Driving at Cornell

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

<p>So - I've been told by lots of people that I really shouldn't own a car at Cornell, it's pointless cuz you can walk anywhere and it costs extra for parking on campus, and REALLY hazardous during the winter.</p>

<p>But I really want a car so I can drive into Ithaca and drive home and pick up chicks (with my luck, probably not). My dream car would be a Ford Mustang, but no way would that survive winter there especially with my ****ty snow driving. I've looked at some Jeep models and the Compass looks good, and I'd buy a Wrangler if it weren't so ugly. I don't want a full sized SUV - compact or small jeep-like is good.</p>

<p>So is there a prettier version of a Wrangler somewhere?</p>

2

<p>why don't you be just like everybody else on campus and buy a BMW (either a 3-series or an X5). To be the true "Cornell vehicle", make sure it has a Conn, NJ, or NY license plate, and be sure to drive with the windows down in winter so everybody can see you in your hottt ride and know just how awesome you are. </p>

<p>I'd buy an Audi, personally. Or a Ford Edge.</p>

3

<p>Hey the BMW X3 with AWD, heated seats and steering wheel is pretty awesome! </p>

<p>I'm not letting my son take it to Cornell tho --
he's got a Jeep Wrangler soft top.
Agree, not ideal. Maybe a Jeep Liberty?</p>

4

<p>you should get a Hummer to plow through the obnoxiously inconsiderate pedestrians...</p>

<p>or an Audi.</p>

5

<p>Depends on your budget; for me, personal preference is an SUV. The Toyota FJ Cruiser is pretty neat, IMO. </p>

<p>My parents want to get rid of the family Cayenne; I'm tempted (so is dad, not mom), but I've come to the conclusion that there's really not much of a need for a car in Ithaca... we'll see. Personally, I think I'll be just as happy without the hassles of having a car. </p>

<p>I did notice, however, during last week's visit to Ithaca that a lot of the cars were American (Ford/GM/Chrysler), and a lot of pickups. Not too many imports.</p>

6

<p>yeah there are a lot of American cars and also german ones. you'll see a bunch of SUVs, jeep libertys, subarus, BMWs, Mercedes and Saabs</p>

7

<p>get a tricycle...with a pink bow..and a bell...bet youd pick up girls in that!</p>

8

<p>honda pilots! i love those cars, they have AWD and are i think jeep sized.</p>

<p>def want to get a car with AWD. i just got a car but my problem was a new car with AWD is sooo expensive, like an extra 10,000 or something. if price isnt an issue i'd say go with a BMW or a honda pilot</p>

9

<p>"...and drive home and pick up chicks (with my luck, probably not)."</p>

<p>awww, don't be so hard on yourself :)</p>

10

<p>Should I get Snow Tires for my Car. Is the snow really that overbearing?</p>

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<p>i think the fj cruiser is hideous, it's like something you would only drive if you were on a safari.</p>

12

<p>i'd get snow tires. The snow isn't overbearing, but there's nothing worse than a steep hill with even a minimal amount of snow and non-worthy tires. An icy hill even caused $2,000 damage to my car ... and if I hadn't hit that curb, I would have been thrust into traffic on Route 79. </p>

<p>I've driven in terrible snow before, but nothing compares to an icy East Seneca Street.</p>

13

<p>my friend and I couldn't even walk up Dryden last winter because it was so slippery, so I imagine a car wouldn't fare too well</p>

14

<p>lol, the FJ cruiser is definitely a safari car but I really do like the look of it. </p>

<p>And thanks for the advice guys, I will probably have to get snow tires.</p>

15

<p>yeah i literally stood on top of cook street and glided all the way to the bottom...</p>

16

<p>The FJ Cruiser is somewhat of a novelty vehicle, and I think it's rather unique (especially for a Toyota) and affordable at the same time. My best friend has one of them, and I end up driving it around more than my own car. But yeah, I guess I'm partial to "safari" cars. </p>

<p>Definitely agree: I'd get winter tires. I learned it the costly way with my mom's car last winter. I think sometimes an AWD car or an SUV can give you a false sense of confidence. Though I still don't think bringing a car, SUV or not, to Ithaca is worth it? Gomestar, do you just recommend not bringing a car at all? Because it seemed like quite a walk from Ives Hall to Ithaca Commons when we were driving last week...</p>

17

<p>hmmm I really want to fit in next fall. Should i bring my rear-wheel drive 3-series?</p>

<p>Only kidding (about fitting in). If I do decide to drive in the future, i'm probably gonna take my mom's SUV leave the bmw in chicago. But based on what i've heard about the road situation in the winter, I might not even bother with driving altogether.</p>

<p>Actually when I went to interview for AAP, I did see a lot of students with BMWs.</p>

18

<p>tht means tht i will have to leave behind my mini cooper. my car would be stuck 90% of the time..lol.</p>

19

<p>Yeah and I thought driving here in chicago during the winter with rear-wheel was bad.</p>

20

<p>"Gomestar, do you just recommend not bringing a car at all?"</p>

<p>you can get by without a car no problem. It's a bit harder if you live off campus, but there are plenty of people who do it no problem. I like to have a car to get groceries, go to the mall, and to go to the wine store (very important) at my own leisure. It's totally up to you, I liked it but it's by no means necessary. </p>

<p>I should note that the only time in the winter when you should not drive is when it's snowing hard out. The roads will be fine shortly after the snow stops, just don't take that RWD car out if it's snowing heavily. </p>

<p>In addition, 4 wheel drive is great for moving, but the hardest part is going down a hill when you can't stop moving. This is how I got in my accident (actually two accidents, but only one was with major damage).</p>