Best first car for a wintry college?

"Hammerfrog" (Hammerfrog) 01/07/2014 at 17:00 • Filed to: firstcar, college, snow

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Growing up in NYC, my family and I never needed a car. While I'm aware that the 'first car' is a huge symbol of independence for teenagers across America, that concept seems to fall through the cracks in big cities with subway systems. Though I consider myself a bit of a car enthusiast in terms of overall knowledge, living in my urban home I've had little physical experience with driving. That's about to change.

I'm heading off to college next fall in Ithaca, NY, where the winters are rough and the hills rougher. Ithaca gets about 66 inches of snow every year, or so I've read. I'm going to need a relatively cheap used car that can handle these wintry, hilly conditions, and is also a viable 'first car' for someone who has little experience with auto repair/maintenance. If it were fun to drive and a manual, that would be a plus.

TL;DNR: I need a cheap, Jalop-approved used car that can handle snow and hills.

Sadly, this does appear to be one condition where the answer is NOT Miata. I was thinking something along the lines of a Subaru WRX, perhaps. A hatchback or sedan would be preferable to an SUV.

What do you guys recommend?

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:03

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VW Golf honestly does okay for being FWD, though some gens are very low and thus not ideal.

Nibbles > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:05

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1st or 2nd gen Dakota 4x4. Stupendously sturdy. Can be had with a manual in 4-, 6- or 8- cylinder models. Magnum engines are sloppy and reliable. Less expensive than a Subaru. Fun as hell to hoon and surprisingly light for a truck (the heaviest examples of a 1st gen were still under 2 tons)

getFuckedHerb > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:06

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YJ Jeep Wrangler, 2.5L Stick, Hard Top Hard Doors. Brutal Cheap, make sure the heater is in BEST POSSIBLE working order. Wont' get stuck, will get 18mpg, can be a convertible.

With the hard doors and hard top, it's not as cold in the winter as it could be, but it aint hot. Finding one with AC is bonus, but not required, as doors and top come off.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 01/07/2014 at 17:06

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Golf Syncro or 4motion, problem solved :)

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:07

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The WRX is a great car, but as a FIRST car... nah man, ain't gonna go well.. How about a Subaru Legacy?

Sn210 > getFuckedHerb 01/07/2014 at 17:08

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This, but get the 4.0

Nibby > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:08

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First-gen Impreza if you can find one that isn't rusted or riced

911e46z06 > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:08

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WRX is probably a good call. But for that much snow, and the various activities available around Ithaca, I would go with a truck. When I'm looking for cheap and reliable, I always go Chevy 350. I just picked up a minty '97 Tahoe for under 4 grand.

Also, congrats. Cornell or Ithaca?

Jay Lauer > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:08

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If you can afford a WRX, do it. Be VERY wary of what condition it is in though. Many of them are beat hard by their owners. If that's too pricey, buy a Legacy/Outback, Impreza, Forester, etc. They're normally treated better and it's simply the best AWD you can get.

Hammerfrog > getFuckedHerb 01/07/2014 at 17:09

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I was thinking something along those lines. I know some Jeeps are pretty problematic, but YJ Wranglers are fairly reliable, right?

getFuckedHerb > Sn210 01/07/2014 at 17:09

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Meh, if you're not sticking huge tires on the 2.5 scoots you down the road at 75mph fine. I would say though, if you have to get an auto, get the 4.0 without question.

Textured Soy Protein > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:09

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Are you going be living somewhere that actually has parking? A lot of colleges don't have much in the way of student parking at their dorms and generally you don't start living off campus until at least sophomore year.

If my experience at the University of Wisconsin is any indication, any car parked in a student-y area that's not in a secure underground garage is going to be pissed on by drunken idiot kids.

So keep that in mind when choosing a vehicle—is it something you would be upset about someone pissing on it?

getFuckedHerb > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:11

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Mine has been bulletproof- and easy to work on as a bonus. No frills- not fast, doesn't pick up chicks (okay my wife likes cruising with the top off) but it does what it needs to, started in -22 degree weather yesterday.

Hammerfrog > 911e46z06 01/07/2014 at 17:11

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Would not have considered a Chevy at all, but I'll take a look!

and Cornell, btw. thanks!

RacecaR > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:11

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Hammerfrog > RacecaR 01/07/2014 at 17:14

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Is that an AMC Eagle?

RacecaR > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:15

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Tis.

911e46z06 > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:15

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Nice dude. I almost went there, but I visited in like May and there was a goddamn blizzard, so Cornell and Syracuse were immediately scratched from the list.

It's really nice to have a truck when you're kind of in the sticks like that. 4wd and some meaty tires open up worlds of possibilities.

BeaterGT > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:16

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Base model Outback does WONDERS for a college car. Can move all your shit around, get around, and pack your bum ass friends that you will make inside! If you got the money, spring for the XT.

Dunnik > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:17

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Interesting challenge, one I'm sure Oppo is up to.

Oh hey why don't you just get that bug-eye up there? Oh...right.

I'd say you need to make two decisions before anything else:

AWD or FWD?

Car or truck?

Yes, yes, AWD ftw in snow/ice/zombie apocalypse, but consider two things: AWD systems can be - are? - more expensive/complicated to repair, and there's also the gas issue: Captain Obvious would like to point out that powering 4 wheels costs more in gas than just 2.

Which leads me to the car vs truck. I don't know of any cars, offhand, that have selectable AWD, but lots of trucks do. Captain Obvious would also like to point out that this allows you to choose RWD for you when don't need AWD.

Captain Obvious is clearly in charge of this post now, and says that trucks, while they can haul more cargo and tow far greater weights, and their higher ground clearance makes for easy snow trap getaways, require more fuel to run and, depending on the model, may have short wheelbases and high center of gravity, requiring you to, as the warning on the sunvisor says, "Avoid Abrupt Maneuvers", and where's the fun in that?

Personally, I'd take the risk of greater operating costs and fuel consumption and go for an AWD car - wagon! - like an older Subie Legacy wagon, which have a long history of being college cars.

A third gen Legacy is probably in your price range.

Note: actual car may not be as shown. Heh.

Drsweetdik > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 01/07/2014 at 17:18

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Outfit it with a set of proper snow tires and the world of winter will be your oyster.

shittygood > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 01/07/2014 at 17:19

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I have a 2000 Legacy GT, had 91 Volvo 240 back in college in the mid-hudson valley. If you knew how to drive it, and had a good set of snows, my volvo never got me stuck, but you have to be ok with using a little opposite lock. The Legacy has all of the fantastic AWD capabilities of the WRX with just a little bit less power. I barely have to shovel it out and I've had no problem dealing with the lovely winters here in Boston. You also possibly get a bit more luxury and a decent amount more space. Food for thought!!

jariten1781 > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:20

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Don't fret too much about the snow/ice. Anything with decent tires will be fine. If you like Subarus then yeah a WRX is good if you can find one that's not beaten to a pulp. Personally I'd look for an 03-08 Forester XT though, you'll like the extra hauling space going to and from. You can get them in a manual (if you can find it) and if you have the time, space, and inclination you can turn it into a STI.

But seriously, don't worry about the snow. Just get a car that fits your needs first, desires second, and save a bit for a good set of snow tires and wheels.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > shittygood 01/07/2014 at 17:23

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You're answering the wrong guy mate :) I'm not the one looking for a car :) Hammerfrog is.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Nibbles 01/07/2014 at 17:23

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Did they offer the four-door in the first two gens? That'd be the ticket for college use.

Hammerfrog > Dunnik 01/07/2014 at 17:24

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Wow, thanks for the in-depth response! Legacy is definitely an awesome option, but with the higher ground clearance wouldn't the Outback be better suited to the snow?

Hammerfrog > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 01/07/2014 at 17:24

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What gen Golf would you recommend?

Nibbles > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 01/07/2014 at 17:26

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Unfortunately no; crew cabs came about in the 2nd gen trucks. The 1st gen extended cabs are fairly roomy, though you do have to crawl into them

Hammerfrog > Nibbles 01/07/2014 at 17:29

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Wouldn't have considered a Dodge... but I'll definitely look into it!

Milky > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:32

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I gotta recommend it because it was my first car and it was super reliable and went every where through snow. Hell one time I had friend with a Silverado with a 2-3" lift get stuck in a field covered in snow and I drove LITERAL CIRCLES around him.

Dunnik > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:32

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Yea...or the Forester, but meh. The Legacy's much better looking :)

Imprezzzza (non WRX!) wagon would be an option too, but meh. Too small. Too small cargo capacity, too cramped for passengers. Due to physics, inherently less safer in a crash. But better on gas, far more tossable, and a superior winter hoonage car all around. I'd still get the Legacy, though, and I'd get in GT manual form, if it all possible (my number one condition would be....condition of the car).

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:33

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Perhaps a Mk.2. I liked my Mk.1 diesel, but it was a tad small, a tad finicky, and the Mk.2 kicks up the size *just enough*. It's the Mk.3 on that I tend to see suffering from being too low, though the curb weight is still among the lightest of cars until a good bit later.

shittygood > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 01/07/2014 at 17:35

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Haha I know, I was piggy backing off of your post purely because you brought up the Legacy idea. He'll still see the response.

chaozbandit > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:37

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Nissan GTR, obviously.

But in all seriousness, you can't go wrong with a GC8 Impreza. I've seen a few rolling around my university.

stuttgartobsessed > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 17:49

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Miata with snow tires.

MIATAAAA > jariten1781 01/07/2014 at 17:50

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This is a great response. I have a Toyota Matrix and a Miata (obviously) and the Miata does much better in the snow.

You're young - get whatever car you want. Then make it work in the snow. You won't BELIEVE what real snow tires will do for your car.

Hammerfrog > stuttgartobsessed 01/07/2014 at 17:50

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yeah, roll cage, snow tires, ready for the winter TRACK DAY BRO!

Hammerfrog > BeaterGT 01/07/2014 at 18:21

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So you'd recommend the outback over the legacy?
which gen is best?

Casper > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 18:26

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Don't fall for the whole "there's snow so I need AWD because it's magic" thing and buy a car only to mash it up on a curb. AWD only helps you get moving somewhat, but it also decreases steering performance under load as you now have drive train tied to the steering wheels as well. Far too many decent Subarus have entered the ditch and met curbs because people think AWD has somehow magically given them more traction than other cars. Know the pros and cons of the layout you are getting.

Whether you go AWD, FWD, or RWD, tires are going to be the most important part of the equation.

Hammerfrog > Casper 01/07/2014 at 18:39

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Awesome video, great comment! I'll make sure to factor in a good set of snow tires. For steep slopes, though, isn't 4wd good to have? Some of the hilly streets in Ithaca are insane!

Casper > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 18:42

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Depends, going up it's nice, going down, you now have AWD understeer to deal with. If you can go up hill both ways to school, it's an easy win ;) Otherwise it's always a balancing act. The reality is that you can use any of them for anything, you just need the right equipment to support it. Two cars of the same drive layout can react very differently to the same conditions as well.

Edit: A big consideration for the pros and cons of the layout would be the transmission.

BeaterGT > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 20:40

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There isn't much difference between them. I have heard and experienced countless head gasket problems among the older gens. I would recommend the fourth gen which I believe is 2005-2008. My roommate in college had a 2005 Legacy wagon and we counted on that thing.

Arben72 > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 21:00

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Sf5 aka the lesbowagon. 3 main reasons why it's good for you.
1. Good gas mileage, I get 27 hwy.
2. Reliable (just make sure the head gaskets have been replaced)
3. Will not get stuck and has a nice powerful enough engine. (Boxer rumble ftw)!!!

MonkeePuzzle > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 22:11

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a good first car, that will be parked outdoors at a school and likely abused? no, the WRX is not a good answer. Will cost a mint to ensure under those conditions.

Get a legacy wagon (impreza wagon if you have to). You can haul all your college crap. It will be cheaper to insure. It will sell for about what you paid.

wizkashifa > Hammerfrog 01/07/2014 at 23:47

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The Cornell?

Hammerfrog > wizkashifa 01/08/2014 at 00:00

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Yep!

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Hammerfrog 01/08/2014 at 12:11

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WRX is probably not the best first car. And for only 66" of snow you don't need anything special, just put some good winter tires on it. Look for something reliable in your price range and budget a few bucks to get a set of winter tires on steel rims so that you can swap them yourself easily.

For reference my area averages around 300" of snow a winter and very rarely is ground clearance an issue. I split DD duties between an F-150 and an STI. The STI on winter tires is a better ride than the truck because its got a much lower CG and the tires are much better than the AT tires on the truck. I've had the STI since '07 and there is only one time that it was actually dragging bottom on the roads. And I still made it home fine.

A good set of winter tires on any FWD car will more than handle whatever winter you will see. I would recommend Firestone Winterforce or Blizzak WS70's or Dunlop Wintersport 3D's. The Firestones are the best in deep snow, the 3D's are best on mostly clear roads and hard packed snow but do fine in deep snow and the WS70's are the best all around tires.

azilus89 > Hammerfrog 01/08/2014 at 13:13

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First of all congrats on going to Ithaca one of my very good friends graduated from there a couple of years ago and I've been there a bunch of times visiting him. But I have lived in Syracuse (about an hour north of Ithaca) all my life and we get a lot more snow then they do. Both of my cars I've owned were front wheel drive with snow tires and both did perfectly fine. So there isn't a need to have all wheel drive but it does help in this area. Snow tires are the biggest factor for traction so keep this in mind. Also Ithaca is a very liberal school and protest a lot over various things is what my buddy told me. So an open mind there helps too ;)

Hammerfrog > azilus89 01/08/2014 at 17:32

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I'm actually going to Cornell, but the advice applies either way, so thanks!

Benzed92 > getFuckedHerb 01/08/2014 at 21:13

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As the owner of a TJ, I concur completely. Just be careful of the short wheelbase tendency to spin you around with RWD and ice/snow.

azilus89 > Hammerfrog 01/10/2014 at 15:29

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Haha I gotcha but I know a few people who went there as well and yeah either way still the same conditions

Honestabe > getFuckedHerb 01/17/2014 at 21:30

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not getting a 4.0 would be a deal breaker for me, you don't gain much mpgs for the major loss in hp