Driving experiences in the snow

[jmathew8130]

Hello friends,

I am new to the community and have been going back and forth on the twins for months now. I was dead set on buying the BRZ Limited from the beginning but I am now also slighly leaning towards the FRS as well. It's growing on me.

I love everything about these guys but there is only one thing that I am concerned about. Which is driving in the snow. I live in Rockland, NY and we can get a good amount of snow every year. I do not have the luxury to have 2 cars so these twins will also be used for daily commuting as well. Have anyone driven any of these guys on some snow and if yes, would you be able to share your testimony and opinions on what to watch for.

[chanomatik]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19086

Originally Posted by Luke.Cariveau

How'd she handle in the snow?

Originally Posted by chanomatik

Wonderfully! Sometimes I put it in VSC Sport, but only when it's not bumper-to-bumper traffic. Otherwise I've just kept everything on. The stability control kicks in any time the car tries to do anything funny. I went for a drive in the snow last night, going up some steep inclines in the mountains at higher altitudes. I was trying to keep turn-in speed without losing traction and the stability control kicking on. I got pretty good after a while.

It honestly feels a lot like my previous AWD Subaru vehicles once it gets up to speed. Acceleration is sorely lacking, of course, but once it's cruising, it inspires nothing but confidence.

It isn't crazy about lugging uphill, but it did fine. Downhill is where it's at!

This snow reminds me that I need to get on top of getting the JDM plastic under panels ASAP.

[jmathew8130]

Originally Posted by chanomatik

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19086

Thanks, this pretty much sums it up for me. lol BRZ or FRS it is.

I would like to hear from others as well if anyone has different experiences.

[chanomatik]

Welcome!

If you're going to have to deal with snow and cold at all, then a Limited BRZ would get the job done since it has seat warmers and side mirror defrosters. Also, with cold usually comes darker days, so the HIDs from the BRZ would really help you, plus fog lights help others to see you when it's snowing.

If you can get a BRZ Limited, go for it. Switch out the front bumpers later. That might run you less than $1k, easily.

[Jayde]

If you're going to be driving it in the winter, I highly recommend winter tires. That storm we had last week I had to drive in with summer tires. Lets just say, it wasn't a fun experience. Once snow tires were put on, it was a night and day difference.

[chanomatik]

I'm on General Altimax studded tires. In Alaska, winter tires are a MUST. Most stick with all-season or go studded, some try studless. I enjoy studless. Much less road noise.

In general, if you're going to have cold weather, you should get tires that perform at full capacity for freezing or near-freezing temps.

[wheelhaus]

It will do well, especially if your area has well plowed roads. There's plenty of other RWD cars out there that get around in the snow just fine; most don't have near 50/50 weight balance, most also don't have an LSD. The 86 has both, so for a RWD platform it will do well. DEEP snow is a different story, but that would be a problem for most cars anyways. If you're concerned about grip, I would wholeheartedly recommend snow tires. Dedicated snow tires are the most important thing to consider. I also prefer studless. The creature comforts of the Limited BRZ are definitely nice.

[jmathew8130]

You guys have done an awesome job convincing me to finally purchase this car. I have about 7k saved up for a down payment and would be looking this december to see if I can bargain down the price before the end of the year. If not, I'll wait for the 2014 model and buy it with most of the current issues fixed. Hopefully.

[DaJo]

I've got the BRZ Sport-Tech (Limited)

I'm looking forward to the snow; already got some winter tires on with steelies... Even have the FR-S mud guard on! The BRZ should have no problem handling the snow, especially with snow tires...