I found this posting on the Edmunds site. It is one of my remaining qualms about buying an allroad (gas mileage is the other). Is it that serious a concern? Thanks.
Bill


Friday, May 31, 2002
I hope it doesn't snow where you live***By Ian in Vermont
6.8 DetailsReview: I live in the mountains of Vermont. The allroad has been an extreme disappointment here. You see, every time it snows the town puts down a dirt/gravel/salt mixture that ultimatly ends up drying on the inside of the wheels. The allroad then shakes violently at speeds as low as 20 MPH. Even Spring hasn't ushered in any relief from this problem. A trip down my unpaved driveway replete with mud puddles renders the wheels unbalanced. My other two vehicles don't have this problem and they don't have Speed Vision infomercials touting their "go-anywhere" versatility. Avoid this car for use in snow country.
Favorite Features: Heated front and rear seats and the pass through ski bag.
Suggested Improvements: Figure out a way to keep the dirt and mud from entering the inside of the wheels or enhance the ability of the wheel to accomodate the dirt without shaking violently.
*

in snow country.

I've lived in snow and mudd country most of my life (Colorado and Montana) and I'll tell you that this will happen with the allroad, or a honda accord from time to time. Anytime any foriegn substance gets lodged on your wheels, it will unbalance it SOMEWHAT. Is it much? NO will you be able to tell sometimes? yes. what do you do? stop at a carwash with a power sprayer and spray the crap out of your wheels

Honestly I've NEVER experienced this in snow, ONLY with mudd.

If that's the only thing keeping you from an allroad, GET IT. you'll be very happy from what I hear.

Rian

to knock the mud and ice loose if it's getting so that it's imbalancing the wheels. Simply not anything so major as to deture you from considering the Allroad...it would make a great Colorado car, don't let this guy scare you.