What do you guys in the Northeast do in the winter?

zcoupe09 · 12-21-2009, 04:24 PM

can i put the blizzaks in 225/50/18 on all four tires on the stock 18s or do i have to go with the stock staggered set-up ?

Urbanracer · 12-21-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

I had two Audi's before my Z. The amount of money I spent on repairs once my warranty was up quickly added up on my 2000 A4. For $1200, I went with winter tires and my Z can deal with snow. An old Audi, from my experience, is a money pit.

The reason that you spend so much on a winter ride is because it was an Audi, they are known to be money pits. The very reason I didn't buy one. I had a subaru legacy w/4wd i bought for 1500 bucks, drove it for four winters and spent money on oil changes and a timing belt, then sold it for $1200. Definately worth it IMO. Subaru w/ winter tires = win

SophiaZ · 12-21-2009, 05:49 PM

In the Jersey/ Delaware area we got anywhere from 8-14 inches of snow last weekend. My car was shoveled out and cleaned off and has not yet moved. If there is any amount of snow or ice on the roads..I'd much rather let it sit.Not taking any risk in a Z. My 350z drove like **** in the snow. Like someone already said..I have plenty of PTO accrued. I don't mess with the snow!

ChrisSlicks · 12-21-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcoupe09

can i put the blizzaks in 225/50/18 on all four tires on the stock 18s or do i have to go with the stock staggered set-up ?

The 225/50/18 is technically too narrow for the 9" rear rim but it would fit anyway, and look a little stretched. Given that in NY area it's not snowing that often the staggered setup will offer better dry grip, and do fine in the plowed and not too deep snow. The Z can't handle anymore than about 3 inches of snow anyway because of the ground clearance.

spearfish25 · 12-21-2009, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urbanracer

The reason that you spend so much on a winter ride is because it was an Audi, they are known to be money pits. The very reason I didn't buy one. I had a subaru legacy w/4wd i bought for 1500 bucks, drove it for four winters and spent money on oil changes and a timing belt, then sold it for $1200. Definately worth it IMO. Subaru w/ winter tires = win

I wouldn't mind the $1200 subaru option but parking in Chicago costs a premium. I'd have to find a local storage garage but I'm not that motivated and would rather drive my Z with the snow tires.

Pharmacist · 12-21-2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

So instead of driving my Z with Blizzaks, I'm supposed to risk my life in a $1200 piece of crap car with bald tires that someone put 100,000 miles on? I don't see how that's a better alternativ

Parking spaces are also a premium in big cities. Having an extra car then costs you another pretty penny to either put the Z in storage or buy another space.

Quote:

Can you rightfully say that a Z will drive well in snow?

I can't. I think driving the Z in winter would be akin to riding a snowmobile on water in summer instead of a jetski...or "muddin with a Z"

soo a pos rustbucket with the engine blowing smoke, sagging suspension, leaking dampers, bald worn out tires, brake pads worn all the way to the rivets, floorpan falling off, windshield cracked, headlights weak, wipers unoperational is actually safer than a brand new state of the art sports car with snow tires, advanced suspension, high lateral grip, low ride height, excellent steering feel and communication of the road condition to the driver, along with abs, traction control, and vdc?

Quote:

paid $1500 for a 2001 Audi A4 Quattro with 6 airbags with 140,000 miles with Blizzaks. The term "piece of crap car" is relative in this case.

say what? u sure it wasnt salvaged? over here an a4 2001 costs at least 6-10000 depending on condition and mileage. 1500 would get you exactly what i mentioned above: a pos rustbucket with the engine blowing smoke, sagging suspension, leaking dampers, bald worn out tires, brake pads worn all the way to the rivets, floorpan falling off, windshield cracked, headlights weak, wipers unoperational

Pharmacist · 12-21-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kraphy

I seriously am considering getting rid of my Z because of how horrible it drove in the snow. Not even a small amount of snow is drivable. Today I'm going to look at Nissan Versas. If I'm gonna keep the Z...only time will tell.

Is it possible to transfer the car and the payments over to someone else easily? I'm looking for potential buyers.

downgrading all the way down from a z to a versa cuz of a little snow. at least get a wrx or an evo instead. come on man, anything but a versa!

spearfish25 · 12-21-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kannibul

But hey, it's your car. Hope you have GAP insurance.

How do you know I even need GAP insurance? Maybe I own my car outright or made a decent down payment. Let me worry about me.

sascuderi · 12-21-2009, 06:58 PM

Thanks for all the input. Its going to be very hard to decide what to do.

When I have a car, especially a new one, I like to drive it everyday! I would get down and frustrated if I had to just look at my new Z all winter sitting in my garage. I'd go nuts!! Plus in NJ the last thing you want is to have to pay insurance on two cars, one of which sits unused all winter.

I do apprecite all your input. This seems to be a very active board (even more that the Maxima.org where I usually lurk!), so if I do get my Z I will be sure to return!

Thanks again

spearfish25 · 12-21-2009, 07:42 PM

Regarding insurance, you should speak with your insurance company. Most will let you drop coverage on a car while you initiate coverage on another for part of the year. Just be sure to keep comprehensive coverage on whichever car you're not using.

AK370Z · 12-21-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sascuderi

Thanks for all the input. Its going to be very hard to decide what to do.

When I have a car, especially a new one, I like to drive it everyday! I would get down and frustrated if I had to just look at my new Z all winter sitting in my garage. I'd go nuts!! Plus in NJ the last thing you want is to have to pay insurance on two cars, one of which sits unused all winter.

I do apprecite all your input. This seems to be a very active board (even more that the Maxima.org where I usually lurk!), so if I do get my Z I will be sure to return!

Thanks again

Where in South Jersey are you? I drove around ALL south jersey in snow today.. Z drives like a dream on the snow with Blizzaks.

Quote:

I seriously am considering getting rid of my Z because of how horrible it drove in the snow. Not even a small amount of snow is drivable. Today I'm going to look at Nissan Versas. If I'm gonna keep the Z...only time will tell.

Is it possible to transfer the car and the payments over to someone else easily? I'm looking for potential buyers.

I'm assuming you have summer tires. They are absolutely horrible. EVEN me (with years of RWD experience) spun out my brand new Z with 300 miles last year on Route 322. Yup, 8pm at night with a busy two way traffic I spun my Z 180 degrees. This year I put some thinner winter rims/ tires and wishing for more snow

shadow2k · 12-21-2009, 09:11 PM

I drive my Taurus on crappy weather days, and the aftermath of the salt on the roads.

Out of all the great reasons to have a 2nd car in my case, #1 comes down to this. People are stupid. If they're going to smash into one of my cars because they think 4wd makes them invincible, I'll be driving my Taurus. It's happened before, and I'm sure it will happen again.

I drive my Z when it's dry, and the salt has been washed away. I'm driving it today, but I'll be in the Taurus tomorrow with the threat of freezing rain/snow.

It makes me appreciate the Z even more to have to drive my Taurus now and then.

kannibul · 12-21-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

How do you know I even need GAP insurance? Maybe I own my car outright or made a decent down payment. Let me worry about me.

It's pretty easy to assume that if you're bitching about parking or renting storage and how much that costs, then you are more than likely making a payment...then consider depreciation, even with a large payment, and well, let's face it, insurance companies don't like to pay out...it's against their business model. If you wiped out a bare-base model Z, you'd count yourself lucky if they paid $22K...

That and you don't have a 2nd vehicle, and can't see the logic in protecting your investment by getting some much more suitable for winter driving on a number of levels.

No offense, of course. Also, I, along with others are just offering advice. If you don't want advice you don't want to hear, don't ask for it....

Zeto · 12-21-2009, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

say what? u sure it wasnt salvaged? over here an a4 2001 costs at least 6-10000 depending on condition and mileage. 1500 would get you exactly what i mentioned above: a pos rustbucket with the engine blowing smoke, sagging suspension, leaking dampers, bald worn out tires, brake pads worn all the way to the rivets, floorpan falling off, windshield cracked, headlights weak, wipers unoperational

I got it off Craigslist from this chick who lost her license due to 3 DUI's. It was actually in pretty decent condition. I checked the car fax. Just needed new brakes. And it drives like a dream and I'm beating the crap out of it everyday lol! Things to note it does 140,000 miles, the bumper has some damage and the driver side headlight is weaker. I dont know if it's the ballast or just the bulb. In any case I'm loving it and it loves the snow. And if expensive repairs do happen I'll just buy another one lol!

DooDooBrown · 12-23-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

I wouldn't mind the $1200 subaru option but parking in Chicago costs a premium. I'd have to find a local storage garage but I'm not that motivated and would rather drive my Z with the snow tires.

If you got a Jeep, you could just put in in 4 Low and drive through buildings.....

12-21-2009, 07:42 PM	#40 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	Regarding insurance, you should speak with your insurance company. Most will let you drop coverage on a car while you initiate coverage on another for part of the year. Just be sure to keep comprehensive coverage on whichever car you're not using. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

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12-21-2009, 04:24 PM	#31 (permalink)
zcoupe09 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: tri-state Posts: 312 Drives: 09 370z Touring m6 Rep Power: 16	can i put the blizzaks in 225/50/18 on all four tires on the stock 18s or do i have to go with the stock staggered set-up ?

12-21-2009, 05:49 PM	#33 (permalink)
SophiaZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,463 Drives: 2020 50th anniv 7AT Rep Power: 6733	In the Jersey/ Delaware area we got anywhere from 8-14 inches of snow last weekend. My car was shoveled out and cleaned off and has not yet moved. If there is any amount of snow or ice on the roads..I'd much rather let it sit.Not taking any risk in a Z. My 350z drove like **** in the snow. Like someone already said..I have plenty of PTO accrued. I don't mess with the snow!

12-21-2009, 06:58 PM	#39 (permalink)
sascuderi Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: South Jersey Posts: 12 Drives: 2000 I30 Rep Power: 16	Thanks for all the input. Its going to be very hard to decide what to do. When I have a car, especially a new one, I like to drive it everyday! I would get down and frustrated if I had to just look at my new Z all winter sitting in my garage. I'd go nuts!! Plus in NJ the last thing you want is to have to pay insurance on two cars, one of which sits unused all winter. I do apprecite all your input. This seems to be a very active board (even more that the Maxima.org where I usually lurk!), so if I do get my Z I will be sure to return! Thanks again

12-21-2009, 09:11 PM	#42 (permalink)
shadow2k Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 143 Drives: 09 PG 370z 6MT Rep Power: 16	I drive my Taurus on crappy weather days, and the aftermath of the salt on the roads. Out of all the great reasons to have a 2nd car in my case, #1 comes down to this. People are stupid. If they're going to smash into one of my cars because they think 4wd makes them invincible, I'll be driving my Taurus. It's happened before, and I'm sure it will happen again. I drive my Z when it's dry, and the salt has been washed away. I'm driving it today, but I'll be in the Taurus tomorrow with the threat of freezing rain/snow. It makes me appreciate the Z even more to have to drive my Taurus now and then.