AWD and driving in the rain

vickib3

I have developed a pretty significant phobia about driving on interstate highways in the rain. I had a major hydroplane incident (NOT accident, thank goodness) a few years ago and now I'm always imagining that I can feel myself losing contact with the road when I drive in heavy rain. It seems like I find myself driving during unexpected rain storms 3-4 times a month (I live in the South, and it is spring).

Anyway. I plan to buy a new vehicle in the next month or so, and safety is of prime concern to me. I am wondering if an AWD vehicle is something I should consider a must. If so, my options will be reduced, I suppose, due to price. I am looking to spend around $25,000.

I have driven the Subaru Legacy, and I like it a lot. But, are there good AWD sedans for less money?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Vicki

kyfdx

My opinion: An AWD vehicle isn't likely to keep you from hydroplaning. That happens when surface water causes your tires to lose contact with the pavement. A really good rain tire will make a difference, but it still won't stop you from hydroplaning if certain conditions are present.

Michaell

kyfdx said:

My opinion: An AWD vehicle isn't likely to keep you from hydroplaning. That happens when surface water causes your tires to lose contact with the pavement. A really good rain tire will make a difference, but it still won't stop you from hydroplaning if certain conditions are present.

I agree - find a good FWD car that you enjoy, and spend some money on good quality all weather tires. Tire Rack has a good website for you to compare tires and read reviews from others.

But, at the end of the day, as my co-host points out, sometimes you can't avoid it if the water builds up on the roads.

vickib3

Wow. Thanks so much. The Subaru salesman told me that AWD helps keep your car "gripped" to the road during a rainstorm. I'm 61 and don't know anything about cars. I just want to find a vehicle that will last for 8-10 years, which will provide me with fairly easy access now, as well as when I am 70. I have debated the pros and cons of a sedan versus a small crossover SUV (RAV-4, CRV, etc.) when it comes to entering and exiting. I don't want to be one of those old people who has to grab the door jam to haul herself up from the driver's seat, yet I am afraid that the SUV could present problems when entering it.

Good visibility is also important to me, as are the newest safety features. I will likely be hauling around 3 grandchildren more frequently in the next year, and the little Versa hatchback that I've loved driving around in needs to be replaced by something larger and safer! I am open to any and all suggestions. I am not looking at any GM models simply because I can't get past the ignition switch issue, and the fact they knew about it for years before beginning a recall. No trust in GM anymore.

kyfdx

I don't know how tall you are, but the best thing about small crossovers is the ease of entry/exit. The seat height seems to be made for just sliding in and out.

A Subaru is a good car.. A Legacy sedan or Forester would be a good choice, regardless of the AWD. But, I'd personally lean towards a Honda Accord, if you are looking for safety, room for grandkids and long-term reliability, with low long-term maintenance costs.

Or, even an Altima sedan, if you are partial to Nissans.