That time of year again unfortunately. This year probably wont be driving the 8 in winter too low lol. Looking for a beater right now any suggestions. I dont really want a shitty civic thats gonna fall apart anytime soon etc. I was considering a 2002 audi a4 with like 300k ive found for decent price range. Anyone have experience with them as far as reliability etc. Looking to make this car my daily as well for year round. Any other suggestions.

 

I use an old Miata with four snow tires. Back when that used to be my only car, I bought some 6.5-lb wheels for my summer tires and used the stock wheels for snow tires. As long as the snow is not too deep, and one knows how to drive RWD, it actually makes a great car to drive on snowy streets. Light weight, good front to rear balance, driving and steering traction needs spread out over four snow tires rather than two front in FWD cars. 4WD is always better, but I get to have a little bit of drifting fun in the snow.

 

I had an A4 back in my college days. The AWD works good in the winter but over here in Alberta when we hit -40 celsius the car wouldnt start even if I had it plugged it. It had a hard time starting in anything under -20.

 

Subuaru hatch/wagon. Unstoppable in the snow, can get a lot of car for a reasonable price, and, being the hatch/wagon, it has room to haul parts for this winter project car upgrades.

 

'95 Nissan 4wd ext cab V6 pickup w/AT tires.
Excellent for snowpacked roads, pulling friends & family out when they get stuck, (and a little $ on the side helping strangers, if you choose to)
jumping medians to get around all the idiots in their Mustangs that cause snarls cause they thought they knew how to drive a RWD on icy roads, & lastly, a man just needs a truck.

 

My RX-8 with winter tires. This will be my 10th winter with this car. Never had issues starting it up in -30C.

 

I don't like exposing mine to the salt & slush more than driveability.

 

^DING!

I just bought my RX-8 last October and was forced to drive it in Winter. It was great with a set of winters on. I just don't want to expose it to the salt and crappy roads again. Bought myself a beater Ford Focus this year.

 

I drive a 2000 jetta with a 2.0 on a daily basis and all winter. Its my third 2.0 jetta. They're great little cars. Cheap parts and easy to work on

 

got my 8 in early 08 and never drove it in winter. had a wrangler years ago and have been driving a beater 94 f150 since i sold my jeep

 

Jeep Liberty 4x4, easy to come by, cheap, and the 3.7L though pretty bad on gas is indestructible. Have had mine for 6+ years, I've only ever done brakes, oil, and a radiator.

 

99 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0 AWD It's a beast.

With just a little work, Explorers can be amazing vehicles..

 

thanks for all the responses guys !!!! kk right now my choices are audi a4, acura rsx, or a honda civic.

Which i can get under 3k. Im leaning towards the a4 for the awd factor and its a nicer car but german engineering and maintance scares me.

 

Toyota

 

None of the above.

 

You forgot GDA (German Dealer Altitude). I drive my 8 year round with winters/steel wheels and it's usually fun in the snow. But last winter was different - TOO much snow for TOO long with no relief. I'm retired so I can exercise my driving options (don't have to venture out). This year I'll probably use my wife's car (2012 Kia Sportage fitted winters/steel wheels) as the vehicle to use in the snowy periods saving the 8 for near dry roads.