New (used) Car!

[Jannette]

How's that Doobie Brothers' song go?  Something about "one step closer"?  
Weeelll . . . long story short . . . my Saturn ION died . . . no warning . . . people who know me are quite surprised because they know how I took care of it. Blew a head gasket. I've been tent camping from it, practicing for my future.

Now? I've moved up the world and purchased a 2016 Jeep Compass, 4 cylinder and . . . drum roll, please . . . 4 wheel drive!!!
I'm "giddy" with happiness!!!
Amazing how much space I have!
Road clearance, too!

btw . . . I received a RoofBag.com for Christmas which came with a pad to protect the top of the car and is supposed to be 100% waterproof.  I'll let you know.

 

[highdesertranger]

congrats. we need pics. highdesertranger

 

[Bud Smiley]

Too bad about the Saturn but congrats on the Jeep! That's a nice upgrade.

 

[Queen]

The Compass is a nice smaller 4x4. One thing to remember if you've never had a 4x4 before, they handle poor roads/ice/snow better for driving... but breaking is the same as another car.  For some reason lots of folks, on their first one, think they have super duper breaking that matches their super duper forward motion. 

 

[Jannette]

The Compass is a nice smaller 4x4. One thing to remember if you've never had a 4x4 before, they handle poor roads/ice/snow better for driving... but breaking is the same as another car.  For some reason lots of folks, on their first one, think they have super duper breaking that matches their super duper forward motion. 

Queen,
Forgive me, I know next to nothing about cars, inside or out!  When you say "they handle poor" are you saying they handle poorly on icy and snowy roads because people assume the breaks will work just as well as the 4-wheel drive does . . . but . . . that the breaks do not?
THAT'S what I love about you all!  Sharing your knowledge from first hand experience. What I really could use is someone brave enough to sit in the passenger seat next to me who knows what they're doing and teach me.  I'm a "hands-on" learner.  If anything else occurs to you, feel free to share it.  Thanks.

 

[Queen]

My bad,to clarify... they handle great of roads in poor condition. Regarding brakes; people often think they're getting some sort of special braking power when they buy a 4x4, but it's the same as any other vehicle. So you'll see a 4x4 newbie driving fast on ice and snow, go flying up to a stop sign and slam on the brakes... only to go sliding right through the intersection.

 

[ArtW]

*spinning* "Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeohshit"*crunch*

 

[DuneElliot]

Being rear-wheel drive will also mean it handles differently when only in two-wheel drive, especially in a slide or spin.

But what Queen said about the breaking is absolutely correct...just because you have four wheel drive, doesn't mean four wheel stop!!!

 

[DannyB1954]

With 4wd, you have to be careful not to get stuck somewhere it would be difficult for others to help get you out of. What some do is use 2 wheel drive to get to the campsite, then 4 wd to get back out if conditions change. I used to go 4wd camping with others. Someone usually broke something in the back country, so it was nice to have each other for help. Most tow trucks will not leave the county road.

What others were trying to explain was in the snow a 4wd will help you make forward motion when others are stuck spinning their wheels. When it comes time to stop, a 4wd is just like a 2wd. Having tires with aggressive tread helps. So the moral of the story is don't let having 4wd give you enough confidence to get into trouble.

 

[Jannette]

With 4wd, you have to be careful not to get stuck somewhere it would be difficult for others to help get you out of. What some do is use 2 wheel drive to get to the campsite, then 4 wd to get back out if conditions change. I used to go 4wd camping with others. Someone usually broke something in the back country, so it was nice to have each other for help. Most tow trucks will not leave the county road.

What others were trying to explain was in the snow a 4wd will help you make forward motion when others are stuck spinning their wheels. When it comes time to stop, a 4wd is just like a 2wd.     Having tires with aggressive tread helps. So the moral of the story is don't let having 4wd give you enough confidence to get into trouble.

Danny,
Your explanation brought to mind the following analogy within my frame of reference . . . "You can always add salt but you can't take it away", Lol!
May seem strange to some but your explanation will stay with me forever!
Thank you.
btw . . . this subject would be a very helpful blog . . . or has it already been written of?

 

[Goshawk]

Each 4wd vehicle is different. Many don't have true 4wd. You might not have locking hubs or differentials. Your clearance is only as good as the height of your tires. Your traction is only as good as your tires. Just be sensible where you drive.


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[Jannette]

Each 4wd vehicle is different. Many don't have true 4wd. You might not have locking hubs or differentials.  Your clearance is only as good as the height of your tires. Your traction is only as good as your tires. Just be sensible where you drive.


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Yes, so I've learned . . . mine locks, Thank Goodness.  Everyone's input has been priceless!  Thank you.