Hello folks, I just wanted to get feedback from those who live in New Hampshire. I'll be moving there in a couple of months and wanted to know from those Prius owners living in this state (I'll be moving to Lancaster, NH) how their Prius performs particularly in the harsh SNOWY days. Thanks! Vince.
No first hand experience, but I can tell you that we saw a LOT of Prii in NH and ME while we were up there last month. Got tired of the "who can spot the Prius first" game we were playing in the car.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Aug 9 2007, 07:16 PM) [snapback]493259[/snapback]</div> I know what you mean! I saw many Prii there when I went for my job interview. I am also seriously considering adding and buying a 2008 Highlander hybrid for the 4x4 capability in snow roads. I hear NH winters are HARSH. <_<
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(vinny @ Aug 9 2007, 05:41 PM) [snapback]493250[/snapback]</div> Vince, I would say that your degree of success depends. If you have to drive on steep and/or back roads then you may have trouble with a Prius. Larger roads that are cleared regularly should not pose a problem. Another factor is your work environment: if you absolutely HAVE to be in at 8am sharp you'll have more trouble than if they're flexible and let you come in late or work at home on slippery days. The problems with a Prius are pretty much the same as you would have with any FWD car. Going up steep hills, pulling out of snowy places (parking lots and intersections), and bottoming out in deep snow. A FWD car works as well or better going down or driving on the level, turning and stopping. I say give it a shot and see how it goes. But you MUST have a good set of snow tires. Also keep in mind that "mud season" (just after the ground thaws) can be worse than the snow if you travel on dirt roads. You'll be just down the road from a 1st rate dealer in Gorham, NH. Don't be afraid of winters in NH. It gets cold and can last a long time, but they're actually pretty neat.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(vinny @ Aug 9 2007, 06:41 PM) [snapback]493250[/snapback]</div> I'm in Southern NH and haven't had the pleasure of driving my Prius during the winter yet. However, a friend said that with a good set of snow tires she had no problems. Welcome to NH where a little change is a lot of change.
FWIW - When I lived in Connecticut (48 years) where I was born and grew up, I used to buy an extra set of wheels, not necessarily alloy but painted steel, and then mount and balance FOUR Bridgestone Blizzak SNOW tires for my FWD vehicles, even on my rear wheel drive '85 Olds wagon "winter beater car". Connecticut, especially near the shore, gets more "icey weather" than dry snow that NH, Vermont and northern Mass. gets and these "studless grip" ice and snow tires really worked well. Just get 'em off early Spring because the "ice-grip" rubber tread compound is especially "soft" rubber and made to get "softer" in the cold for road grip, but will wear out like crazy on warm, dry roads.
Welcome! I've lived in NH my whole life (so far) and have spent the last 20 years north of MT. Washington. My best and only advice is to know when to stay home! My wife has been driving our 07 (14MI daily round trip) since Feb and has had no problems in the snow. However it would be nice if you could turn off traction control when you want too.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Aug 9 2007, 07:16 PM) [snapback]493259[/snapback]</div> My wife & I were in ME and NH last week - coast of Maine, and then near Lake Sunapee for a craft fair - and after the first couple of dozen "there's another one" by me, my wife told me to knock it off. During the trip, for about 250 miles worth of state roads and back roads around Keene, I was averaging over 62 mpg!! I loved it! We, too, are moving to New Hampshire - hopefully, it will happen next summer. And I think what we'll end up doing is getting a set of snow tires ... and if it snows too much, this guy's staying at home!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(S2L2 @ Aug 10 2007, 08:34 AM) [snapback]493472[/snapback]</div> You can, but you will most likely destroy your HSD. Now if we could modify the traction control, and get just a bit more slip in a static situation, I'd be all for that. Tom
