Winter Car Ideas?

"Ilike_cougars" (rohitvenkat01) 10/24/2013 at 11:27 • Filed to: None

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Alright for those who don't know I sold my 02 Cougar last January because I found a deal on one of my dream cars that I couldn't ignore(07 BMW M roadster). Only catch it was 200 miles away, so I took the drive to see it and I liked it so much I drove back in it, while the Cougar was taken in as a trade in. I have used the M through the year and have loved every moment of it. But now with the weather starting to cool down and being in the North East, knowing how exceptionally well our Highway maintenance crews salt the roads after a storm. I need to think of an alternative. This is where you guys come in. I need help in finding a suitable car to use for this winter. Here are my requirements.

Budget $3000

Preferably automatic (should be able to easily unload it after the winter)

Enough space in the back seat and boot( I will probably be moving in December so should be able to fit some odd shape things , tables, chairs, sex dolls, you know the idea..

Im hoping the move is not too far away, but if it is, the car should be reliable enough to take a 1000+ mile trip easily..

Should get 25mpg

Keeping this in mind here is what I was thinking, Let me know if there are any other options I should be looking at.

2002 Subaru Impreza Wagon

2000 Honda CRV

And for all the help here is an Aston in the snow for you guys.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 11:34

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Wow way to kick every suggestion I had squarely in the balls by saying 25 mpg.

Damn hippies.

Hoccy > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 11:39

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If that's your only criterias you could buy close to anything. When I think of winter cars it's always something old, RWD and manual. You could take a later model Volvo 940 into your equation, should be able to get one with an auto. You always have the Subaru Legacy/Outback as well.

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/24/2013 at 11:40

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Ha Ha, I get 16 from my M roadster, and at $4 a gallon, it hurts everytime I go to the gas station, which is quite often..

Jagvar > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 11:43

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The AWD Jaguar X-Type has dropped below the $3000 mark , but I don't know about reliability.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 11:45

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Yeah but that's probably premium.

What if it was a truck that could do 19-20 on regular?

dogisbadob > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 11:45

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Why not just get some snow tires for your M?

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/24/2013 at 11:47

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Yeah, I usually put only premium, sure a truck what averages 19-20 would also do, throw it at me..

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 11:48

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The WRX photo threw my brain off (definitely can't find one of those for $3k), but a regular Impreza should be doable...and also a legacy/outback wagon - more spacious, and a bit more civilized, and not much of a price differential as far as I can tell.

Along with the CR-V would also consider earlier generation RAV-4s? They were built really well, very reliable, and get good gas mileage...great little SUVs I think.

Jealous about the M Roadster! The M Coupe (probably a Z3 though) is my absolute dream car and I'm using every bit of rationalization I have to keep myself from dishing both my current cars and getting one (thankfully I don't have the money for one either, right now).

SpeedSix > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 11:49

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Volvo 850 Wagon

Volvo 240 Wagon

Volvo 740 Wagon

Volvo 940 Wagon

Ilike_cougars > dogisbadob 10/24/2013 at 11:49

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I like the M too much to drive it in the snow, its not my driving I'm worried about, its the idiot in the beat up Camry with bald tires who cant drive in the snow I'm worried about..

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 11:50

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WOOHOO I'M BACK IN!

Crap I still only have 3k.

deadpedal > Jagvar 10/24/2013 at 11:51

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I thought Tauruses were fairly reliable...

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 11:52

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4$ a gallon hurts?

Come to Europe..

1.80 euro per liter...

Jagvar > deadpedal 10/24/2013 at 11:53

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It's actually a Mondeo, not a Taurus.

Ilike_cougars > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 10/24/2013 at 12:02

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Yeah that WRX is beaut isnt it, but definitely not looking for a mad car, the M is mad enough, a regular Impreza AWD, would probably suit my purpose Im thinking, just need to know maintenance wise..

Ilike_cougars > SpeedSix 10/24/2013 at 12:03

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Im actually considering a 240, even went into a Volvo meet a few days ago, just need to find a suitable one I guess

Ilike_cougars > Jagvar 10/24/2013 at 12:07

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Yeah I noticed, but there is still that though at the back of my mind that, it is British and it will leave you on the side of the road at the first chance it gets.. lol or literally start falling apart in front of your eyes. Does any one own this personally that can throw some insight?

deadpedal > Jagvar 10/24/2013 at 12:10

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Right you are. I gave it too much credit.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 12:12

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This is my new next car and has consumed my past few days

so, you know...don't find nothin' too good

Naijaflavor, I Love Doritos > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 12:26

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An AWD Previa because WHY THE FUCK NOT

Ilike_cougars > Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder 10/24/2013 at 12:40

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Thats why you guys buy diesels right? I would rock a diesel any day..

Ilike_cougars > banjo cat ghost of oppo past 10/24/2013 at 12:41

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I like these, never crossed my mind.. good suggestion.

Ilike_cougars > Naijaflavor, I Love Doritos 10/24/2013 at 12:43

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Zero fucks given! I like it..

Kugelblitz > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 12:46

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http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/chevy-…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 12:47

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OK Diesel is on the list.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 12:48

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Oh you said NE gimme a craigslist to search lol Detroit cars are cheap and won't match your budget.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 12:49

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example:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/414750…

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/24/2013 at 12:52

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Here you go, North Jersey

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/24/2013 at 12:53

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Whoa, you get those for 1800 bucks? think in need to look around more..

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/24/2013 at 13:00

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Whats you thoughts on a Wrangler with a Hardtop?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 13:12

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I'm for it.

And hey north jersey! I grew up in Morristown before I moved to Michigan.

Yeah trucks are crazy cheap out here. I can get a functioning full size v8 4x4 bronco for a grand.

JEM > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 13:22

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Jeep Cherokee is always the correct answer. Get a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee with the 4.0L six and you should see 21-23mpg regularly. There are probably 100 within 50 miles of you for sale at any given time in the northeast.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 13:23

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http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4142595915…

http://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/4144995198…

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4117195141…

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/4109480325…

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4145451835…

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4081590391…

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4130221429…

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4140519053…

http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/cto/4104049773…

http://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/4070797315…

http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/4106304963…

Man this is too easy I could do this all day.

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/24/2013 at 14:10

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Awesome list, I'll definitely consider what you have here.. I stay in Kearny, if you are ever back in the area, hit me up, we can go get a beer or something..

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 14:16

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Sounds good. Especially because you like Mercury's. I could have kept going so if you run dry let me know lol.

Looks like Kearny was just outside of our area for high school sports. We went as far as East Orange. It's so hard to explain to people out here in Michigan that Orange isn't just a color, it's a place, haha.

Good luck and let me know how it goes. A lot of people don't realize how hilly/mountainous North NJ can be so 4x4 can go a long way! When I lived there I was driving this:

Sorry did I say driving? More like driving the cops crazy.

Was a blast in the snow too.

Ilike_cougars > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 10/24/2013 at 14:26

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That WRX is a beaut isn't it? I like it the way it is, no excessive wheel camber, good fitment, its done right. But yeah I'm looking for a regular Impreza not the mad WRX. the RAV4 sounds interesting but don't see too many around. Trust me, if you find a Z3M grab it, prices have started to go up, on these.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 14:43

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Funny, depends on where you are probably. After typing my comment i went on craigslist and searched for 1st gen RAV4s in my area...TONS right around $3k, almost made me want one! They're great little vehicles, and super reliable..and LIGHT.

Yup, need to grab a Z3M someday soon..s54 engines are already way out of my price range..hopefully grab an s52 at least and not worry about miles, and drive it to my heart's content.

And that WRX is pretty beautiful..the wheels might be a tad bit too aggressive for my liking, but I'd totally go for it if I could. I chose a Legacy GT wagon for my "mad vehicle"...hasn't disappointed me one bit thus far...but not exactly chuckable. Logic tells me I shouldn't, but I want to ditch both the Subaru (safe, comfortable, fast, commuter) and my E30 (weekend/fun) and just get the Z3M that i really really want to cover all those bases.

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > Ilike_cougars 10/24/2013 at 18:04

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Nope, diesels are more expensive with taxes.

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/25/2013 at 14:52

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Looking at a Wrangler tomorrow, fingers crossed.. I love Jersey back roads, you are right many people don't know how awesome some parts of Jersey are, check out some photos from a little cruise I led with a group of Prowlers.. The blue BMW is mine.

Photos

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/25/2013 at 14:57

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Very nice. All I could think when I saw your BMW at the end of the line was "one of these things is not like the other...."

Glad to see someone finally put the proper motor in a Prowler. Best retro style hotrod EVER released and it had a puny v6 in it. Biggest disappointment ever.

Good luck on the Wrangler, it'll be a blast to drive, but in a completely different way from the little BMW. It's bulky, slow, lumbering....and unstoppable. Have a link for it?

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/25/2013 at 15:14

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The BMW was definitely not like the others, lol, all of them had trouble keeping up.. had to keep slowing down for them to catch up. most of it was near High point state park. The red Hemi Prowler is my buddies, spent a lot of money getting it done. He wanted to do something for the prowler group, so he called me. Usually do it with a mixed group of cars, first time with one specific make, It was fun. Here is the one Im looking at, it looks ok probably needs a little TLC, but I dont mind working on it..

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/cto/4119529294…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/25/2013 at 15:27

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not too bad, looks like he backed into something (best license plate holder and rear bumper) and also ran into something (dent in front passenger side of bumper).

More importantly, he needs a better camera!

I bet that hemi is the only thing that could run with you at ALL.

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/25/2013 at 15:39

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Yeah as long as it is just cosmetic things, that need fixing, I have no problem. There is a pick and pull near here, probably can get the bumper and holder easy for less than a 100 bucks.. and seriously that camera.

That Hemi is fast, but he has a very easy driving style, while Im crazy fast into corners..He just got the trans replaced so was still breaking it in. Handling wise as well, he has a Porsche rear axle and suspension. That thing is properly setup for autoX..

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/25/2013 at 15:41

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Wow that's kickass, I'd love to drive a prowler like that. Sounds unbelievable.

Also you cheated btw.

You told me budget was 3k. I kept everything under 3k!!! I wasn't told I was allowed to bump to 3500 and let you negotiate!

Ilike_cougars > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/25/2013 at 15:46

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Ha Ha, he may be asking a bit too much for it, so all those cosmetic issues that I point to will get the price down, I have never ever given asking price for anything from craigslist. Lets see how it goes.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ilike_cougars 10/25/2013 at 15:55

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Well good luck! I never pay full price off CL either.

terrencel > Ilike_cougars 11/02/2013 at 03:51

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Speaking from experience, put your mechanic on speed dial.