Jeeps do crappy in snow? What?

provinT13 · 12-29-2007, 10:59 PM

Ok today my brother was talking to me about buying his girlfriends old saturn 1999 for 5 grand, and since I get get a 93 jeep for around 3500 I told him "no way, I could get a 93 wrangler for about 3500" He said that I didn't want a jeep, with short wheelbases they are bad in the snow? How could this be? I think he just wants me to buy that car, because they dont have any money, man that thing has been in a few fender benders, its got some front damage now, and she drank and drove in it, got caught, and had a breathalizer on the steering wheel, yea no. How could jeeps be bad in the snow? They aren't are they (I have never owend one, so I dont know, but id assume they are fine)

**RAAB3485** · 12-30-2007, 08:34 PM

Well, they are really light, which certainly doesn't help in the snow. The 4 wheel drive really helps them drive around, but they don't stop real well in the ice.

Though even with all that said, there is no way I'd buy a 99 saturn even in perfect condition for 5 grand. Let alone with a breathalizer installed and having been in fender benders. Those things are pieces of crapola.

Traceycon · 12-30-2007, 08:35 PM

Read this, http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f345/snow-tires-488751/

provinT13 · 12-30-2007, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAAB3485

Well, they are really light, which certainly doesn't help in the snow. The 4 wheel drive really helps them drive around, but they don't stop real well in the ice. .

duh ding dong, its 4 wheel drive not 4 wheel stop

kelly0724 · 12-30-2007, 10:59 PM

I have a 2001 saturn as a daily driver and it ****en SUCKS!! I'm on motor 3 for that thing.

My jeep on the other hand has always done fine in the snow it's the ice like every other vehicle that won't stop it if you hit the brakes hard.

ColoradoTJ · 12-31-2007, 09:40 AM

The short wheel base + light GVW = crappy traction on slick roads. I wouldn't let that stop you from getting one. I've been driving wranglers for over ten years and have learned to enjoy how they handle. The one plus is that you won't get stuck in 6" of snow like you would with the Saturn. Also a good set of road tires will go a long way (no MT/R's or Mud Terrain Tires).

RyanZJ · 12-31-2007, 12:39 PM

Let me put it this way. I was at my parent's mountain house last weekend and snow had drifted over the road in. Out of a Jetta with studs (better than a Saturn), a Tahoe, and an Acura MDX, I was the only one who was able to drive out of there that day. The Jetta got stuck leaving the driveway, the Tahoe 20 feet down the road, and the MDX didn't even attempt to leave until the plow had come.

Oh, but my Jeep has a superior long wheelbase. None of this silly short wheelbase Wrangler stuff!!!

20min_2Rockies · 12-31-2007, 05:10 PM

A soft top YJ is pretty light, but I would not call a 4.0L hardtop TJ light by any means. Show me another vehicle just as small that weighs more.

NinjaofDoom · 12-31-2007, 05:44 PM

I don't know about every one else, I have an XJ with 12.5 wide tires and I haven't had 1 problem stopping or going.

luniz7 · 01-01-2008, 07:23 PM

i would never take that POS saturn over a jeep

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 01-01-2008, 09:22 PM

Well your brother is partially right. The short wheel base does make them a lot less stable. But that is in general, not specific to snow. If you ever watch a Wrangler bust through some deep snow they are constantly fish tailing around. A longer wheelbase will be more stable.

erocksnow · 01-02-2008, 06:32 PM

I hate those fiberglass body panels the saturns have...my parents had one and everytime someone barely hit the car in a parking lot the damn panel would rip....Another thing, are you really asking a JEEP FORUMS opinions about a Saturn compared to a JEEP? haha

provinT13 · 01-02-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erocksnow

I hate those fiberglass body panels the saturns have...my parents had one and everytime someone barely hit the car in a parking lot the damn panel would rip....Another thing, are you really asking a JEEP FORUMS opinions about a Saturn compared to a JEEP? haha

no I wasn't asking opinion, I was just asking if they did do bad in the snow, hence the title, and making fun of my stupid brother for trying to offer me $5,000 saturn thats been in 2 fender benders and had a DUI brethalizer thing on the steering wheel because his girlfriend is a drunk.

NinjaofDoom · 01-02-2008, 07:54 PM

Have you checked KBB for the price. I wouldn't pay more than the lowest they told you.

redsoxski · 01-06-2008, 10:47 AM

I'm driving a TJ for the first time this winter. With the short wheelbase its a bit hard to control in 2WD on slick roads especially if you're not careful with the gas pedal. But in 4WD its great; go with the Jeep!!