / balance at the most reasonable cost? I know they charge more in general if you bring in your own tires.

BTW - I finally put winter tires on this year (prior to my trip to Edmonton and back) and agree that they are better, though I'm still quite confident with my all-seasons.

Jimby · #**256** Posted **Dec 28, 2012, 4:41 AM**

Costco sells a lot of tires too.

freeweed · #**257** Posted **Dec 28, 2012, 5:39 PM**

KAL Tire is by far my favourite tire place in Calgary. So far we've had nothing but excellent service from them.

CorporateWhore · #**258** Posted **Dec 28, 2012, 10:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by floobie

I get why people get SUVs to some extent. Cute-utes in particular (CR-V, Rav4, Tiguan, etc...) are pretty great all-rounder vehicles. But, I find it odd that wagons are rarely ever considered in North America. A regular mid-sized wagon (BMW 3-series, Audi A4, etc... size) easily has as much cargo area as cute-ute or crossover, and regular sedan levels of clearance (ie. plenty). I just don't get the stigma associated with wagons. I mean, should I ever need more cargo space than my GTI can offer, the prospect of being able to buy a car that offers that, without sacrificing handling and adding a crap load of weight (ie. every SUV/crossover ever), is extremely appealing.

I'd agree that the choice to buy an SUV is more lifestyle than climate related. The popular argument for extra ground clearance, I think, is hyperbolic. If my mom can handle even the biggest of snowfalls we get here, and make it up the hill our house is on, in a FWD Audi TT (i.e. very low to the ground) with winter tires, you can't argue that the clearance of an SUV is in any way necessary. Slightly helpful? Sure. But, anything beyond that... no. To function in the city, it isn't even remotely necessary at all. A Corvette might be a bit of a stretch for year-round use, mostly because of the extremely wide tires combined with RWD. Then again, it's entirely possible to drive a 911 in winter conditions... hell, the AWD versions are great winter cars... so, I do think people's ideas of what works and what doesn't aren't very well calibrated.

We should be friends.

CorporateWhore · #**259** Posted **Dec 28, 2012, 10:15 PM**

In terms of tires, tons of people swear by Urban Xpressions...including myself. I went to get winter tires for my wives Volvo, and the price was half of what the dealership offered (for shittier wheels/tires) and more or less the same as Tirerack, and without the hassle of having to find a place to install them.

If you want el-cheapo tires, a place like Walmart might offer you a better deal at some point, but if you have brand name tires (Michelin, Goodyear, Toyo, General etc) then they can save you quite a bit. Excellent service too.

freeweed · #**260** Posted **Dec 28, 2012, 10:20 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by floobie

*Brace for Euro-snobbery*

I get why people get SUVs to some extent. Cute-utes in particular (CR-V, Rav4, Tiguan, etc...) are pretty great all-rounder vehicles. But, I find it odd that wagons are rarely ever considered in North America. A regular mid-sized wagon (BMW 3-series, Audi A4, etc... size) easily has as much cargo area as cute-ute or crossover, and regular sedan levels of clearance (ie. plenty). I just don't get the stigma associated with wagons. I mean, should I ever need more cargo space than my GTI can offer, the prospect of being able to buy a car that offers that, without sacrificing handling and adding a crap load of weight (ie. every SUV/crossover ever), is extremely appealing.

I'd agree that the choice to buy an SUV is more lifestyle than climate related. The popular argument for extra ground clearance, I think, is hyperbolic. If my mom can handle even the biggest of snowfalls we get here, and make it up the hill our house is on, in a FWD Audi TT (i.e. very low to the ground) with winter tires, you can't argue that the clearance of an SUV is in any way necessary. Slightly helpful? Sure. But, anything beyond that... no. To function in the city, it isn't even remotely necessary at all. A Corvette might be a bit of a stretch for year-round use, mostly because of the extremely wide tires combined with RWD. Then again, it's entirely possible to drive a 911 in winter conditions... hell, the AWD versions are great winter cars... so, I do think people's ideas of what works and what doesn't aren't very well calibrated.

And indeed, pickups are the worst. The weight distribution is atrocious, but pickup drivers seem to be consistently over-confident in their vehicle's abilities. If we're going to talk "type of vehicle seen most often in the ditch", it is easily pickups.

Don't underestimate the value of extra clearance when you're driving in 30-50 cm of fresh, heavy snow.

I've pushed more than my share of AWD cars with winter tires out of snowdrifts and deep ruts. Not that this is exactly a common concern in Calgary, mind you.

Also, most of your argument could be used to argue against needing winter tires, or 4/AWD. I drove for 15 years with all seasons in much worse winter weather than Calgary ever sees, and some of that in RWD, and survived just fine. Hell, I didn't experience ABS until the mid-late 90s. Doesn't mean the extra features aren't extremely nice to have on those rare occasions when you "need" them - just like the extra clearance a small SUV gets you.

Quite frankly, f clearance. I love my Santa Fe because of the extra visibility being that high up grants you. It's a ridiculous argument, I realize, because that just leads to height wars. But so long as most people drive regular cars, I see all. Muahahaha.

Edit: I missed what started this in the first place. For Calgary I'd recommend a car, unless you're an extreme outdoors type or a highway nut in the winter (and add some non-maintained roads into the mix). Living city-only, an SUV is just plain stupid. A minivan is far more practical - but then you look like a soccer mom, so if your ego is fragile, I guess that option is out.