Hi everyone, if you remeber I asked a while back about insurance on the lightning, this will be my first car, and im starting to question it as for how much use it will give me. The other 2 trucks I would consider instead of the lightning would be an F150 Lariat, or F150 Harley. The only reason for considering these two is becuase they have more seating. Not that I need more seating, but im not sure if I want to only travel with one person considering I would be putting a console in, only leaving 1 extra seat instead of the 3rd center seat.

With seating out of the way, we move onto the next subject, the snow, I dont get that much snow where I am, (NY, about 30 minutes north of the city) So its not that big of an issue, but were it becomes an issue is when I have to drive up to a mountain to go snow boarding, the roads aren't always plowed, so is the rear wheel drive an issue with the car slipping in the snow or is the car heavy enough that it'll still get traction?

The next issue regarding snow boarding. Will the bed be big enough to fit 2 snowboards in it? I dont think i'll be taking anything more than a bike (like with pedals on it, no motor) or bags of dirt and things like that in the bed, snow boards are the only thing that I think might be to big.

Im just conserned that if I buy a lightning I'll get sick of only being able to take one person with me, the bed not being big enough and it being bad in the snow. Gas prices im not worried about becuase I really have nothing else to spend my money on , So yeah, I just think within a year I might be sick of the lightning, whats your opinions?

 

Most people who purchase a Lightning arent too worried about the snow or how many they can fit in for the ride.
If these are genuine concerns of yours then a Lighting is not for you, especially if you on a limited budget

On the other hand, If your looking for one bad *** pick up to have some fun with then by all means buy one. I bought my 00' in 02' and never looked back after many thousands of $$$$$ and mods. Every time I crank her up she puts a grin on my face from ear to ear.

 

I had the same concerns but after two years of non-stop thinking about the Lightning and spending hours searching ebay and auto trader for them I just couldn't take it anymore and just got one, lol. I went from an extended cab by the way and I still couldn't be happier. I also checked out the Harley truck, very classy ride with alot of room and it had the same motor as the L (it was a 2002 I think), but the L was just more my style I guess.

So my opinion is, you're odviously after a Lightning.... that's what you want, that's what you should get regardless if there's more practical vehicles out there - doesn't matter how practical a vehicle is if it isnt the one you want.

 

That's what it's all about!

 

You are ALWAYS grinning, so that can't be it

 

A Lightning is not a practical vehicle, but no one buys one for practicality.

Its def. not for throwing snowboards in the bed and driving to the slopes, but it can be done if you really wanted to do it. If your looking to go snowboarding and other stuff I would go for a 4 wheel drive F150.


But as Mike said it puts a grin on my face everytime I start her up!!!!!!!

 

Wow, alot of Lightnings in Jersey, eh?

 

Jersey Baby........Yeah!


Where abouts in Jersey you from?

 

That’s were most stolen vehicles end up…

Moral of the story: LOCK YOUR L UP!!!

 

If your looking for practical. You have the wrong vehicle . The LIGHTNING is a BIG BOY TOY !!!! In some cases a Big girl toy .

 

Looks like your leaning towards getting the L'...
Go with what's going to make you happy... but I don't think driving an L up to ski will be safe since it's bad enough getting traction on dry roads.

2 Snowboards and all your gear should fit without a problem. I had 4 sets of ski's and 2 Snowboards in the back of an expy behind the 3rd seat in Steamboat last year and it's far less space than you would have in the bed of the L' (The ski's were at an angle but the snowboards were laying flat)

As far as bikes; I can fit 2 road bikes under the tonneau cover w/ the front wheels off (I raod race so my bikes have quick releases on the wheels, I prefer them under the cover especially at $5k+ each) or 1 w/ the wheels on. With the cover rolled up bike space is not an issue, just get some fork mount carriers and attach them to the bed.

 

Looks, Speed, and Comfort,
Thats what a L is to me. And I'll let you in on a little secrete,
I FRIGGING HATE PICK UP TRUCKS, never owned one, never will.
and I Dont consider the L one, it's a frigging Hot Rod with a bed
OR SOMETHING

AS for snow, Bro how can you say NY is not a snow problem ?
I have been STUCK and stranded NUMEROUS times in my Lightning because it couldn't climb the oh so slightest incline, even when just a dusting of snow was down. Many times I had to walk home and come back later for it. They absolutely SUCK in snow and you'd be putting your life in your hands if you attempted the Upstate un-plowed roads with it. One winter I tried driving around with 500 lbs of sand in the bed and it still sucked monkey ***.
Then I bought another car for DD and now only drive it when dry

You could just get a set of extra rims and snow tires though, that would help A LOT.

If you want a L, buy a L, you will NEVER regret it, NOTHING COMES CLOSE TO IT. And for the record, it is cool to be able to go to HD in it and lug home some 4x8's.

WOW, I thought only Pick Up Trucks could do that

 

 

If you need more seating, obviously, the Harley is better. Other than seating and all things being equal i.e. the other models are 4X2 with positraction, the Lightning can haul the S**! I pull a two place snowmobile trailer all over Michingan and have never had a problem. With the correct tires, and staying off the blower, it's like any other 4X2 truck.

 

It sounds like the SVT Adrenaline Sports Trac may meet your needs if you are willing to wait until 2007. Four doors, 390HP/390TQ, AWD with the flip of a switch, 6000 lb towing capacity and a small bed. Transporting a couple of snow boards in the small bed is probably out of the question but I'm sure you could have a bracket fabricated or maybe even a small trailer that would allow you to carry as many snow boards as you want without a problem.

While I am not a fan of the Adrenaline at all, I can see where it would be the perfect vehicle to fit your needs. Just something to think about.