eclectic

Tuesday I bought a 2011 XLT Wagon with 4500 miles on it, full warranty, power windows, tinted porthole windows, tinted rear windows, jumpseat, Iphone jack, etc.. for $19450. Deal? At 3:30 this morning I took it for a spin on the West Side Highway (no traffic at this hour) and could hear myself talk and hear the radio at 80 mph. Just as I began to slow down, an NYPD cruiser passed me! Lucky. This thing is relatively silent compared to my Jeep. And the headlights are a revelation. It's as if I have been driving in the dark for the last few years! I loaded 8 sheets of 6 foot sheetrock into it yesterday and delivered them comfortably. I was also very happy to be able to get in and out of the cargo area, double-parked on a busy street, on the side away from traffic. With the sliding doors I can pull tight up to a car and not ding it opening the driver's door. I like how it pulls up hills and I was satisfied reading that good snow tires will give me good traction. So far, thrilled.

Thanks to you both for taking the time to write and for the useful information. I'm going to have stop whining about my commute after reading ncranchero's post. Great to hear that it is comfortable and even quieter than the Grand Caravan but definitely concerned about the lack of traction in California when I spend the winter climbing and descending the Allegheny mountains in heavy snow.

Hi, I am a remodeling contractor and I live in New York City. I am considering purchasing a TC and am really excited about what it is capable of in town, parking, maneuvering, hauling, etc..... but I drive long distances to be with family on most weekends. 600 miles round trip to be exact. The gas mileage is going to be a HUGE plus, but is this vehicle going to wear me down on a trip like that? Is it smooth, quiet and comfortable, or is there a lot of noise, being jostled around, etc.. Will it pass other vehicles comfortably? I have driven a Jeep Cherokee for a long while now and so I am used to some passing power. But the Jeep is a gas guzzling, loud and bumpy ride and I'm hoping the TC will have better road manners. I'm also a little worried about not having 4WD when the snow begins to fly. Will I need to leave the TC parked in a snowdrift all winter? I know you can't have everything but you gotta dream! Thank for your comments!