OT- ? for suv drivers

[disney funseeker]

do you get snow tires or keep your all seasons on during the winter?

We had our first snowfall last night and dh thinks I should probably get snow tires and a block heater installed on my Toyota Hilander.

I don't think its any colder or snowier in Edmonton than it was in Ottawa.
I'm all for the installations but was wondering what others do.

 

[CharlesTD]

do you get snow tires or keep your all seasons on during the winter?

We had our first snowfall last night and dh thinks I should probably get snow tires and a block heater installed on my Toyota Hilander.

I don't think its any colder or snowier in Edmonton than it was in Ottawa.
I'm all for the installations but was wondering what others do.

I would do both of those living in Alberta will get colder than living in Ottawa.

 

[dhluvsDisney]

Okay, you said Highlander. How much do you like it? I know it's off topic slightly, but we are contemplating getting one. Any pros or cons?

Thanks!

Linda

 

[MECH8T7]

do you get snow tires or keep your all seasons on during the winter?

Depends on the vehicle.

We have snow tires for our Mazda van which are mounted on their own steel rims (with matching plastic wheel covers) to replace the all seasons mounted on alloys. The changeover is, of course, very quick.

I originally wanted to get snows for our Lexus RX300 (same chassis as the Highlander) but, at the time, you could not get reasonably priced rims or wheels for the car to mount the snow tires on and I did not want to remount the tires onto the stock alloy rims each changeover. So, instead, after the original tires (and car) was about three years old, I replaced the original tires with a more aggressive truck tire. (The original tires were more like a passenger car tire). It made the car a little noisier but the winter handling was significantly improved.

 

[disney funseeker]

I love the Highlander. Our last 4 vehicles have been Toyota's after trying Honda and Ford.

The ride on the Highlander is as smooth as a Camry (that used to be our favourite). It's only a year old but have never ever had a problem with a Toyota product.
I find that its a good size for me (5 ft 1in) and dh (5ft 10in)
likes the feel too. It's easy to drive. We had a used Ford Explorer Sport 1 yr, and I was never comfortable driving it. It felt like it could roll over too easily but the Highlander feels like a car to me, except higher up and safer.

We had to get our Highlander inspected when we moved provinces and the guy who tested it loved the ride.

The only con is that it uses up more gas. It is supposed to be one of the more fuel efficient of the SUV's though. It was a bit of a shock going from a Corolla to the Highlander in terms of gas consumption. My neighbours used to tell me, "you think it costs a lot to fill up your tank, look at my van and also look what you used to drive".

We usually trade in our vehicles after 4 or 5 yrs but are keeping the Highlander until it dies.

 

[Polynesianfan]

Okay, you said Highlander. How much do you like it? I know it's off topic slightly, but we are contemplating getting one. Any pros or cons?

Thanks!

Linda

Linda I've had one for over 3 years and LOVE it !
Best car/suv I've ever had...it drives like a car but works like an suv.
I am considering the hybrid model once we get another one, but I am also going to drive it till it dies, which could be a long time.

 

[PrincessasMommy]

Drive an Expedition. Keep the tires on all year (I have massive tires). Have a remote car starter so I start it a couple minutes before leaving. I live in Toronto.

 

[disney funseeker]

PrincessasMommy, forgot about the remote starter.

Dh just won that and wants to install that too in my Highlander. One good reason to let dh go to the sports bar, he wins good stuff I think he needs the remote starter for his car more though.

 

[PrincessasMommy]

LOL! You must be newly married or don't have kids because you are too sweet! I drag 3 kids out to school & back, carpool and do 6 nights of activities for the kids - no way would I let him have it! Besides, he got to actually go the bar and have a fun night and win a prize and you get ???? My hubby would LOVE you!

PrincessasMommy, forgot about the remote starter.

Dh just won that and wants to install that too in my Highlander. One good reason to let dh go to the sports bar, he wins good stuff I think he needs the remote starter for his car more though.

 

[disney funseeker]

PrincessasMommy, actually I do have 2 dd's. But dh works such long hrs, then brings stuff home and never has time to do anything for himself.

He let me have the Highlander because of the kids but I wish he would take it since he's the one who has to drive further in snowy, slippery and other nasty weather conditions.

Linda, have you test driven the Highlander?