let's talk .... snow cars...

[RWebb]

exactly - AND the Sube is better at getting TO the snow

[mike monde]

I have owned a few 4wd vehicles over the years, everything from Range Rovers to an Audi. With out question the best vehicle was my wifes AWD C280 Mercedes Station Wagon.
Car would stick to the road under any condition.

[pavulon]

Bought a 7 pass. V70XC for more $$ than I wanted to spend. Plan to pick it up on Saturday. I hope it works out OK.

[David McLaughlin]

I'm quite happy with my MINI so far. Granted I've only been in two snow storms but so far so good. If I had winter tires it would be a tank though I'm not looking to get rid of my all-seasons quite yet. We'll see what happens with the first snow over 6". My engine is just getting broken in and I've seen the mileage go up to 35mpg.

Oh yeah, and a good used MINI cold be had for around $15k. From reading North American Motoring, I'd stay away from the S or JCW models as these seem to have trouble in cold. I like my justacooper.

[deanp]

David - did you pick it up at Mini of Peabody? I've had my 'justacooper' since 2006. 86,000 solid miles so far. Ran all seasons for winter #1 and was impressed. Dumped the all-seasons for blizzaks for winter #2 and am more confident in the snow with the Coop over our Nissan 4x4 p/u. Sticks like crazy and just plows through the white stuff - up to the point where the air dams plows snow. We're in a spot that's last to be plowed and have a hill to get out of the driveway - never failed to make it out and to work. (Knock-wood). That makes three of us on the board in MA with Minis - me, you and Grant.

[David McLaughlin]

Grant has a Mini? I didn't know that. Yes, I bought mine at MoP. I'm still not pleased with the whole thing, but it worked out for the best. The last storm here went unplowed and I know I was pushing some snow with the fron going through several intersections. I'm looking forward to seing what this little car can do. It's almost to the point of not being fun. I miss my e-brake turns. This car sticks too well.

[deathpunk dan]

05 legacy GT wagon 6 spd 250 hp
Volvo V70R or V50 T5 AWD

someday...

[Eric 951]

XJ Cherokee--cheap, great in snow, plenty of room.

[Soterik]

Originally Posted by pavulon

Bought a 7 pass. V70XC for more $$ than I wanted to spend. Plan to pick it up on Saturday. I hope it works out OK.

Good, now do yourself a favor and get some good snow tires for it, makes all the difference in the world.

I commute to a mountain cabin every weekend cross 2 passes each way, and then drive up to the resort both weekend days (2 kids in ski race programs), and snow tires make the BIGGEST difference.

Lots are good out there, I've used the Michelin X Ice, Arctic Alpin's are also good, currently I've got 3 snow vehicles on Hankook IPikes (2010 Outback, 2005 Passat TDI, and 1999 Suburban).

Have fun!

Eric

[Dave L]

I have the Ipikes on the Saabaru, they are good... and cheep too!

[pavulon]

so...for anyone following along, the Volvo was definitely not in the condition described to me. Thankfully, the owner returned my check on the spot and I've landed an '08 Outback 2.5 ltd (seemed to drive considerably better than the '08 Outback I first drove....but does have new tires which may be the difference). Will pick-up this Saturday. I'm tired of looking for a snow car...also somewhat tired of the snow already and really tired of what salt does to my cars .

[nynor]

our disco rocks in the snow. i've only managed to stick it once: early season offroading in the mirror lake highway area. i got it so hung up on the hard snowpack that the suspension was sprung, the wheels weren't even touching the ground!

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey

2003+ BMW 325xi or 330xi. Even the latter should get you 24+ mpg (average).

Bingo - I've promised to buy one for the Princess when the Camry goes......

[nynor]

i love those BMW ###xi cars.