please help info needed!

[scary wheels]

Hello all,

I have been looking at a 2002 V6 Firebird. I live in Minnesota and THOUGHT I could drive this thing in the winter. I did a search of this site and found a number of posts stating that these things hydroplane in a little water! So it looks like winter is out of the question!

I am transporting my 2 ½ year old back and forth to day care and I only drive about 5000 miles a year. The dealer assured me that if I put a little weight in the back I will be fine. LOL

Does the traction control in these work?

Are these cars death traps? Should I be looking at a Grand Prix? Please help! All input is appreciated! I am looking to buy in the next week or so. Thanks in advance!

[ June 11, 2002: Message edited by: scary wheels ]</p>

[kruzmsl]

First if you going to drive in the winter get rid of the junky POS Eagle GA's. they stink BAD!!!! As for winter driving in I try to avoid it when I can but we get bad ice here in Kansas City so really nothing drives well around here.

[lants83]

I took my camaro out for a spin in the snow, and had alot of fun, but it wasnt easy driving. i even got stuck on the side of a mountain, but i think if the car didnt stop in front of me i might of made it, but if your affraid of winter driving dont take an F-body out on the road in snow and diffently not ice.

[OnixV6]

i've never really had any problems with my 93 Camaro during winter in NJ and i never put weights in the back. but NJ does not come close to MN when it comes to winter. i guess it will depend on your tires and how you drive. i never had any problem with hydroplaning.

i can't tell you how a GP drives in the winter but i can tell you the FWD does not fair any better against the RWD. i had a 92 Dodge Daytona V6 FWD. i thought that it was a death trap in winter especially with the FWD understeer. friggin thing kept going straight when i wanted to turn. i'd rather fishtail, thank you.

[sped214]

I drive mine year around, and we get some bad weather here in CO. I work about 50 miles from home, and drive it every day to and from work, rain, shine or snow. Not too bad, once you get used to it. It's definately no 4x4, but thank God for SGS!

[DominusEtDeusNatus]

For winters you will need blizzaks or some other good winter tire in 225 width. They make a HUGE difference. If you can, put chains on. Put some sandbags in the car. Experiment and see how each improves snow performance. How many months out of the year do you have snow fall?

Here in Chicago we don't have that many snow falls. If it does fall then I wait till they salt and plow it. I drive as little as I can in the winter. Rain is no problem at all. Kuhmos and Firehawks are great performance and rain tires. Bad in the snow though.

I would definitely buy a set of winter tires.

[Shadly]

Wide tires hydroplane easier than skinny tires. It's not the car. It's the tires that go on the car. It's also very far from a deathtrap. Don't base your car buying decisions on other people's opinions. Do the research! The only negative aspect I can think of for you is the small back seat for transporting a family.

[r&ksport]

I have driven all my Camaros year round. '80 Z28, '88 V6, and my current '98 V6. I think they drive fairly good in bad weather. I think it all depends on the driver too.

Like one of the Moderators said, it would be a good idea to invest in a set of snow tires/rims for the winter.