Choosing a new commuter car, suggestions?

[WastedTalent]

Sure do. Was 10 mins max away from me. Can even say the streets... but obviously no one would know wtf I'm talkin about or care haha. At that theatre (that'll re-open this winter by the way) behind the closest mall to where I live.

[bcpballer64]

Subaru, they are champs, AWD for winter and they can take a lot of mileage, also OP where do you live because location plays a huge role on price. Around here you can get up to like an '05 with <100k on the mileage for under $10 grand. But I am in the sticks of IN lol. But I know a lot of happy subaru drivers.

[Jordan Guess]

in Cali atm, right next to Nevada. but will soon be located in washington

[SnowDrifter]

I like my '03 Subie Forester. Nothing spectacular for mileage - 23-25 combined depending on the day. Find one with around 100k with the timing belt, water pump, and head gaskets replaced. Shouldn't give you any issues for the next 100k - then the timing belt needs to be done again. Plus if you get the n/a motor, it only needs new oil every 7.5k.

[SnowDrifter]

And do you mean Washington State? Unless you are in eastern washington or in the mountains, you don't really need to worry about snow. We usually get 1, sometimes 2 snows per year and they don't last any more than a few days. Most people here don't seem to understand the concept of snow+driving anyways, so your best bet is to plan ahead, get food for a couple days, and chill out at home if possible.

[Jordan Guess]

Spokane to be exact. And my wife and I have plenty of experience driving in the snow (northern cali mountains). so if its only a few times a year its no biggy. as long as its front wheel drive its not problem, even though AWD is nice. i figure my best bet right now is to go to different car lots just to look and see what might be appealing to me. but with the recommendations that you guys have given in particular.

[Mtnbikecrazy55]

yeah, i wouldnt really worry about losing out on the mileage to have 4 wheel drive just for the few times you'll have snow. driving in snow isint bad at all, fwd is just fine.

[SnowDrifter]

Spokane to be exact. And my wife and I have plenty of experience driving in the snow (northern cali mountains). so if its only a few times a year its no biggy. as long as its front wheel drive its not problem, even though AWD is nice. i figure my best bet right now is to go to different car lots just to look and see what might be appealing to me. but with the recommendations that you guys have given in particular.

I'm not questioning your experience. I know how to drive in the snow too.

But man oh man most of the people who live here do NOT know how to drive. They will cause your biggest concern.

First 2-3 days of a heavy snow, stay off the road. After that, they either stay inside or become accustomed to the system established by people who understand driving in snow and you are all set to go out

Ok, that wasn't related to your original post... But I figured I'd try and save you the hassle

[WastedTalent]

Spokane to be exact. And my wife and I have plenty of experience driving in the snow (northern cali mountains). so if its only a few times a year its no biggy. as long as its front wheel drive its not problem, even though AWD is nice. i figure my best bet right now is to go to different car lots just to look and see what might be appealing to me. but with the recommendations that you guys have given in particular.

I'm not questioning your experience. I know how to drive in the snow too.

But man oh man most of the people who live here do NOT know how to drive. They will cause your biggest concern.

First 2-3 days of a heavy snow, stay off the road. After that, they either stay inside or become accustomed to the system established by people who understand driving in snow and you are all set to go out

Ok, that wasn't related to your original post... But I figured I'd try and save you the hassle

It's like that everywhere for bad weather. Can be raining like no other and people drivin 10-15 over the limit. I understand not going like 5 mph but limit is 50 and they doin 65 or 70? Where I live, sharp corners. So corners+wetness=you in the ditch. Lol. But really, no one does know how to drive in bad weather across the country. I remember in Delaware, they'd expect a storm and it is expected to leave 3 inches. They'd go to Walmart and literally empty the shelves. I'm like huh? 3 inches in a day isn't bad when the storms are spread out... I'm used to 3 inches on top of 4 inches on top of 8 inches.

[Jordan Guess]

kinda like when places close schools for 2 inches of snow lol. But there is no way Im going to be able to stay inside when ill be in the military haha, but thats what the Ford Ranger with 4 wheel drive is for.