I was accepted to Midd EDI and I’m super excited to go!! That being said, I’ve been getting ready and planning everything out for my arrival in the fall and after speaking it over with my parents, we decided it’d be a great idea for me to get a car. I was the one to bring it up initially because I really want the convenient mobility given Midd’s remote location and they think it’ll be good to give me responsibility and to treat me like an adult and whatnot. Also, it’ll be nice to run on my own schedule when traveling back to New York or going to Boston/Montreal for the weekends for example.
Please do not try to discourage me; we’ve already decided that this is a worthwhile invest.
However, for the current students (and alums), I wanted some advice on what car to take up to Vermont for the next four years. I’m leaning towards the Hyundai Elantra (2011+) but I’m also considering the Honda Civic (2012+) and Toyota Corolla (2014+). My mom wants me to get an SUV because the believes it’ll be more practical in the winter and is a safer vehicle in the snow. However, considering that I’m going to be a broke college student the mileage isn’t very appealing to me so I’m leaning towards a compact sedan.
What do you guys think? What are the most common cars on campus?
If you’re going to drive in the mountains during or shortly after a snowstorm, an AWD is essential. I own an AWD and front-wheel drive car. The front-wheel drive car has excellent snow tires on all fours, but on more than a few occasions, I’ve had significant trouble driving up mountain roads.
Whatever you choose, and even with AWD, you MUST put snow tires on the car during the winter. I cannot emphasize this enough. The “all-weather tires” with which cars are equipped are not up to the task of driving through the snowy, icy Vermont roads. Trust me. I speak from experience.
The car won’t be a worthwhile invest(ment) because cars just aren’t an investment but I’m sure it’ll come in handy. Trips to Burlington are always fun.
I agree with others that you MUST get a car with AWD for Vermont. Most of the academic year falls within snow season. As lr4550 mentioned, a Subaru is a great choice. You’ll see plenty in Vermont because they handle so well. Volvo is another way to go. SUVs can be good as long as you don’t get one that is too top heavy.
Living in northern New England, I’ve never used snow tires, just very good quality all weather tires. If you are not used to driving in snow, take things easy at first. Driving in snow/ice conditions definitely takes some getting used to.
So the general consensus is that I should get an AWD. Given than most sedans are FWD, should I stop looking at sedans? Are they not as good/ popular in northern New England? Are my only options SUVs?
Also, is there really that big of a difference between AWD and 4WD drivetrains?
I’m not that familiar with Subarus. I’m currently looking at a Honda CR-V, but is their any model of the Subaru in particular that any of you guys (or gals) would suggest? The higher mpg ratings the better!!
Subaru Outback and Forester get great gas mileage for a sturdy awd vehicle. Much better than a typical SUV. Actual mileage probably depends on the year. Honestly Subaru has a remarkable track record for durability/reliability, performance, safety, absolutely everything a New England college kid would be looking for in a vehicle. If you are particularly tall go for a Forester, if you want a little more cargo space the Outback is slightly roomier.
Subaru Forester- our old 2005 has been at Midd for two winters now. If you buy a used one, don’t bother fixing any minor body damage. You’re gonna get dinged, driving in the snow
Subaru. You def need AWD and they give you the best value and safety for the price. Don’t take an Elantra to VT!! Or a VW bug! They are too low to the ground, slip and slide, and it’ll be in the shop within a year for going over a giant pothole.
I wanted to get my D a Subaru Impreza for her first car. It’s the starter model, but still AWD. The CrossTek is the same car as the Impreza but on a higher bed, so it functions like an SUV. The Legacy comes in a sedan model if you are set on sedans. Forresters and Outbacks are what you see the most of. The newer Foresters are roomier than the older Foresters. The Outback feels a little bit like driving a tank, but that’s a very good thing for VT winter driving. Subaru really is your best bet. Not luxurious but solid. CR-V’s are quite nice however the Subaru handles better in ice and snow. Go very very slow until you learn how to drive again… VT is beautiful and fun. I hope you love it.
This is less exciting than I thought it’d be… it is actually kind of stressful because my parents are being pretty liberal with what car I choose as long as its within our price range. I just don’t want to make a bad decision that’ll end up costing us more in the long run. No matter what I research, I keep coming back to the 2013 Elantra and the 2013 Civic LX but given the previous comments I’m not too sure I want to take the risk of driving a vehicle with such low ground clearance. Also, I’m getting pretty good deals for them from Hertz so its even more tempting to just stick with the aforementioned models.
Subarus are expensive. Its a shame because thats what my dad rented and let me drive up to Midd for preview days (2014 Impreza). Would an Elantra or Civic with good snow tires really be that bad for Vermont winters? I really liked them cause of the excellent mpg ratings, reliability, and size. I feel like it’d be perfect for a college student but I’m starting to have second thoughts…
On another note, what are competitors with the CRV? I’d like a car about the same size and with Honda’s reputation for reliability. IF the models I mentioned before aren’t going to work, what are some comparable SUVs to this mode; (preferable under 13 or 14k)?
Spent my first year at Midd with a classic Toyota Land Cruiser. Spent my last three years with a VW Fox - a tiny car they don’t make anymore. Like a Jetta only smaller. I was fine. It’s not like you’re moving to the arctic. The recommendations above are great, but not everyone has AWD. most do not. You’ll survive.
