let's talk .... snow cars...
 

Need something (used) to go 100 miles/day in snow/ice/salt. Drove an '08 Subie Outback today and am not really impressed (heavy, slow, wallowed). Old Dodge Neon with Michelin X-ice tires was actually really good in winter crap and approached 30 mpg. May have to look for another. Would like to have 4 wheel disc brakes, stay under $15K and >25mpg (or in those neighborhoods). Let's hear it.

Was the Outback an H6? Not impressed with them. The 4's w/ manual are better.

Try an older Outback. The late 90's are much more nimble (less power, though).

The Legacy/Outback cars have gotten more Camary-like. The sedans even look like Camrys now.

Neons are not bad cars for that, though.

what about the Lexus station wagon - RX series?

911. It's the funnest car I've ever driven in the snow.:D

For $15k you have a HUGE number of options. If you want AWD, you have your choice of vehicles. Lots of different Audi Quattros, iX BMWs, AWD Mercedes, etc. It's hard to beat a Subaru in the snow, and for that price you can find a nice WRX, Legacy GT (250 HP turbo), or Forester XT (250 HP turbo).

What are your criteria? Sedan, wagon, coupe, hatchback? Stick or automatic? German, Japanese, American, etc? 25 MPG and disc brakes doesn't really narrow it down.;)

Would like sedan or wagon. After that, I'm open to whatever is reliable, has ABS and won't make me cry if it drills a deer or bear.

Get a Volvo and be done with it. Course my old Honda Accord wagon was very good and still chugging away when I sold it with 240,000 miles...

I have two Subaru's and with the right tire are unbeatable in winter driving. One I have had for 10 years the other for7 years. I am a National Guardsman and have to get to work when nobody else can. I am a true believer in the Subaru's.

Find an 80's URQ if you can.

I drive a honda ridgeline and am extremely satisfied with it. comfortable, safe, reliable and it will always get you there! ind rear suspension means it drives like a big car. you'll need to put snowtires on it though as the original all-season tires are a bit of a challenge in bad conditions.

Subies are good in snow. I prefer my 97 Eagle Talon Tsi: Full time AWD, turbo 4cyl 2L (215 HP), great balance when drifting and can be serviced at any Chrysler dealership. Fun, fun, fun and not too ugly either.

But if you need to take four adults, forget it.

mazdaspeed6
~270 hp Direct Injection Turbo I4 with AWD. They seem to be hovering around the $15K mark.

Speedy:)

I'm very happy with my Mini Cooper in the snow on Blizzaks. Predictable, stable, lots of fun. Better than our Nissan 4x4 until the snow starts plowing on the airdam. You should be able to find '04's to '06's for under $15K. 4 wheel disc, >30mpg, over 85000 miles I've averaged over 33mpg.

Legacy gt. Try sedan or wagon. Tighter susp than outback and looks great. 2005 or 2006

I've had Subarus, that are the best especially with a stick since the gearing and torque distribution is best for snow.

I've also had Audis that have the Haldex system so any VW or Audi is also a good bet with a little more to offer than the Subie IMHO. My A4 wagon went till 125k miles and was still in great condition when I sold it after 6 years.

Yup. I really like my current 2005 Legacy GT wagon. Great steering and brakes, excellent slushbox, and a responsive engine that makes great noises. Oh yeah, and it's pretty damn fast. In regards to snow, a few little things I've noticed: the wipers wipe just about every square inch of the windshield, and they're heated. I don't think I've ever seen heated wipers before. Definitely a car designed for snow.

You could also get a WRX, or a Forester XT with the same motor as the Legacy GT. The Mazdaspeed6 is a good suggestion as well.

happy w/ my VW
 

I have a 99 Passat V6 5 spd w/ all season tires that I bought new. iIn 10+ years haven't come anywhere near a ditch. I have been out on the road in blizzard conditions w/ it and made it to my destination w/o trouble. Avg mpg 25-26 summer and 24-25 winter, highway only as good as 31mpg doing 75 from Madison to Milw. As you are in WI you know how much snow SE WI had last year, my muscles still ache thinking about shoveling/ snowblowing again.

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

you want:

- AWD
- auto trans.
- good gnd. clearance
- smooth power delivery - no turbos (also do not want a huge torque monster either)
- ESC (really outstanding in snow - at least the Teves systems are)
- and ABS

+ some good tires

Find that AWD thread I started here in OT a month or 2 ago - apparently the Subaru AWD setup is really good.

I've had a Volvo XC70 for two years, it is awesome in the snow.