Midwest Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin

need a new car and need help!

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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 02:04 AM
  #1  
drJsl2008's Avatar
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need a new car and need help!

unfortunately i have to sell my formula. I just cant make it through the winters with it and am forced to look at something else. Im looking for anything that can make it through a michigan winter and also still be a fun car to drive for under 6000. Anybody have any ideas of any cars that would fit this? thanks!
Old Dec 17, 2008 | 02:07 AM
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as of now im really only looking at lincoln ls's but really would like to see some other stuff. even something a lot sportier, just something that can make it through snow.
Old Dec 17, 2008 | 08:39 AM
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From: Haslett, Michigan
I drove my Trans Am through the snow for a couple of winters, and the key is different tires, plus 100 pounds of sand bags in back. I remember them closing I96 while I was still on the highway, commuting to Milford. It worked just fine in the snow. I was using a 215-65-15 series BFG Comp TA on 15 x 7 aluminum wheels. Then a few years later I put on 275-40-ZR17's and got stuck in my driveway in a pile of frost.

Before you go and sell your car, seriously consider getting some boring 15 or 16 inch wheels, then mounting a good set of snow tires on them. For $440 or so, you should be able to get through the winter without too much trouble. Tire Rack can get you some good rubber for fairly cheap and I'm sure any junkyard can get you some wheels from a base firebird or v6 camaro.

Firestone Winterforce in 215-60-16, $72 apiece at the Tire Rack.

It might save you a lot of headache.

Last edited by ws6transam; Dec 17, 2008 at 08:46 AM.
Old Dec 17, 2008 | 09:26 AM
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I drove one winter on a set of 215-60-16 Blizzaks in my SS and traction was amazing! A good snow tire makes a big difference. I have an AWD Talon (with Blizzaks) now though.
Old Dec 17, 2008 | 06:10 PM
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ill definitely have to consider that. ive also been stuck in my driveway several times with less that a half inch of snow, once ever after my dad shoveled the driveway. Or I might just look into getting a cheap winter car and a cheaper firebird or camaro that i might have to work on. I just cant see getting rid of mine and getting some boring car.
Old Dec 17, 2008 | 07:37 PM
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Don't sell
I've driven my M6 Formula through 9 winters and like the others have said a good winter tire amd some common sense makes all the difference in the world.
Old Dec 17, 2008 | 07:55 PM
  #7  
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maybe ill have to try this out. Its just the past two winters any time there has been any snow at all on the street the car is not drivable. like i said, even on a driveway was just shoveled. its hard to imagine tires making that big of a difference.
Old Dec 17, 2008 | 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by drJsl2008
its hard to imagine tires making that big of a difference.
That's what I thought, only for me it was the reverse situation! I had a car that did okay in the snow, then I modified the suspension and put on 17x9.5 inch wheels, and promptly got it stuck on little patch of snow that was frozen to the driveway. Tires make all the difference for winter weather driving. You might be able to fix your problem for only a couple hundred bucks!
Old Dec 17, 2008 | 10:29 PM
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Black Sunshine/ 00SS's Avatar
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From: Owosso, MI. USA
Throw some BFG All T, or some mudders on there. LOL
Old Dec 18, 2008 | 04:23 AM
  #10  
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From: niagara falls ont. canada
Snow tires make a huge difference.

I drove my 94 TA for 8 winters with 225/60/16 CTC Icetracs on the swirls.

I had a 95 3.4 with the same size/type tires for 2 years

I have a 2001 V6 bird now with 225/60/16 Icetracs on swirls.

No problems with any of them in the snow.
Old Dec 21, 2008 | 11:53 AM
  #11  
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From: Dearborn,MI. U.S.A.
It is a fact that skinny tires cut thru the snow and wide tires push the snow. Steven
Old Dec 26, 2008 | 11:33 PM
  #12  
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Koz
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From: Livonia, MI
Tires will make the most difference of ANYTHING you could do to the car, except replacing wheels with tank treads Get snow tires and you will be FINE. Seriously. You'll be able to drive no problem!
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