any one have any recommendations? I need to get something specifically for winter/beating on and I was thinking Toyota 4Runner but don't have much knowledge on them. Any suggestions? and if so why the vehicle you mention? It doesn't have to be SUV either. I do prefer sedans but something about the 4Runner I have always liked. I do not mind if it's RWD either as my GS is actually quite receptive in the Upstate NY winters. (not so much anymore after lowering_

 

How about an older Camry? Just traded my 2004 in for a CR-V. Pretty good in snow and no problems.

 

great suggestion. definitely on the radar, although how do the higher mile camrys hold up from that era?

 

I would say a 1999-2002 Toyota 4runner is an excellent choice. I saw one recently with 55k (2001) for 12k. So it is reasonabe to assume they would be lower for a 99 with more miles. They are frickin' bulletproof.

Otherwise I would say 1st Gen RX.

 

I would stay away from the RX due to their known transmission issues (specifically in the AWD models).

Camry would be a good pick. Put snow tires on it and you will be absolutely amazed at how well FWD cars handle tough winter conditions.

 

I say 4runner, 99-02 essentially the same so save and get a 99, just watch for rust, only bad thing. I've been driving one the past week, a 99 with 44k miles and i love it. Theres just something about them that i love. They aren't very fast, but they feel powerful and the steering of them is perfectly weighted and body roll isn't as bad as one might expect. Ride is no where near as smooth as a lexus but still very nice. The best part is the window in the tailgate that goes down, but on the same end the tailgate, running boards, and chrome bumpers is where they rust the most often, so check those. If it says its from down south when buying, it could be a 2wd model, so while they are in good condition, the fetch less money cause they are only 2wd. Besides that, the things are basically bulletproof. The 4unner i am diving now hadn't been driven in a year when i got it, and i just jump started the battery and it has been perfect after sitting for so long. AC is ice cold, hifts perfectly, engine is great even with the old gas that was in it. They are great suv's, small on the inside though, but very well put together

 

4runners are amazing. One of my relatives has one...and it just keeps on going!

 

Last summer I picked up an 07 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited with 39K miles, with leather, for $16.3K from a local private party. Great winter car with full-time AWD. It is slow with an H4 and a 4-speed auto, but hey, it's a winter driver that also hauls the dog, yard waste, etc. You should be able to find a fair number of Subies, sedans and wagons, with under 100K in your price range. (I see 21 various models with under 100K miles priced between $5-11K within 100 miles of me - and this isn't Subie-central.) Most came with heated seats, even those with cloth. Though tempting, avoid the turbos, due to abuse and neglect. The pre-05 H4 N/A engines can develop head gasket leaks after 100K miles so check for low coolant, coolant smell, signs of coolant in the oil, and bad corrosion around the battery. Skip anything that has mis-matched or unevenly worn tires because the AWD system is sensitive to tire diameter and you want one where there owner has rotated them every 5k miles. Some Outbacks can exhibit "ghost walk" where the rear end comes loose on ice due to the suspension geometry. This can usually be fixed with a 4-wheel alignment with a couple hundred extra lbs. of weight in the back.

Here's a good forum for the Outback. I'm lexSubie over there. http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/

 

If it's just a daily driver get a older jeep Cherokee 4x4, I've had several that were badass in all conditions. Plus you can get them for 2-5k, and still have some left over for a set of wheels and tires and some off road gear. Also they come in 2 and 4 door.

 

Look first at used Subarus. But avoid those with the 2.5L non-turbo built until 2003...many of them had head-gasket issues.

I have a 2006 Outback myself, and have been very pleased with it in the winter. It laughs at most snowstorms, even blizzards.

 

Since you're in New York, remember the standard drivetrain of the 4Runner is RWD (pretty sure 4WD is an option); I did not know this until I was prepared to drive up to Tahoe in a family friend's 4Runner when he turned to me and told me to bring snow chains for the rear. 4Runners are solid cars, definitely a great investment and a solid work horse.

 

Thanks for all the input everybody, will research the subarus and jeeps. But the camry and 4runner are leading the search right now. The Price and availability of the camry is appealing

 

Get a 4Runner! They are GREAT cars. Those old ones do not compromise in reliability. My uncle had a 1995 4Runner and that thing would not quit. He didn't even maintain it right, he just did oil changes after 100k lol. You can beat the crap out of them and they will keep taking it!

 

How about:



Dirt cheap on the used car market, even cheaper than last gen Camrys (the later ones anyway). Tons of standard airbags, and standard traction control + projectors. Get a 4cyl and you're good to go as far as fuel economy is concerned. Plus it's a Hyundai, which while decent looking, means you don't have to worry about banging it up.

 

Or a 02-03 Audi A4 Quattro. Great snow car.