# Moving to Alaska - buy here or there/new or used? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Tags:** echo, subaru, toyota\ **Created:** [April 17, 2011, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-to-alaska-buy-here-or-there-new-or-used/63797 "2011-04-17T16:48:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Karin123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a6a055/32.png) [@Karin123](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Karin123)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2011, 4:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-to-alaska-buy-here-or-there-new-or-used/63797/1 "2011-04-17T16:48:25Z")
I’m moving from Seattle to Anchorage next month. I currently have a great Toyota Echo (7 yrs, 35K). When I bought it I planned to drive it for 15-20 years, now but would like the a wagon or hatchback and AWD, so I’m looking at both Subaru Foresters and Impreza Wagons. I’m looking at basic models of each - no moonroof, cloth seats, etc. Of course, that means no heated mirrors, windshield wipers, or seats. I’ll likely be parking outside with access to an outlet for block heater. I have the money to buy a new basic model, but not sure it’s a good deal. Also, my new employer is paying my moving expenses, so should I buy in L48 or wait to buy in Anchorage? ---
**Author:** ![Goldwing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@Goldwing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Goldwing)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2011, 9:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-to-alaska-buy-here-or-there-new-or-used/63797/2 "2011-04-17T21:32:48Z")
I’d buy a used Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4 down in Seattle. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2011, 2:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-to-alaska-buy-here-or-there-new-or-used/63797/3 "2011-04-18T02:13:15Z")
I used a VW GTI (fwd) for 12 years in Anchorage and never got stuck. I had a separate set of winter tires on rims that I’d change out in the garage. You might try this before buying a new/used car. If you definitely want a new one, I’d get a Forester. Still get the extra set of tires/rims. ---
**Author:** ![dagosa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/dagosa/32/9837_2.png) [@dagosa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dagosa)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2011, 2:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-to-alaska-buy-here-or-there-new-or-used/63797/4 "2011-04-18T02:15:23Z")
I’d buy there from a dealer you can trust and can service it. But, if you buy in Seattle make sure there is also a dealer near by where you live, or go with a different make…within dog sled distance or closer. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2011, 3:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-to-alaska-buy-here-or-there-new-or-used/63797/5 "2011-04-18T15:51:00Z")
There used to be a board member in Alaska that drives a Camry. I’d take the Echo and see how it holds up. ---
**Author:** ![Karin123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a6a055/32.png) [@Karin123](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Karin123)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2011, 4:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-to-alaska-buy-here-or-there-new-or-used/63797/6 "2011-04-19T04:25:00Z")
Thanks all for the suggestions. I’ve wanted a wagon/hatchback for sometime and this seems like a good time to make the change. I’m now looking more at used vehicles both in Seattle and Anchorage. One of the benefits of doing the transaction in WA is that I likely have a buyer interested in my Echo.