So I’ve come to the point where I’m going to replace my 1991 high mileage Corolla with something more reliable and better in ice and snow. I want something that will be reliable, have AWD or 4WD, and have decent ground clearance and storage space. My price range is around $7,000.
So, vehicles I’m considering at this point are a Nissan truck, Toyota truck, Subaru, or maybe even a Honda CRV.
I’m attracted to Subarus because of their great AWD system, but I’m skeptical because of the head gasket problems I’ve heard so much about. Are these founded? I’d really like to go for maybe an early 2000s Outback, but not if I’m going to have to replace the head gasket soon. Also, my family has had two Outbacks a little newer than this, and we had problems with not only head gaskets but leaking transmission fluid (VERY big hassle with the dealer).
I’d just go for a Toyota truck, but I’m afraid the 4WD will not do nearly as well in snow, even with sand in the back.
Any suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Are you sure you want AWD?
AWD does nothing to protect you from sliding off the road nor does it help you stop in an emergency. It does help you get out of the ditch once you slide into it.
Are you using WINTER tyres during the winter now? (Not snow or all season tyres) Modern WITNER tyres are not your father’s snow tyres, they are far different (new technology) and better.
AWD cars need to keep all four tyres closely matched so generally it means you need to replace all four tyres, even in only one is worn or defective.
I am not saying don’t buy one, but only be realistic about it’s capabilities and drawbacks. If you are looking for winter safety, avoid driving in bad weather and anytime you are driving keep a cell phone in your car, just don’t used it when you are driving.
If you are looking at Subarus in the '01 range and newer, I suggest that you search for one of the fairly rare 6-cylinder models. Unlike the 4 cylinder models that have been prone to head gasket failure after ~90k miles, the 6 cylinder Subaru engine has proven to be essentially bullet-proof.
When I bought my '02 Outback, I wanted the 6 cylinder engine chiefly because that model came with the vehicle stability control system that was unavailable on the cheaper models. But, the added bonus was that the 6 uses a timing chain–a lifetime component–rather than the timing belt that the 4 cylinder model utilizes. Ergo–less maintenance expense as the car ages.
The 6 cylinder model also utilizes the much more advanced Variable Torque Distribution AWD system, rather than the standard Subie AWD system. The VTD system is not subject to problems from mismatched tires (unlike other Subarus), so that also reduces maintenance expenses over the years. If you are really lucky, you will find a 6 cylinder model that has the unequaled McIntosh audio system, which was offered on some 6 cylinder models from '01-'03.
If you are concerned about gas mileage, I can tell you that the 6 cylinder models get only 1 mpg less than the 4 cylinder models, but give you the benefit of much lower engine noise and truly awesome acceleration power. In 95,000 miles, the only repair that this car has needed was the recent replacement of the tensioner for the serpentine belt and the idler pulley for the belt. It does seem that the bearings in those parts on the 6 cylinder engines have a habit of getting noisy after ~80k miles, but this is a relatively minor repair job.
Not sure if you live in some real bad backroads or in the country? If you encounter deeper snow or steep hills AWD/4wd is a must.
Winter tires(good ones eg Blizzack or Michelin) are the key difference and got me around in low clearance FWD Civic Coupe in the heart of heavy snowfalls to the ski mountains of New England. You open up the world of choices for $7k getting a $6000 vehicle and purchasing a set of winter rims/tires (tirerack.com).
On AWD the CRV is a joke unfortunately. Subaru is great but only would purchase 2005+(head gasket issue does not exist). Also 2005+ the Legacy/Outback was a much nicer vehicle than any previous iterations of Subaru.
Are you really sure about that VTD not needed relatively matched tires?
The current 2005-present Subaru’s with 5speed Automatic(6 cylinder & turbo 4) use it I have never heard that as benefit of the system.
The tires should still be matched as closely as possible. What I should have said is that the VTD system is much less prone to problems from mismatched tires than the regular system is. Sorry for the confusion.
I Agree With What Joseph Is Saying About AWD.
I live where winter is spelled h . . . e . . . double hockey sticks. We get 200" + snow, freezing rain, blizzard conditions, fog, white-outs, etcetera, usually for at least 6 months.
One needs to match one’s speed to the conditions. I just came back from dropping my daughter off at school for an away sporting event. Leaving home at 6:00 a.m. I made the 40 mile round trip, partially in darkness and dense fog. I left early and drove with caution, going the speed limit when conditions allowed it.
My experience has always been that visibility is the single biggest factor that makes driving treacherous. All wheel drive wouldn’t help and as Joseph points out, the car would still be stopping with the same 4 brakes.
What I do for safety is to buy larger, heavier FWD domestic cars that don’t skate around so much in snow and slop and then adjust my speed to conditions. I have never had a need for winter tires, but if you have trouble driving in adverse conditions, they would help you. I ride in comfort, relaxed, and not “white-knuckling it”.
I drive big, safe machines to keep my family safe if the “other guy” screws up and hits us. The nearly two tons helps the vehicles cut through the crap on the road and the long wheel-base keeps it tracking.
Don’t forget, FWD became popular on cars only after cars were down-sized and traction and handling became a problem. There are virtually no little Asian cars on the roads around here unless it’s somebody passing through.
CSA
Sorry for the great delay everyone. I understand your thoughts on 4WD/AWD, but I’ve driven enough in the ice and snow that I know their benefits. I guess it won’t keep you out of the ditch in a really strict sense, but it will afford you greater handling.
Anyway, regardless, I ended up getting a 2002 Xterra 4WD, and picked up 2 sets of chains for it. Tons of reviews say it does really well in the snow. I do live in the high back country, and will have to navigate through deep snow as well as thick ice.
Common Sense Answer, I completely respect your views on FWD driving in the snow, but I would truly question your FWD car’s snow ability against my 4WD with way more ground clearance. Try making it up a steep, icy incline, and no matter the visibility (supposedly the #1 factor) your FWD vehicle isn’t going to make it up.