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AWD vs FWD

(@Sun4life)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

I've booked my PMV to St. Croix in June with anticapted move in August or early September. I plan on purchasing and shipping a small, used SUV from the mainland. I'm aware of the VIN to get. But, my question is do I need AWD or is FWD in St. Croix ok? I've spent a lot of time in the Caribbean so I know some islands need AWD (or 4WD). But, I haven't been to STX yet so any input would be appreciated.

Thanks. This forum has been a wonderful source of information!

 
Posted : April 9, 2018 11:22 am
(@rosesisland)
Posts: 703
Honorable Member
 

I have a 4wd jeep and a small Front WD SUV. I've only lived 400ft ASL and we have never needed to use our 4WD. Maybe if we took it off road we'd need it, but in normal drive that we climb up steep hills everyday to our home not needing it. Plus, 4WD seems to suck more gas.

 
Posted : April 9, 2018 2:36 pm
(@Sun4life)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thank you!

 
Posted : April 9, 2018 6:19 pm
(@speee1dy)
Posts: 8867
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no, you really done need a 4 WD.

 
Posted : April 9, 2018 6:34 pm
(@Scubadoo)
Posts: 2434
Noble Member
 

High ground clearance and larger tires are good for the rough roads and potholes but you don't need 4WD unless you really plan on driving though the forest off-road during rainy season.

 
Posted : April 9, 2018 9:04 pm
(@SunnyCaribe)
Posts: 495
Reputable Member
 

I would not recommend AWD as a general rule. I have had two now, and while there is a benefit to the extra agility of an awd car, it is outweighed, in my experience, by the expense that tires will involve. Most AWD cars require even tire wear so if you have a sidewall slice, it's recommended that you replace all 4 tires. Our roads make that a real possibility (happened twice to me so far) so I would recommend either 2 or 4 WD and avoid AWD.

Front vs rear wd seems less relevant. We live in the hills, my wife has a fwd and my child has a rwd and both perform fine.

 
Posted : April 10, 2018 1:16 pm
(@Sun4life)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks! That makes total sense. I never thought about the required even wear on AWD.

 
Posted : April 10, 2018 7:36 pm
(@AandA2VI)
Posts: 2294
Noble Member
 

You won’t need 4wd in STX. In STT it’s very helpful.

 
Posted : April 10, 2018 11:31 pm
(@janeinstx)
Posts: 688
Honorable Member
 

I have a 4WD. My road is steep and not paved. When it rains it’s a necessity.

 
Posted : April 11, 2018 7:48 am
(@NugBlazer)
Posts: 359
Reputable Member
 

You'll never really need 4WD in STX unless you want to go off-roading. Wanna get to the top of Goat Hill? You'll need 4WD. Wanna take some of the adventerous rainforest roads? You'll need 4WD for that. But, that's about it.

 
Posted : April 14, 2018 4:34 pm
(@Scubadoo)
Posts: 2434
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Unless you want to visit janeinstx in the rain

 
Posted : April 14, 2018 7:19 pm
(@janeinstx)
Posts: 688
Honorable Member
 

😎

Unless you want to visit janeinstx in the rain

 
Posted : April 14, 2018 11:25 pm
(@Sun4life)
Posts: 10
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Well, you never know. I'm a northern Michigan girl who's not afraid of a little mud or off roading. 😉

Thanks everyone! Hope to meet some of you in June!

 
Posted : April 14, 2018 11:50 pm
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