Hey Everyone,

We are looking to get a used 2004 Xterra. We regret now getting a 2001 before we left for Germany back in 2003. But since we decided to stay for another tour we have been looking around. We found a 2004 SE 2wd. But I am concerned with how they handle in snow and ice. Has anyone had trouble? I prefer 4x4, but since we are in germany we are limited. The main problem I see is a large hill my wife would have to drive up and down during the winter months.

Thanks, Ron H.

Hmmm, I never had ANY problem in snow in my '01, and the '04's are essentially the same truck mechanically...so if upgrading for traction reasons alone, I don't see the necessity.

Now, if the '01 you have is in the states, and the driving will be in Germany, of course, that's different. :D

If the issue is 2wd vs 4wd...well, hold out for the 4wd.

Unlike most RWD cars with a ~ 50/50 weight distribution, RWD trucks are front heavy/light rear...and have less traction in snow unless you weight the rear with sand bags, etc.

Front wheel drive cars are typically front heavy too, but also have their weight over the drive wheels to start with.

The issues with snow traction also involve braking and turning...so the front wheel drive cars for example are better in a straight line, but tend to plow (Understeer) on turns...as they lose both forward and lateral traction at the same time.

For your rear wheel drive truck...except you can climb hills better with RWD, as uphill, the weight is transferrred to the rear, etc.

W/o the FWD though, the 2wd/rwd truck has only half the traction.

With 4wd, you have the best of both worlds, you have traction for forward motion, and for turning, at the same time.

Now, depending upon your needs to "be somewhere no matter what", you can most certainly get through life w/o 4wd...throw some meaty snow tires on all 4 corners for traction and control, and go for it...and call and say you can't make it if its too bad out.

So 2wd will never be as good as 4wd....but it can be survivable depending upon your needs.

:D

Welcome to the club!

I say try to find a 4x4 if you can.

How much snow do you get in your area of Germany? If you will be driving through any deep snow, you'll probably find that the 4x2 will be somewhat lacking in traction, as would any 2wd.

Welcome to the Club!!!