First post to the board. I have a few questions. I am thinking of buying a lightning but not sure yet.

First of all, when do the 2002's usually arrive to the dealerships?

Second, for the daily driven '01 lightnings, what are people getting for gas mileage? And do you have to use premium fuel for daily driver?

Last question? I live in Michigan and winter is right around the corner. How do these things drive in the snow? Should I wait until spring? That may be too long.

Any help would be great!
Thanks,
Chad

 

i live in mich, also. drive it daily for field service, approx. 80 to 100 miles on adv daily, on adv. it is 13 to 14 miler per gallon with a, k and n, and a chip. bought some expy rims for 200 and gonna mount some winter tires to them, also with about 200 pounds in the rear and a light foot sould not have a problem, and how many days does mich really have of bad driving, wife had a 4 wheel drive on a lease, only used 4 wheel drive three times last winter, i do use premium but i have a chip book reconends 91min probally get away with 89 every 2 or 3 tank fulls..

 

Do a search on Mileage and Winter Tires to find lots of info.

The 1999's and 2000's were available after the first of the year. I'm not sure when 2001 production/delivery started.

I drive mine ~100miles/day, all year. 13-18 MPG depending on the 'foot factor'. Yes, you HAVE to run premium all the time, chip or no. Mine rattles with anything but Sonoco 94 or Amoco Ultimate, especially with the SuperChip switched on.

I have Bridgestone winter tires (on Expy wheels) and they make a world of difference. They, and 500 pounds of salt in bags in the bed, make winter driving reasonable, just stay out of the boost! On really nasty days when you can't go over 40 MPH, run in second gear so it doesn't spin off the line and gives you some engine braking.

Buy it, you'll like it!