Winter Vehicle

I'm looking to get a good winter vehicle, up north here in Canada, the snow fall is heavy, with plenty of ice.

So I'm looking for a good winter vehicle, that also wouldn't be too bad in the summer.

I'd like some suggestions.

So far I'm looking into, Talon AWD, Jeep Cherokee, and a Honda Civic. Any others?

Oh and are Jeep Wranglers, and Toyota Land Cruisers (Older ones) good winter vehicles, or just off-road?

Take a look at Saab's. Vail and Aspen police have Saabs for an example, and here in snowy Norway, I drive a Saab 9-5 Estate. I've never had problems driving up hills, but phony Japanese SUV's like Rav4 and Honda CR-V are struggling. Audis with Quattro is also a safe bet. Choose a permanent four-wheel or a front-wheel drive with ESP.

Well thanks for the responce, but I'm looking for used vehicle that's under 5 grand.

Well thanks for the responce, but I'm looking for used vehicle that's under 5 grand.

Well, I'm sure you can get a used Saab 9000 for under 5 grand? For models newer than early 90's, they are the best cars against rust and you won't get stuck on snowy roads!

Saab 9000 CS:
http://www.psg.sk/prezenta/saabclub/Pictures/SAAB9000_b.jpg

Older Saab 9000:
http://www.saab900.hu/images/kepgaleria/tort/800/H9000-09.jpg

Haha, now I'm very interested in purchasing one, I laugh because a few days ago I was driving, and at a redlight was stopped beside a newer Saab, and I was thinking to myself I would never own one because I dislike saying the name.

Stupid reason I know, I guess it's the way it rolls off my tongue, but now, I'm very serious about purchasing one, thanks for the tip.

Haha, now I'm very interested in purchasing one, I laugh because a few days ago I was driving, and at a redlight was stopped beside a newer Saab, and I was thinking to myself I would never own one because I dislike saying the name.

Stupid reason I know, I guess it's the way it rolls off my tongue, but now, I'm very serious about purchasing one, thanks for the tip.

The name might not "cling" very well, but it's an acronym and stands for Svenska Aeroplan Aktie Bolaget (the name originating from when Saab made airplanes)

My father has had two Saab 9000's, a 1987 9000 Turbo, and a 1994 CD so I've kind of been raised in Saabs. Great cars, really. I would want to buy a 9000 myself, if only my economy would allow it. However, prices are so high here (a 9000 would cost me anything from US$12 000-30 000)

Are there moose in your neighborhood? Don't worry, the moose is the one who needs to worry when you see how solid the cars are:

http://www.wreckedexotics.com/newphotos/weird/weird511.shtml

CanucksRT,

Well, you could spend $5,000 on a used SAAB, but you may spend another $5,000 a year if (or should I say WHEN) any repairs are needed for it. Be prepared for sticker shock at your local SAAB mechanic, trust me!

As far as a good vehicle for $5,000 that handles well in the snow? Well, you are definately in need of a used vehicle that is easy to maintain, VERY reliable, or both.

Honda Civic (you can get a pretty decent one for 5 grand) is a good bet if you are looking for a DEPENDABLE vehicle. They handle very well in the snow (as do most FWD vehicles). They are plentiful, so parts are easy to come by (which means that the little maintenance that is required is affordable). As an added bonus, they get excellent gas mileage. This can save BIG $$ over the life of your vehicle! They are inexpensive to insure. They are safe. They hold their resale value well (as long as you don't rice it up).

I am very hesitant to recommend Jeep or Talon. Gas hogs and poor resale values, for sure. I'm not certain about reliability, but anything made by Chrysler is "iffy" in my opinion. I would be VERY careful about either of these selections. Exception: If you want to purchase an OLDER (like pre-1985) Jeep you will find they are fairly inexpensive to maintain. But you still won't have fuel efficiency.

Obviously, your choices are limited with only 5 grand. If it were me I would definately consider the Honda Civic a wise selection (or you might even find a good Accord for that price). Hondas are notorious for lasting 250,000 miles without any major problems. In comparison, a Ford Escort will last about 120,000 (I know this from experience!). I am currently driving my first Honda ever, and I simply LOVE it!! And I did VERY extensive research on Honda before plunking down my hard earned cash for one. Try this: ask anyone you know that drives a Honda if they would buy another one if given the choice. I'll bet you'll find a very favorable response as I did. Now try this with brand "X" and I'm sure you'll see a difference.

I hope that all helps!

LEGO

Civic parts may very well be cheaper than SAAB-parts, but Saab's are pretty reliable, although maybe not as reliable as Hondas and other Japanese cars. What safety matters, Civic's aren't. I'm not sure which generation Civic you're reffering to, but I can't imagine a $5000 Civic being very safe. If you want a safe car, you can't go wrong with the 9000.

If you just want a car that will start every day, and cheap to fix up if anything goes wrong, then a Civic wouldn't be the worst thing to end up with.

I agree, the older Civics are not very safe at all. However, the reliability and low cost of ownership are more or less unbeatable, and it'll handle the snow just fine.

I would say mid to early 90's DSM AWD...

What about the Subaru Impreza? Supposedly they're good and reliable but I haven't even driven one yet. They have AWD. As the others have said, the little FWD Civics are cheap, reliable, and can handle the snow. I have trouble recommending DSM now. Build quality isn't the greatest and they seem to have problems all the time.

my sister has a 2.5 RS impreza. it's slower than dirt, but handles real well and holds it's own in the snow.

my sister has a 2.5 RS impreza. it's slower than dirt, but handles real well and holds it's own in the snow.

They're hardly slow for that segment of the market, they just seem that way next to the WRX :)