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Old 02-05-2014, 10:09 AM   #1
FC
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Most fun I've had in the snow in a while.

The LR4 (with hakkas) is just ridiculous. Goes up steep slippery hills that stranded many cars without even turning on the traction control. Clears (more like flattens) 1-2' snowbanks with no drama. Hit the gas from a stop over 8-10" areas left by snow plows and after a second of some controlled traction work, it just goes about its business undisturbed. I was going out of my way to find crazy spots to test the car. Incredible. The kids loved it.
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Old 02-05-2014, 10:33 AM   #2
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Welcome to (real) SUV ownership.

Just wait until it's deep enough that you need low range - that's when it really gets fun.
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Old 02-05-2014, 10:38 AM   #3
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Welcome to (real) SUV ownership.

Just wait until it's deep enough that you need low range - that's when it really gets fun.
Well, I get to have an extra 2" of ground clearance whenever I want, provided I keep it under 30mph. I tried that when I had to go to my mom's house which was not clear at all and had big snow banks going in.

My old JGC was pretty bad ass, but not quite as good and these tires are better. It did have, however, that great "I don't give a crap" factor because it was so old.
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Old 02-05-2014, 10:44 AM   #4
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I forgot for a minute that you had the good jeep system.

I drove the x3 today and took the "country" roads just to see if I could find some sketchy spots to test it, but with all of the salt the roads were fine aside from fallen debris.
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Old 02-05-2014, 10:53 AM   #5
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I forgot for a minute that you had the good jeep system.

I drove the x3 today and took the "country" roads just to see if I could find some sketchy spots to test it, but with all of the salt the roads were fine aside from fallen debris.
It was great (Quadradrive II), but 100% mechanical (no TC or other intelligent features that I am aware of). So while it never left me stuck and worked very well, it was a bit awkward at times. The LR4 is totally seamless.
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Old 02-05-2014, 10:54 AM   #6
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Awkward? Mash go pedal and steer - what more could you ask for.
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Old 02-06-2014, 03:37 PM   #7
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Sweet, FC! At least you guys have had some snow to play with.

Um, I took the Forester on a rutted slope the other night.

Across from the local hardware store was an abandoned gravel lot that has had some deeply rutted short hill climbs on it for some time. With the Subie loaded up with a dozen 2x6's I figured I'd try it out on some lumpy terrain.

It's no LR4, JGC, or Wrangler but I was surprised. At a few points I got the suspension crossed up enough that I lifted a tire and it kept going up hill. Ran it through that terrain several different ways trying out the approach / departure / break-over angles on the Forester. Simply smooth as butter and no scrapage.

Felt gooooooooood.

Can't wait to take it up on some Forest Service road up shooting next spring.
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Old 02-06-2014, 05:58 PM   #8
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Quote:
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The LR4 (with hakkas) is just ridiculous. Goes up steep slippery hills that stranded many cars without even turning on the traction control. Clears (more like flattens) 1-2' snowbanks with no drama. Hit the gas from a stop over 8-10" areas left by snow plows and after a second of some controlled traction work, it just goes about its business undisturbed. I was going out of my way to find crazy spots to test the car. Incredible. The kids loved it.
neanderthal.

you're killing the environment driving that thing.

you should have waited for the Tesla X.



(kidding)

it's nice, huh?
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Old 02-06-2014, 09:09 PM   #9
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We had a 4Runner while in MN, and it was fantastically awesome in the deep snow. Like, I'd be willing to drive in the snow all year round as long as it was in that vehicle (or similar), and if the cold wasn't so annoying. So yeah, I know what you mean, FC.
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Old 02-06-2014, 09:59 PM   #10
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neanderthal.

you're killing the environment driving that thing.

you should have waited for the Tesla X.
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