Need suggestions for a winter beater

[RaceCarDriver]

Originally Posted by Notorious

That one is a Ford.

Is a Ford reliable?

[me73]

Originally Posted by Wexler

Mine is.

The X-type was initially terrible at it's launch, but got better and better by 2004...and in fact I think won some sort of reliability award in 2005...for a car no one wanted.

I would suggest finding a manual version and test driving it...and negotiating an extended warranty...

As for the Ford thing - yes, it's on the same platform as the Mondeo - the European version of a Taurus, but, that's where the Ford ends and the Jaguar fit and finish comes into play - it a really nice car for the money.

Mondeo=Contour

[KCZ]

Some of the cars mentioned here aren't that great on unplowed roads because they don't have adequate ground clearance.

I live where we have real winters. Among other things, I've had a Pathfinder and 2 Xterras. All were very reliable, have plenty of room, and are great in the snow. I can't comment on the cost of repairs because I never had to repair anything.

[Notorious]

Originally Posted by RaceCarDriver

Is a Ford reliable?

I've had two so far and both have been fine... better than some that I've had, that's for sure.

[Wexler]

Originally Posted by me73

Mondeo=Contour

Ah. Thanks!

[Notorious]

Or the Mercury Mystique... and the strange name didn't help it sell either.

[Motorcitydak]

I DD a '08 Dodge Caliber R/T 5 speed. Good luck finding another one of those, there were only a handful of them in the country for sale when I bought mine. Best parts of it, it has leather heated seats, sweet sound system, fits 5 people, o yeah and it fits 8 foot long 2x4's inside it with the seats folded down, can (and has) towed up to 1500lbs too. Also has a ton of ground clearance so snow is not a big problem for me. You can get an AWD one but not with the 5 speed

[me73]

Originally Posted by Wexler

Ah. Thanks!

The platform is a good one, IMO. The Contour was a fun car, especially the hot version (SVT) with the 200 hp V6. But AWD was only offered on the Jag platform that I'm aware of.

[Notorious]

Originally Posted by Motorcitydak

I DD a '08 Dodge Caliber R/T 5 speed. Good luck finding another one of those, there were only a handful of them in the country for sale when I bought mine. Best parts of it, it has leather heated seats, sweet sound system, fits 5 people, o yeah and it fits 8 foot long 2x4's inside it with the seats folded down, can (and has) towed up to 1500lbs too. Also has a ton of ground clearance so snow is not a big problem for me. You can get an AWD one but not with the 5 speed

Hmmm... always liked the way that car looked, but didn't realize there was a 5 speed version. But being that I DD in LA traffic, an auto works fine for my purposes and the towing capacity is just right for my motorcycles. Must do some research into this car now.

Originally Posted by me73

The platform is a good one, IMO. The Contour was a fun car, especially the hot version (SVT) with the 200 hp V6. But AWD was only offered on the Jag platform that I'm aware of.

The European version with the ST220 engine is a hoot, from what I hear. That's an awesome engine.

[estabahn]

I have a Cherokee with 200k on it. It's needed nearly nothing besides tires and brakes. Most reliable car I've ever owned.

However, the interior is not exactly a fun place to be. It rides like a small tank. It can be fun though...just drive it like its a big miata

[RaceCarDriver]

Originally Posted by estabahn

I have a Cherokee with 200k on it. It's needed nearly nothing besides tires and brakes. Most reliable car I've ever owned.

What year is your Cherokee? Is it a V8 or V6? I'm currently looking at an 05 Limited 4.7 V8.

I also really like the 05-06 Subaru Legacy GT (which have the WRX engine), but it's hard finding an unmodified one.

thanks

Glenn

[Wexler]

Totally random...I went out to Lancaster, PA to test drive a guys '71 XKE a couple weeks back...we were on the drive and were talking about daily drivers...he says "I use to have a Jaguar X-type 3.0, great car, lots of fun and it was awesome in the snow."

The 3.0 is the automatic.

[komiko]

'96 Ford Ranger pickup truck - 5 speed manual 2 wheel drive w/4 studded snows, no rust , 80k, regular gas, perfect driver that will go 200k. 2.5 litre twin plug (2 per cylinder)4 cylinder, 25 mpg. = $3000.00
I put 60 lbs in the back over the rear axle for traction boost. It's a decent, low cost, great heater snowmobile.

[amazingjason]

Stick shift Forester turbo:

Cars for Sale: 2004 Subaru Forester 2.5XT in Danvers, MA 01923: Sport Utility Details - 334663533 - AutoTrader.com

Jason

[Notorious]

Originally Posted by komiko

'96 Ford Ranger pickup truck - 5 speed manual 2 wheel drive w/4 studded snows, no rust , 80k, regular gas, perfect driver that will go 200k. 2.5 litre twin plug (2 per cylinder)4 cylinder, 25 mpg. = $3000.00
I put 60 lbs in the back over the rear axle for traction boost. It's a decent, low cost, great heater snowmobile.

I had a 94 Ranger xtra cab back in the day. Had 140k+ miles on it when I got done with it. Bought it used for $3,400, sold it for around the same price. Today it's worth, about the same price. Those things don't depreciate and they are great trucks.

One complaint is that the 4-banger is pretty weak going up hills and I have to floor it to clear a hill on my commute.

[Bluefang08]

I know its not AWD but my DD is a Acura TSX. It maybe just FWD but it does pretty great in the snow (in the winter I run all seasons). As far as maintenance its been overall pretty cheap. The K-Series motor is pretty bullet proof.

[Type82]

I have two Audi cars. 1 is my 1988 Quatro which I ran at Lime Rock Park race track with the 'group' back in '95.

Relpaced the motor at 257,000 miles because of oil burning. The replacement had 54k and is still going strong at 700K.

The other is a '95 Avant, still strong at 157k

Buy a 'Jeep' and you have 'Junk' I may piss off a lot of people here but these vehicles are 'throw away' Unless they figured out how to redesign the front end to reduce handling problems, prevent engine 'blow by,' $hitty heater sysyems and stupid cracked exhaust manifolds.

This is just my opinion but I own a Lotus.... and have suiffered these problems but at least it's for a Lotus.

[Wexler]

Originally Posted by Type82

The replacement had 54k and is still going strong at 700K.

Come again?

[LiveToDrive]

Why break the bank on a beater? Find a 4WD Subaru Justy. Paid $1300 for mine and it is unstoppable. Gets 40mpg too.

[sprocket3]

I have an 2011 Outback. It's very boring, but a great car aside from that. I'm done with SUVs and would not get a big SUV or Jeep. I have also owned 2 Audi's and one was great (2000 A4) and the other required a lot of trips to the shop (2005 Allroad 4.2). I really liked both the cars but I was able to move to a new Subaru for a little more money over my Allroad.

What about a Subaru Legacy Sedan. I owned a 2005 Turbo Legacy and it was a real rocket, but drank the fuel up pretty good.

All depends on what you need from the car.