Vehicle question

[FTL_Ian]

I have a '98 Toyota Tacoma pickup.  It is a southern vehicle, 2WD, and I own it outright.

Is it worth my while to take it up north?  If so, what do I need to do to make it a northern-capable vehicle?

I was planning on selling it down here in FL and then buying a 4WD vehicle in NH, but figured I'd see what you guys thought first.

[Fluff and Stuff]

Sure, take it to NH.  You don't need 4wd.  Honda and Toyota cars are around as popular in NH as anywhere.

[cathleeninnh]

Absolutely bring it. The taxes and registration will be minimal. Some people put weight in the bed for traction during winter driving.

Cathleen

[Fluff and Stuff]

Absolutely bring it. The taxes and registration will be minimal. Some people put weight in the bed for traction during winter driving.

Cathleen

We do that here in TN too 

[FTL_Ian]

I've heard that you don't "need" 4WD in NH, but it's good to have.

I don't know much about cars, can one retrofit a 2wd to be 4wd?  Is it affordable, or is it just a better idea to buy another vehicle?

[AlanM]

I've heard that you don't "need" 4WD in NH, but it's good to have.

I don't know much about cars, can one retrofit a 2wd to be 4wd?  Is it affordable, or is it just a better idea to buy another vehicle?

Ian, I have lived in NH for 54 years and never had 4 Wheel drive.
Forget retro-fitting a 2 wheel. Not worth it financially even if it is possible.

[Lex]

I would think you only need 4wd if you lived out in the boonies but in Keene there are paved roads that will probably get plowed on a regular basis. Unless you want to do offroading or your house is on a long dirt road you probably don't "need" 4wd.

I will say though that I drive a Subaru Forester All Wheel Drive and I love it, on dirt roads you can really feel the difference, the car feels like it's on rails. In Grafton 90% of our roads are dirt roads so 4wd is a must I think but even so there are lots of people here who drive 2wd cars...

I think it's partially a personal and financial preference. If you like the feel of a 4wd car and you can afford one then you will not regret it, i can promise you that ;-)

[aries]

You dont need 4WD or AWD in NH... plenty of people drive here without it, myself included. Unless you're going to tackle muddy dirt backroads or unplowed backroads, you wont need it, all of our towns are plowed fine, most even on the backroads, if not by the state or town, then by residents.

[FTL_Ian]

Okay, so what do I do to make this a northern vehicle?  I already use real radiator fluid.  Don't the bottoms of cars get rusty up there because of salted roads?  Is there some undercoating protectant necessary for this?

[Lex]

Don't the bottoms of cars get rusty up there because of salted roads?

Yes.

Is there some undercoating protectant necessary for this?

The only thing you can do is take your car to the carwash as often as possible.

[FTL_Ian]

How often?

Obviously there are winter tires, as an option, as well as all-season, I believe...

What else do us southern folk need to know?

[AlanM]

Is there some undercoating protectant necessary for this?

Undercoating is for new cars. I've never heard of anyone doing it to a used car, though I suppose it could be done, just don't know how effective it is on used cars.

Your coolant fluid needs to be good for -50 degrees. Mix half anti-freeze half water, but have it checked.

[FTL_Ian]

I've never used water in my radiator.  I thought all radiator fluid was better.

[AlanM]

How often?

Obviously there are winter tires, as an option, as well as all-season, I believe...

What else do us southern folk need to know?

Snow tires, yes.

What else? Remember, at all times, you cannot stop suddenly on icy surfaces, it doesn't matter if you have 18 wheel drive or 1 wheel drive. Most accidents in winter are the result of icy conditions. Stay well behind the person in front of you, don't slam on the brakes, don't jerk the wheel suddenly. If you start to swerve in snow or ice, turn into the direction your rear end is headed until you regain control.

[Pat McCotter]

Don't pump the brakes of a vehicle with ABS. The computer does it for you.