Home Forums Gear Hunting Trucks and Four-Wheel Drives What are winters like in Ithaca, NY?

My niece is going to graduate school at Cornell for the next 2 years and I have told her that, although all-wheel drive isn't necessary, it is darned nice to have in snow country. She is currently driving her Grandmother's last car, a 1994 Buick Park Avenue. I have offered to trade her my 1993 GC Limited, even up, both in about the same condition and miles. If we don't make the trade, should I buy her a AAA membership and put a snow shovel in her trunk? She would like a Toyota 4Runner SR5, but the only units that I have found within 100 miles of Omaha would require her car plus at least $1,500 (which she doesn't have) to make the deal and the vehicle's maintenance/repair history would be an unknown.

Any knowledge of Ithaca in the winter and/or opinions regarding the value of 4wd vs. fwd in that area would be appreciated. Also, if anyone can recommend a good and honest mechanic in Ithaca, I'm sure that she will need his/her services, regardless of what vehicle she is driving at the time.

Jeff

Jeff,

Looks like not many people know about Ithaca, NY? Anyway, I am not from that area, but I lived in Rochester, NY for approximately 9 years. And I must say its a snowy winter up there. Snows constantly from Nov or Dec to April...everyday. I suspect Ithaca has lots of snow, but if its not right on one of the Great Lakes then it may not be as much. But I suspect there will be quite a bit of snow up there and having a 4 wheeler is a necessity if traveling is required. I had a 79 Bronco and a 86 Toyota. Oh, yeah, the toyota rusted badly by the time Imoved down to Virginia. I forgot whether Ithaca is directly east of Rochester, but if you look on the map and see where Ithaca is located, and if its near one of the Great Lakes or within an hour of the great lakes, expect alot of lake effect snow.

As they say, clear and intermitten all winter. Snow is clear up to your ass and in your mittens. Cold air blowing across the lakes chills you to the bone. I did an intervue in the Tri cities area, one February and when I stepped off the plane I decided in about 30 seconds not to take the job. I did another one in Ann Arbor Michigan. I reached the same comclusion just as fast.

I lived about an hour away from Ithaca for several years. Front wheel drive with snow tires was all I needed 99% of the time. I stayed put the other 1%. It is not in a great lakes snowbelt area and they do have good snow removal... If she doesn't find 4wd make sure she gets snow tires and learns to drive slower!
John

260Rem,

I can answer that!

I live about 1/2 hr from Cornell U... and I can attest that the winters are awful...and so is the Spring... Summer lasts a day or so.. but Fall can be absolutely outstanding.. with the crisp air, beautiful colors around Cayuga Lake..etc.. By the way.. it's 27 degrees here right now..

Ithaca is built on a hill, except for the downtown area which is very close to Cayuga Lake.. Cornell is near the top of the hill... and the steep narrow, twisty roads make driving at any time difficult. If possible, get her 4 WD.. BUT at least make sure she has a new battery, a small shovel and jumper cables... even with the new battey jumper cables are kinda trendy around here <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
We do get lake effect weather eg; snow and always overcast skies from the Finger Lakes and also from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.. I was fishing yesteday and it started snowing!! Not much but flurries..

Having said all that.. Ithaca is a typical college town with plenty to do for students .. who keep the local economy going.. Ithaca college is about 2 miles from Cornell and it also has a good size enrollment.. .. I believe there is bus service from both schools, and Cornell is within walking distance to the center of town.. leaving the option of not having to drive.

I don't know have any experience with the local mechanics so I can't help with that part of your inquiry.. But word travels fast on campus, and I'm sure she will get good advice..

I hope this helps, and that I have not painted too bleak a picture.. But IMHO.. having a Master's from Cornell on your resume' will open a lot of doors for her..

Please E-mail me if I can help..

Best of luck!

Al .. alruner@localnet.com

I live a bit farther from Ithaca than Alruner, but know the area well. I'll echo everything he said, and add a thought. The biggest problem in any urban (and Ithaca around the campus is a very urban) area is congestion when the snow piles up. There are are snow piles all over, and the roads and parking areas don't get plowed out nearly as well as the back country road I live on. I think she would really appreciate 4wd or AWD. I would rather drive on back roads with 2wd than around the college.
Will

Thanks guys! I guess that I'll give her a shovel, jumper cables, and a basic repair kit before we send her East. Maybe we can get her a set of snow tires as a Christmas gift.

Jeff