Save thousands by choosing 2WD

If you love SUV's and pick-ups (like I do) and want to save a fortune, choose a two wheel drive model over the four wheel drive. As a used car guru, you're looking for a model that is not popular on the used market - that's where the bargains are found.

Two wheel drive vehicles get better fuel economy and require much less in the way of maintenance and repairs (no expensive transfer case to deal with). And the best part? You can make a two wheel drive perform as well as a four wheel drive.

Unless you know you will be doing some serious off-road driving (and most people plan to do so but never do), you won't miss the 4WD.

How? Simple, one word: tires. Buy 2 sets of tires.

One set of aggressive tires for gravel roads, getting to the cabin and so forth. Something like a BFG/AT or Bridgestone Revo would do fine. These tires can get you through any backroad (serious mudding aside). You'll be shocked how far you can go on a quality set of aggressive tires.

For winter, a good set of winter tires will make your rear drive vehicle extremely competent in the snow and ice. For example, in a recent post we spoke about the rear-drive Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, which are used in all Northern States and in Canada throughout the winter using only good sets of quality snow tires. The technology is so advanced that unless you need to drive through very deep snow in uncharted territory, these tires will do wonders for your rear-drive vehicle.

Here's a good article on how snow tires on 2WD can beat 4wd with all-seasons in the snow and ice.

Both tire sets will last twice as long (i.e., using one set in the summer, the other in winter), so there is no extra cost over the longer term.

So why are you -- a budding used car guru -- paying more for 4WD when there are bargains to be had with the same model in 2WD?