In article <o5mRg.4170$Go3.1783@dukeread05>,
"Wolfgang" <NOwolfXgang_dieterxSPAM (AT) NOXcox (DOT) netNOT> wrote:

I agree in looking at a smaller vehicle. What's wrong with the Corolla?
They are now used as cabs here.
The Rav4 is now a big heavy vehicle, actually it's like a short van.
Also that spare tacked on the rear turns me off.

Spam Begone wrote:
I have to agree .. this is really not my first choice. My first choice
would be another Toyota Corolla Wagon, such as the one (1991) I drive
now. Or a Camry Wagon.

Unfortunately, for some reason, Toyota stopped making them over 6
years ago. And I don't care for the Matrix for a number of reasons.

I do want the capacity to carry things, a sedan won't do for that.

I think it was Esmail Bonakdarian <ebonakDUH (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> who stated:

Scion xB: small on the outside, big on the inside.

I traded my clunky Grand Voyager in for one and never looked back.

You'll have to hurry, though; '06 is the last model year.

-Don (lovin' his xB!)
--
Pooder approved this post . . . .

Esmail Bonakdarian wrote:
I thought the same thing, until I spent a few winters with a Jeep and
Subaru. FWD was "ok", the 4WD / AWD vehicles were GREAT, especially the
Subie. <G>

Of course, not much improves ice traction, or stopping distance.

My comment on speed was intended to show Toyota's faith in their AWD
system. The AWD is seamless. Its there all the time wet or dry. It
will not help you stop faster, it will improve handling under most
conditions, IMHO. It will not improve any skill deficiency you might
have on driving in marginal conditions. You will skid on ice! You
will get stuck in deep snow, mud or sand usually.

If all these posts haven't explained it to you, I'd suggest you stay
out of marginal conditions.

ron wrote:
I'm not sure how you are drawing your conclusions about my level
of understanding, it doesn't matter as they are wrong.

My questions was solely trying to figure out what you meant by your
reference to driving fast with RAV4, which you explained in the useful
part of your message. For that I can thank you.

FWD may be an advantage when driven in mud or unplowed snow but the
advantage of AWD over FWD, is the torque is biased to the rear. One is
less likely to lose steering control, the down side of FWD cars, on
deceleration or down grades with RWD and AWD than with FWD when driving on
wet, plowed or icy roads.

mike hunt


"Esmail Bonakdarian" <ebonakDUH (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

Don Fearn wrote:

:-)

I'll take another look .. didn't seem to have enough ground clearance
I think .. (I sometimes drive into fields with my telescope to get away
from the light pollution, so a bit off-the-ground clearance is handy)

Esmail

Is that because all of the other traffic is passing you?


mike hunt


"Esmail Bonakdarian" <ebonak-a (AT) t-hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

"Esmail Bonakdarian" <ebonakDUH (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

Corolla wagon would be nice if they still made it. The Corolla sedans are
very nice (we had a 2000 with 176,000 miles that we just sold and replaced
with a 2007). The RAV4 is bigger and gets less mpg than the Corolla but has
a LOT of space for being an entry-level sized SUV. If you need more cargo
space than a compact sedan can offer, either a RAV4 or CRV (if you can get
past the CRV's new body style - yuck- or get a 2006 CRV) is a great choice
IMO. This class of vehicle is not a good choice for someone who wants a 3rd
row seat though. While this available for the newer (06-07) RAV4s, it's tiny
and uncomfortable and hard to get to. Before we bought the Corolla, my DH
wanted to test drive the Matrix even though I had before we bought the RAV4.
He preferred the Corolla to the Matrix for several reasons. I like driving
the Corolla except for the lackof telescoping steering wheel which I have in
the RAV4. It makes the comfort in reaching the steering wheel somewhat iffy
for me. I'm tall so I have to keep the seat a bit back. I much prefer
driving the RAV4. The ride isn't quite as smooth as a luxury sedan would
be -it's an SUV albeit a car-based one. You have to keep that in mind. And
I'm an odd bird in that the rear-mounted spare doesn't bother me. I like the
extra cargo room in the floor and don't want to have to get under my vehicle
to get to the spare. Of course tastes differ but that's my 5 cents worth
such as it is...

--

Tanukiki (mom of 2 wonderful boys)