I'm looking for a winter car for this upcoming winter. I know, I know, don't say the 'w' word just yet. However, I want to start looking early.
I'd like something with AWD for the fun of it in the snow. My budget is around 6000 - 8500. I've been looking at the Subaru Imprezas, but they can be pricey. People still want 10,000 for a 10 year old car with 220,000+ kms on it thats probably ready to fall apart.
AkursedX, thanks for the links, I can't believe the Jag is that cheap?
As for the Subarus, you guys seem pretty confident that even the high mileage (200,000+ km) are still okay? How much longer do you figure they'll last?...
In terms of what its for, just strictly winter driving. I don't need to haul anything other than a passenger on the odd occasion. Otherwise, I'll be the only one in it most of the time. No kids/family. I'm still in fun mode!
Jaguars get sold cheap because people realize how expensive they are to fix. The resale value is terrible on them. They are good cars though... Nothing I wouldn't buy. I would, however, caution against them in favor of the other suggestions. Honestly, a Fiero does well in winter. The weight behind the wheels is nice; plus, I like RWD vehicles more because they are more predictable, IMHO. The Subarus are good cars. I would wager those are the best, but I haven't lived enough winters to be sure. Good luck in whatever you choose!
they are called alltrac's and there hard to come by.. if you do get interested in one the ST165 is one of the ones to get.
I almost got one of these before I discovered my first fiero on craigslist. Never knew what a fiero was at the time, but completely forgot about the $2000 alltrac that only needed a new waterpump. I seem to think it was a 96. It was love at first sight almost. I didn't hear but one bit of good about the fiero(still don't) but my mind was set. Kinda wishing i could've grabbed that celica, because they are impossible to find these days. Definitely glad I picked the fiero though. My fiero has tought me alot of life lessons. I would not be myself today if I had picked the celica.
EDIT: Definitely not a 96, those had the ugly round lights. I liked the ones with the lift lights.
[This message has been edited by Shill (edited 07-16-2011).]
IP: Logged
01:28 AM
jaskispyder Member
Posts: 21510 From: Northern MI Registered: Jun 2002
Im all for the Subaru too if thats what you need. Its just me, but I dont buy asian cars myself. Ive never been anywhere I couldnt go with whatever I had. (well once we had a 4 foot blizzard and I had a Dodge full size van that left me stranded but then nothing, even Jeeps were moving.) I once also drove my Ferrari kit 100 miles home during a freak ice storm that laid out a few inches of solid glaze ice on the interstate.
IP: Logged
09:30 PM
doublec4 Member
Posts: 8289 From: Oakville, Ontario, Canada Registered: Jun 2003
Not really looking at an SUV because they're terrible on gas, plus its just much bigger than I need. Never really been an SUV guy anyways.
AWD isn't necessarily a must, but I think it would be fun in the winter. My price range just dropped because I might be buying a place instead of renting a cheaper place. House is #1 before the car. Looking at a mazda protege now. I'd like to stay with American brands but at this point its whatever I can afford.
IP: Logged
09:41 PM
Shill Member
Posts: 2166 From: Spokane, WA Registered: Apr 2009
another +1 for subaru, but dont forget audi. you should be able to find a nice 00-05ish A4 with 2.0 turbo and Quattro in your price range. reliability of a VW jetta, plus AWD
------------------ just filler 'til I make a Fiero sig
IP: Logged
10:52 PM
PFF
System Bot
Jul 17th, 2011
doublec4 Member
Posts: 8289 From: Oakville, Ontario, Canada Registered: Jun 2003
Your average VW isn't that expensive to maintain. It'll be more expensive than your average domestic car, but not excessively so. Although, since Audi is a "premium brand", that may be a different story.
That said, I've never driven in snow (we moved to Florida before I was old enough to drive). So I can't offer any useful advice regarding that.
[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 07-17-2011).]
IP: Logged
04:17 PM
Jul 18th, 2011
turboguy327 Member
Posts: 1692 From: Webster, NY USA Registered: Feb 2007
I'm a little apprehensive about buying an audi/vw. German cars have the reputation to be expensive to fix, no?
I have a lot of VW friends and personally would never own one out of warranty. I can name 2 people right at this very second getting engines replaced with less than 50k miles on their cars. My one friend just got his CC 2 months ago and has already been to the dealer 4 times for weird things going on. Guess what. The crossmember bolts where loose. Then they installed new ones and over torqued them. Made the car drive so weird he has to get new bushings and bolts on a car with less than 1000 miles on it. Yea its the dealers fault the bolts where overtightened but the car is so over engineered its retarded. Ill never know what somebody would buy one of those things.
I have two...a 2000 2.5RS that I bought new and is a great car (just make sure the timimg belts get changed it is an interference motor and if you don't know when they have been changed get them changed)
I also have a Volvo XC70 and that thing will go in snow that will park the subie. Watch for weak trannies tho...get one that is in good shape.
