Top Luxury Budget AWD Winter Bosses

"maristgrad" (maristgrad) 12/23/2014 at 17:17 • Filed to: Winter trucks, winter, suv, 4x4, awd, snow

6

36

Winter is coming as my Pacific northwest brethren chant. From Chicago to Boston they've already received frosty the snowman's snowy "load" from the heavens. While some of us couldn't help but get caught outdoors in windy conditions, broken umbrellas and worst of all - Wet socks. I feel for my people in the PNW & NYC who regardless of trying, still get splashed with a bunch of slush by closely approaching taxis. Well no more. With gas prices the lowest since 2009 I am here to help.

I have combined a list of the best luxury AWD vehicles to tackle your winter in comfort and safety. These will hold their value enough to ditch at the end of the winter and you could even possibly turn a profit. Parameters include heated seats, winter packages and if possible heated steering wheels, mirrors, windshields and rear defrost plus remote start. Lowest miles when possible, because I got you covered with the best of my brain vomit.

And with that mic drop here we goooooooo

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

5 - Intent to appear rich but not too rich, F&#K Performance

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

While the 2010 Q5 is an attractive grocery grabber and has great gas mileage due to the V6 engine, this is not the SUV to take a bunch of people camping because size is an issue. Just you and a friend and you'll fall in love with the punch  of the acceleration. With the technology and entertainment package you're good to go on short trips with a significant other to the beach. Crack open the sunroof and enjoy.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

Mileage: 95,259

The older brother Audi Q7 addressed the size problem however gas goes out the window so pick your poison. Or just pick another car. (like I said I'm here for you man)

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

This Acura is a sleeper in many senses however it doesn't have the pedigree of a real winter 4x4 beast. Those who usually buy these rarely drive down dirt roads and only really bought it for the rare times in snows in Seattle. I call it the baby mama car, because seriously it's the car most people I know buy their pregnant wives. I guess that speaks mostly to their safety record over the years

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

When it comes to the ultimate "I want you to know I have more money than I actually have ride and give no shits about fuel economy because I literally have no gas ever." The 2007 Escalade EXT takes the cake.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

Loaded 4x4 Infinity with AWD outstanding comfort control providing confidence in snowy conditions. And the luxury interior with silver flecks embedding in the dash is a lovely touch. For under 15K this car is a steal and you ex wife will be none the wiser while she chases NBA players to be concerned about alimony and your "shitty" but in reality fucking awesome Infinity.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

Another AWD German designed, perfectly balanced vehicle with a killer adaptability for for snowy weather. Fully loaded with Navigation for under $15k make this bad boy hard to beat. I would call this a sleeper too, because while you can park it on public streets, Audi's recent success has wizened the general public up to understanding how sweet these rides really are. Worst nightmare, pulling up to a sorority girl with the same spec car her dad got for her as a high school graduation present, ugh.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

3- Bad Ass Budget 4x4 - We run on USA gas now, don't hate!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

We're talking about one of the most awarded SUVs of all time and I can tell why. While this particular model has higher miles than I am used to. I would bring a mechanic to give it a comb over, plus its an American car so all parts are domestic and I'm handy with the steel so I could fix low grade issues myself should anything the tech missed arrives later. All in all almost any Jeep is a bad ass American 4x4 to rule the winter roads.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

Ah the love and hated top of the line Range Rover HSE. So many people have claimed issues with this beautiful truck. I recently purchased one 8 months ago and the only thing I've done is replace tires and brake pads worn down from taking it off road, cutting donuts in empty parking lots and driving a bit hard on off roads (none of which I condone) We ended with an unscathed truck with a couple barely noticeable rock chip blemishes. If you have 15k - 20K burning a hole in your pocket, bring a rover tech buy a warranty or repair insurance and have fun. More than likely you wont need the insurance if you pay to bring a quality tech with you. He'll tell you everything wrong with the car in 40 minutes. I love bringing certified techs with me, they don't mind me paying $60 for an hour and I buy them a big lunch/dinner with their families afterward. It's the best way to find gems and so far we have a 100% record.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

2 - So you wanna be a legit winter balla eh? Rub it in the ex's face a tad bit perhaps?

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

Mileage: 58,206

Mmmm, just the kind of 4x4 that lets everyone know - you mean business. Rated through the extensive R&D to which proves with regular maintenance, you could drive this sweet lap of luxury with exceptional sound, massage and ventilated seats with a couple sandwiches across death valley without breaking a sweat. Just bring extra gas :)

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

Mileage: 73,189

With the newer iteration of the classic bad ass version of Porsche's"SUV" which can be driven all year all the time and even parked on public streets. A turbo would be nice but for the price and mileage you wont regret it. Grab a Porsche tech on his day off and have him take a look at a few with you so you know you're getting the creme de la creme of German engineering.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

So you're over 50 and you don't want to show up everyone at work or while you pick up kids from school, because for you it's all about the interior finishes, heated and ventilated seats, super dark tint for anonymity and a comfortable ride home with the kids after a trip to the beach, in the true chariot of safety. If this matters to you, then this is your car..

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

1- Budget cars, the kinds I drove with ease in crazy higher elevation of snowy Eastern Washington State

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

Never have I driven a presumably "budget" car which was shockingly competent on and off the road. You can drive up snowy hills and get back into gear without the fear of falling backwards. As long as you have good winter tires, this is the car to go hooning in the snow and still have enough gas left over to pick up the kids from volleyball practice. I felt more insulated from winter conditions while driving this thing, it was peaceful and the cabin was more quiet than many of the SUVs I sampled. Bring a tech with you but 10K is hard to beat.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

One of the oldest cars on the list. The is one of the cars from my senior college days I absolutely adored. White it didnt have the traditional SUV interior space of some of the other vehicles on this list, it made up for it with exquisite interior finishes and straight up brute speed. Be careful padwan should you purchase this $10k winter ride, put on your seat-belts and hold on to dear life.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

Mileage: 125,956

No winter driving list is complete without american made muscle, but with outrageous MSRPs, I hooked readers up with the best of the sickest affordable American 4x4s that wont break down after your first winter.The newer post recession dodge rams are real this time and if you've hauled anything with this bad boy in the snow you'll know what I mean. Make sure you have safe winter tires on there and bring a Dodge tech due to miles

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!! UNSUPPORTED LINE BREAK IN HEADER !!!

Mileage: 87,744

When it comes to hummers the environmentalist in back of our minds screams noooooooooooo. But then you remember you're broke and just need a truck to service winter. This H3 isn't as bad on gas as it's big brother but with offsetting gas prices dropping 11-12k on a hummer doesn't seem so bad anymore. Plus at the rate things are going with their brand you may end up with a collectible on your hands. Collectible Zombie crusher mmmmmmm.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

But what the hell do I know? I just randomly buy cars and sell them 8 weeks later after I get bored. I usually can't find a vehicle I truly love to drive during the winter month sans my range rover but I can't afford a new 2015 Range rover so I may need to find something cheaper to drive like a mad man on snowy dirt roads with confidence. What say you, whats the best winter rig to go nuts in?

Textured Soy Protein > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 17:28

2

Grand Cherokee with Quadra-Drive > *

(I'm biased. I have one.)

sellphones2493 > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 17:31

5

Here's a few to add:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

It's a 3-Series wagon with extra ground clearance, Sport Package, which makes it actually somewhat fun, and it's damn good in the snow. Trust me, my father owned a 2007 X3 Sport Package/Manual.

This specific one is a little overpriced.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I've had this car for 3 years now, and it's proven to be just as good as my neighbor's 2012 Range Rover in the snow. Granted, I have a heavy duty winter set on. However, Haldex AWD is pretty darn good.

This example was chosen for being somewhat local to the Chicago Area. There are more superior one's out there for better prices.

maristgrad > Textured Soy Protein 12/23/2014 at 17:31

0

Now that's a bad ass ride, post a photo if you have time!

maristgrad > sellphones2493 12/23/2014 at 17:37

0

I totally wanted to put up an X3/5/6 variant but I've only driven the X6 during a light dusting for about 30 minutes and while it gets a little tail happy I had fun driving it. I wish I could get a good 24 hours with it so I can take it up to Government camp on MT Hood near Portland. Then we can really see how it takes the snow. But I have no doubt it would, it seemed pretty cabable on wet, freezing conditons and we drive it on the beach with no problems ether with stock tires. So yea no doubt it could handle super snowy weather. Ill probably add it on as a honorable mention.

Textured Soy Protein > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 17:40

2

Thanks. I got it a few weeks ago . It's my "cheap" winter car. '05 Limited with Hemi & Quadra-Drive. No navigation or back-seat DVD (both of which I wanted to avoid).

Too many M's > sellphones2493 12/23/2014 at 17:47

0

You sir win it for me. But make the S60R a V70R ;)

I do wish the N55 was in a SUV with a manual. But that X3 has the silky smooth N52 which is sublime.

Justin Hughes > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 17:50

3

1994 Saturn SW2 5-speed. Bought it for $400 instead of the Miata hardtop I was looking for. Drove it all winter while the Miata slept, then sold it in the spring for double what I paid - which was still an awesome deal.

Ok, so it's not luxury. Quite the opposite, actually. Maybe I should do a list of el cheapo winter cars to compliment yours!

maristgrad > Justin Hughes 12/23/2014 at 18:26

0

Now thats an AWD warrior, when I was in college my downstairs neighbor had one in stick and he swore by it.

Justin Hughes > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 18:42

0

It's not AWD. Though I had thoughts of throwing a second drivetrain into the back of one, Durocco style.. Plenty of room in the wagon.

maristgrad > Justin Hughes 12/23/2014 at 18:50

1

Sorry I got it mixed up with the 90 Subaru wagon, still anything with front wheel drive and good tires will get you where you need to go.

Brodieman > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 19:23

4

Personal Bias:

Luxury? Leather, power everything, cruise, it's got it all.

Crappy Weather Ability? My god yes. Mine has the front and rear locking diffs and there isn't anything in the city that'll stop it.

Can you keep it running for longer than a winter? Oh certainly. It won't quit.

Price? Good ones are $7k, okay ones hover around $3-5k. Very well prepped or low mileage examples are around $9-12k generally.

This one has the rare lockers, ARB bumper and seats that aren't split and torn to hell for under $7k: http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ctd/481289…

SJGeorge94 > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 19:24

1

The infinitis have a version of ATTESSA awd similar to the r32 gtr so the g37 is v6 powered 4door luxury r32 gtr (gts-4)

maristgrad > SJGeorge94 12/23/2014 at 19:25

0

No wonder they're so awesome to drive

SJGeorge94 > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 19:27

0

Well there also stretched 350z/370z in a way too so there is that

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 19:49

1

surprised the 4runner isn't up there. You can find them in all budgets with all sorts of options.

maristgrad > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 12/23/2014 at 20:09

0

Yea I was torn between a decent priced Land Cruiser, 4 runner of Sequoia which is almost impossible to find under 20-10K . Another great truck in the Nissan Armada, and Infinity QX56 were missing as well. Ill make and honorably mentions list.

treesmakewater > sellphones2493 12/23/2014 at 20:09

0

if there was any in this area, I would not own my A6

Nibby > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 21:42

0

>4x4

>most of the vehicles are AWD, not 4WD

B4ur2old > maristgrad 12/23/2014 at 22:29

0

Thinking about buying a german car out of warranty? You know that feeling you get when you get kicked in the groin? Ok, that's what your pocket book will feel when the car needs repairs... And it will, often.

maristgrad > Brodieman 12/24/2014 at 10:41

0

Yea I'm actually ashamed I forgot to add my dads 94 land cruiser, that thing was a beast. I wanted to include newer trucks though as most people immediately think Jeep 4 Runner and land cruiser when you think dependable SUV. You could throw in a land Rover defender too. I wish those become legal statesisde

Buckner > sellphones2493 12/24/2014 at 17:31

0

Those crazy Volvo shift knobs FTW! Much future.

sellphones2493 > Buckner 12/24/2014 at 18:32

1

I changed mine. In terms of function, I'd honestly say it's worse. However, it looks spectacular IMHO

Buckner > sellphones2493 12/25/2014 at 01:09

0

From.the.future.

CaptainBoss > maristgrad 12/27/2014 at 13:46

0

I concur with the A4. They're amazing in all kinds of bad weather, and they're easy to modify away from the "college girl" image.

dogisbadob > maristgrad 12/27/2014 at 23:44

0

no A3 on the list?

Jack Does Cars > maristgrad 12/28/2014 at 00:36

0

my father, who lives in Seattle, has a BMW 528i X-Drive, and it handles the winters fine. Too bad it handles corners terribly, and it has no power.

Also, I notice you've left off the Seattle Staple of Winter Cars: the Subaru Outback. What's up with that?

Volvo4life > sellphones2493 12/28/2014 at 03:47

0

I got an '06 S60 R for Hanukkah and it had been my dream car ever since I got my first car (an S70 awd) I learned to drive stick on my dads car a 190-E Cosworth (I would have tried my hand at buying one but I simply can't find one that someone is willing to part with for under 20k) All of that being said, I hate the manual tranny box on the S60. I dont know if its me, or the turbo, or the clutch but I can't seem to find peace. Every drive I feel like it (the tranny) has a personal vendetta against me.

Please tell me there is a solution other than trading it in for a 2008 R32 DSG

But an entirely rad car apart from that, so quirky and a delight to drive

cheers

sellphones2493 > Volvo4life 12/28/2014 at 09:39

0

I've found it to not be the best gearbox, but certainly not the worst. What exactly is it doing?

EdWunclerJr > maristgrad 12/28/2014 at 11:17

2

Here's the best winter car ever. K2500 suburban. Limited slip, true 4 wheel drive, 454 because Murica! I work in North Dakota and this thing has saved my butt several times. Plus you can sleep comfortably in it when I94/I90/Highway 2 gets shut down because North Dakota sucks sometimes/all the time.

Mine is a low mileage rust free example, which gets me much hate from the locals.

Volvo4life > sellphones2493 12/28/2014 at 17:44

0

2nd and 3rd seem to be on a permanent holiday and I've just about lost it. It's a bit like driving a 22RE toyota anything with the 5 speed. Even while warm the gears just refuse to engage. I have heard the horror stories of the mannys but I have also heard bad things about the autobox so I figured 3 pedals is greater than two but for a 5 thousand dollar tranny I am starting to doubt myself. The car and the sum of all of its parts have a hair over 63 thousand miles and a very decent service history so I'm just at a cross roads I suppose.

sellphones2493 > Volvo4life 12/28/2014 at 20:11

0

Where are you out of? I know a fair amount of indy mechanics that can diagnose the problem.

Volvo4life > sellphones2493 12/28/2014 at 21:29

0

I just moved to Northern Arizona for college and I have sent the Volvo down to the dealership near where my grandparents live and purchased the car. I'm hoping for an easy fix but I am weary of the "traditional" dealership mechanic. I would love to get a second opinion if the diagnosis seems a bit irrational.

Pickles69 > maristgrad 12/28/2014 at 22:10

0

Yes, Infiniti (with an 'I' at the end) is a stupid name yet here, in this mileu it should probably be spelled correctly. That means no 'Infinity' unless you're trying to be smarter than the rest of us.

sellphones2493 > Volvo4life 12/28/2014 at 22:44

0

If only you posted like a week earlier. My mechanic from CT was doing a build in Tucson. I know Flagstaff and Tucson are like worlds apart, but still.

Volvo4life > sellphones2493 12/29/2014 at 03:37

0

Thats mind blowing its in Tucson for service! They have decided to put in a "new" tranny for $3,200 all together including labor. Usually I'd say no, but its a great value for a new part and genuine Volvo mechanic labor. I'm looking forward to many drives with the new transmission! They said leaky clutch could be replaced for around 2k and I figured why not pay the premium for the entire package and a tune up. All for only $1,200 more! I think for me it was a wise decision especially since I hope to have this car for many miles and years to come.

Thanks a lot for all the insight, and happy holidays!

Cheers

pnangled > maristgrad 01/17/2015 at 11:35

0

Gets me everywhere I need to go.