Winter beater(?)

[GeoBau]

Any good recs for a winter beater SUV for a 100% snow environment? We're replacing the Durango, or putting it out to pasture. The car would be used solely in an alpine environment and needs to be big enough to haul skis, people, groceries, etc. Sedans are out of the question, as are large SUVs. We've already got an FX, but that car stays in FL year-round, and my mom refuses to bring it here, as it might get dirty Other than that, it would be about the right size.

The main criteria are:

1. Smaller than the Durango. Garage space is tight at the house, and better parking options in town are always appreciated.
2. Good AWD system. Has to handle iced roads and ~8in snow without too much trouble.
3. Creature comforts- heated seats, etc. since we're in the cold.

Any good recs?

G

[Garnet Canuck]

Originally Posted by GeoBau

Any good recs for a winter beater SUV for a 100% snow environment? We're replacing the Durango, or putting it out to pasture. The car would be used solely in an alpine environment and needs to be big enough to haul skis, people, groceries, etc. Sedans are out of the question, as are large SUVs. We've already got an FX, but that car stays in FL year-round, and my mom refuses to bring it here, as it might get dirty Other than that, it would be about the right size.

The main criteria are:

1. Smaller than the Durango. Garage space is tight at the house, and better parking options in town are always appreciated.
2. Good AWD system. Has to handle iced roads and ~8in snow without too much trouble.
3. Creature comforts- heated seats, etc. since we're in the cold.

Any good recs?

G

Not sure if you are looking at getting new or use, however have you looked at used QX4/Pathfinder? I believe they are a little smaller than a Durango and would meet your above criteria. If they are too big, maybe a CRV or a RAV4 might fit the bill.

The perfect SUV for you would be a Nissan X-Trial, however they are only availble in Canada.

[GeoBau]

It'd most likely be new, since we don't trust anyone to be competent or honest if they don't share the same blood that courses through our vains... and I would probably disown my family if they bought a RAV-4. Those of us actually taking the responsibility (which I am kindly shirking to this site ) are looking in the RX/X3/etc. category, though I think my dad would be content with one of those Subarus Tribeccas.

My personal belief is that we should take the FX here, then get an M to replace it out there. Apparently this is completely out of the question, as the FX has too much sentimental attachment, and owning two of the same vehicle is just silly. I do like the idea of grabbing a QX4, though. Thanks for the input.

G

[Garnet Canuck]

Originally Posted by GeoBau

It'd most likely be new, since we don't trust anyone to be competent or honest if they don't share the same blood that courses through our vains... and I would probably disown my family if they bought a RAV-4. Those of us actually taking the responsibility (which I am kindly shirking to this site ) are looking in the RX/X3/etc. category, though I think my dad would be content with one of those Subarus Tribeccas.

My personal belief is that we should take the FX here, then get an M to replace it out there. Apparently this is completely out of the question, as the FX has too much sentimental attachment, and owning two of the same vehicle is just silly. I do like the idea of grabbing a QX4, though. Thanks for the input.

G

An RX or an X3 would certainly be decent choices for sure. Myself personally, I would lean more towards an RX rather than an X3.....but that's just me. I recently purchased a QX4 as a second vehicle and I must say that I am absolutely ecstatic with it.

[MikeyMike]

I'd get a Qx4....you can pick one up used for a reasonable price....and they are EXCELLENT CARS. My mom used to have one and it never had a single squeak, rattle, engine problem, or whatever. Plus it had the VQ v6 engine in there, so it was pretty quick for a midsize SUV.

The x3's are cool, they have really good handling for a tiny SUV. When they first came out sales were so slow BMW was giving some pretty ridiculous lease rates on them...I don't know the sales are now, but I'd head over to BMW and see what kind of lease they give. BMW financial services can hook up some good deals if they are desperate to move a car.

[realgone]

Toyoto Highlander Hybrid.

[g35doc]

Guess you haven't heard but this month the redesigned V6 Rav4 comes out. (4cylinder model came out last month). 269hp, 246 tq, costs less than highlander, and 14" longer than the old model. Definitely the best SUV buy for under 25k.

[paranormal]

im in the same boat geobau.. have you looked at the H3? the FX is a good choice also.. im also looking at the yukon..

[realgone]

Originally Posted by g35doc

Guess you haven't heard but this month the redesigned V6 Rav4 comes out. (4cylinder model came out last month). 269hp, 246 tq, costs less than highlander, and 14" longer than the old model. Definitely the best SUV buy for under 25k.

Just saw the commercial last night for that. Looks good. I think the RAV 4 would be a great Winter vehicle.

[GeeMan]

Nissan Xterra has been getting very good reviews.

[GeoBau]

Thanks for the recs! Definitely on the same page. The X3 is more a size deal than anything else, as we can't stand the X5 and X3s interior comfort. The back seat is like a leather-wrapped 2x4... one neighbor insists on driving everyone everywhere in her X5, so we've gotten some good experience. Of course, her car has been in the shop 3(!) times out here since she got it in '03.

The Xterra's not a bad car, and I've driven it extensively, but I don't think it's right for this task, simply because it's more utilitarian. The Highlander is a good one, but as for the hybrid... there's no way in holy hell we'd drop an extra 10k on a car that only would use a tank of gas a month just to feel better about our carbon footprint. It runs at I think 185-190in, which is on the larger side of the acceptable scale, but it's darn comfy

The neighbors just got a GX470, and that's only about 2in larger than the RX... could be a contendor. This is possibly the worst category to try to find a car in-- the compact-but-not, sporty-but-hardcore, comfortable-but-utilitarian SUV under 185in. Thanks for the help, all.

G

[MISTIKMACK]

How bout a Toyota 4Runner? I've always been a fan of them since I was in highschool. I wish I had one instead of a Ford Focus as a winter car .

[GeeMan]

I have a 4Runner. It is a solid rig with a good mix of semi-luxo and utilitarian features. A definite step up from the "lowly" Xterra. Can be had in a V6 or V8 and also an optional third row seat if you want to haul a couple more passengers. Real off road cred too. My V6 gets pretty darn good gas mileage. 16-23 mpg depending on city or highway. Comes with real 2HI, 4HI & 4LO and also has downhill assist (computer controlled braking) for those really steep hills. The GX470 is it's sister I believe with obvious luxury type accoutrements since it's a Lexus.

Now that I see what your definition of a "beater" is I would definitely take a look at it. Should be amazingly reliable as well. I don't know if they still are doing this but after I bought my V6 they had rebates on the V8 that actually made it cheaper. I think Toyota got worried when gas prices got up there or the V6 was selling so well. Plenty of grunt in the V6 (245hp, 280 torque) unless you're really towing something.

A recent model (used) Land Cruiser would also be a nice "beater". New owner was probably somewhat affluent and fits the demographic that kept up maintenance and didn't really stress it too much (i.e. off road).

[kidtronix]

Keyword here is beater. We have a Chevy Tracker LT with 4wd/V6, no heated seats...it is unstoppable! Find a used one for cheap! I'm not joking! Its a little tank!

[RBull]

Since the key word is beater I would look at a Grand Cherokee. They drop their value like a rock so you can get one for a decent price especially since the redesign this year. I had an '00 limited with quadradrive & 4.7l and it worked great.