Oppo-pinions needed (Winter is Coming!)

"wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series" (wpudvah)
09/29/2020 at 19:10 • Filed to: Winter is coming

Oppo hivemind-

I live in the frozen tundra known as Minnesota, so part of my fleet (such as my ‘79 Super Beetle) has to go into hibernation for 5-6 months every ear. Earlier this summer I scooped up a very nice ‘97 LX450 (above), and I’m torn with what to do with it over the winter. I have a nice winter set-up on my DD ‘16 GTI (new-ish blizzaks + steelies) that made it through last year’s winter no problem. I only want one car to be subjected to the harsh road conditions (read: salt) of a Minnesota winter

My question to y’all is this: do I store the GTI and use the LX450 as my winter chariot, or do I store the LX450 and continue on with the GTI on winter tires? The more I look at 80-series values, the more I consider this truck a bit of an investment (especially mine with “lower” mileage, ~136k). Storing it away (for free in my sister’s garage, I might add) would obviously go a long way towards preserving the Lexus Cruiser.

Help!

EDIT 9/30 - thanks for all the well thought-out responses, I knew I could count on you all. I love this community!

DISCUSSION (35)

avalonian > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 19:24

GTI.

Just Jeepin' > avalonian
09/29/2020 at 19:26

GTI...what?

Just Jeepin' > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 19:28

I’m skeptical about treating any vehicle as an investment, so I’d be in favor of using the Lexus. You never know when you’re going to encounter something during the winter, especially your winter, where the extra clearance/capability is going to be important.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 19:28

Oil coat the GTI and send it.

Wacko > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 19:29

The disposable car is always the winter car. I wouldn’t want to DD a 90s car in the winter here, since I’ve DD 90s cars in the winter back in the 90s. I know they all rust away here quickly in north western Quebec. We also have cold, long(6 months long) and snowy winters.

So if you plan to keep it rust free don’t winter drive it

GLiddy > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 19:35

I’ve noticed the prices of used LX’s on the way up lately. Maybe its the COVID effect, but anyway that GTI isn’t headed in that direction. I’d try to save the LX, but quite frankly it is the better car for the winter driving job. Maybe try to fluid film it before the salting season starts and then a good underside wash any time the temp goes above freezing. But what do I know? Down south here we close everything down at the first hint of winter weather.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 19:45

Do you have a particular love for the GTi, or is it going to be just another car that gets traded in a few years?

I’d keep the LX close by for super storms (I assume you get those) in the 4-5’ range, use the GTI for normal daily winter driving.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 19:58

The Lexus is likely to be much less rust resistant plus your GTI has already seen some winters recently so the benefit of storing it is less. I’d daily the GTI and keep the LX for summer duty. Though if you get a real big snowstorm it might be nice to have some winter tires.

I'm also a lifelong southerner who can't tell a snowstorm from a flurry so beats me.

Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 20:22

The GTI is probably never going to be a collectible classic, the LX definitely already is.

DD the GTI, store the LX.

PatBateman > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 20:52

This, plus snorkel and full heavy duty roof rack/360 LED light bars:

Kinja'd!!!

Don’t argue, just do. I have spoken.

Beefchips > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 22:20

Personally I’d say drive whichever one has the stronger heat and window defrost! But to be fair I’m not a huge believer in cars as investments.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/29/2020 at 22:53

As a fellow Minnesotan I say GTI. Keep the cool cars safe.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Wacko
09/30/2020 at 09:18

appreciate the well thought-out response! as someone mentioned below, the defrost and heater of a 23 y.o. vehicle can’t compete with more modern systems, which is also a great point. . And coming from NW Quebec, you feel my winter pain!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
09/30/2020 at 09:18

oh ya, get the undercoating!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > GLiddy
09/30/2020 at 09:20

it does feel weird thinking about storing a 5500 lb 4WD mini monster truck, but it might be just too well- preserved to subject it to harsh road salt. Enjoy your warm winter!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
09/30/2020 at 09:21

this is true, and honestly the GTI was totally fine last winter. Actually, it was quite fun! Enjoy your warm winter for me :)

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Just Jeepin'
09/30/2020 at 09:22

I like this as well - I’ll be storing it in my sister’s garage so I’ll have access to it in case of blizzard emergency. the GTI did surprisingly well last winter, those blizzaks are amazing.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
09/30/2020 at 09:22

exactly my plan, I think. I’ll have access to the LX whenever I need it, in case of emergency.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > PatBateman
09/30/2020 at 09:23

so far I’ve kept it 100% stock... I think these things are becoming harder and harder to find stock, most have gone the overland route as above.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Beefchips
09/30/2020 at 09:24

this might be the deciding factor, in all honesty - the defrost and heat (not to mention sketchy 20+ year old aftermarket seat heaters!) are certainly inferior to the more modern GTI. You must be a cold weather winter person as well!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's
09/30/2020 at 09:24

simple, and effective. thanks for the input!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!
09/30/2020 at 09:25

oh ya doncha know

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/30/2020 at 09:26

It is fixing to be a colder than average one though. Last year we didn’t even get a single sprinkling of snow and it was pretty warm so at least there’s variety.

I think the GTI is the way to go considering how 90s Toyotas rust and how that one seems to be in such good condition.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
09/30/2020 at 09:27

we’ve already seen multiple days of 40 degrees, so it’s going to be a chilly fall and probably a colder than average winter as well.

I’m leaning towards putting the LX away, especially after all the responses. appreciate your input!

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/30/2020 at 09:31

The whole country is supposed to be getting a cold winter so that isn’t unexpected. I lo ve Fall either way though. It's my favorite season. Just something about the beginnings of crisp clear air free of the heat and humidity of summer and before winter makes it unpleasant to go outside.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/30/2020 at 09:45

That TrueCoat!

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
09/30/2020 at 09:49

shit that’s what I was looking for! hadn’t had my full coffee yet.

Beefchips > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/30/2020 at 11:09

I live in Portland which certainly isn’t Minnesota- cold ... but I’m just a cold-blooded person!

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/30/2020 at 13:18

Oh you betcha!

Dr.Jeckyl > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
09/30/2020 at 21:41

GTI, not gonna be a collectible. Plus you already have winter tires for it and the GTI warms up fast and has heated seats. Disclosure, I have a '17 with winter tires.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Dr.Jeckyl
10/01/2020 at 08:53

aren’t they fun in the winter with a solid setup? I actually quite enjoyed it last year, plus it looks kinda badass on the steelies.

Dr.Jeckyl > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
10/01/2020 at 09:18

It was great in the winter. I went with Pirelli SottoZeros. Not as good as Blizzaks in the snow but pretty great in the cold. Which works around me since we haven’t been getting as much snow lately.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Dr.Jeckyl
10/01/2020 at 10:22

heard those are good tires as well. I have Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on now (HIGHLY recommend) but will obviously need to change over as it gets colder.

Dr.Jeckyl > wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series
10/01/2020 at 11:47

How are the Pilot’s in the rain? I currently have Hankook Ventus V2 and while they aren’t bad in dry weather they are borderline dangerous when it rains. I can’t get going even feathering the throttle.

wpudvah: GTI, Super Beetle, now with more 80-Series > Dr.Jeckyl
10/01/2020 at 12:43

they are fantastic in the rain - I was expecting them to be borderline dangerous as well, but have been amazed by the performance. the PS4s cost a bit of $$$, but it’s by far the best “mod” I’ve done to the GTI.