Looking For A Winter Beater - Open To Suggestions ($5k max budget)
 

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to purchase a winter beater in the coming month or so - as my current vehicle I would consider "unsafe" to drive.

I currently have a $5000 budget in mind, preferably looking for a Japanese vehicle that's reliable and okay on gas. The vehicle I would like should still have a "fun" factor element. If the vehicle doesn't hit the max budget, I wouldn't mind putting a bit of cash into the vehicle for upgrades to brakes/tires/suspension. Automatic or manual transmissions - doesn't matter which one.

If it makes any difference, I live around the Burnaby/Coquitlam mountain area where the incline and declines are steep

Open to all suggestions, thanks in advance :thumbs:

:suspicious:

I just saw a nice little purple EL in the B&S section. Not sure it meets your 'fun' requirement, but mine was super reliable and good on gas.

If there is another type of transmission you are aware of besides auto and manual, please let me know. Thanks.

^ I suppose a semi automatic trans technically exists.... Anyways, What kind of car do you drive that you consider unsafe for winter OP?

^ a 900hp supra on slicks

anything with LSD and winter tires will be unstoppable in the lower mainland

hell, even a civic with winter tires was more predictable than my jeep on balding all seasons and 4WD :fuckthatshit: .. but I'm sure you can guess which one was more fun :troll:

I apologize for the vagueness - meant to say it wouldn't matter what the transmission for the vehicle is

I had an Si which has a Helical limited slip dif, and brand new snowies and it SUCKED in the snow.

I drive a heavy, RWD sedan with a fair amount of negative camber.
Driving in the rain recently has been sketchy, I could feel that the rear tires are slipping quite often

Not even putting winter tires on the vehicle would be a good thing :okay:
It was scary to drive with winter tires even when the car was stock

3rd gen 4Runner. not that good on gas but practical, good in the city or road trips, fun for off-roading(fun factor), reliable, can be luxurious with the Limited trim level.

Jeep TJ.

I had a 2001 civic base model with winters and it was awesome once the snow compacted. In powder, yeah you need some ground clearance and probably AWD would help, but when it's compacted/on main roads -- the civic was a lot easier to handle and stopped way faster than a big SUV could in the snow/ice.

Just my two cents :okay:

3rd gen 4runner on hakkas or arctics

DuraTracs or BFG AT KO's are better imho.

Just get a Pajero Mini

Hopefully you can find one for $5,000

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...o_Mini_005.JPG

Also Pajero Jr.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._Pajero_Jr.jpg

Buy my Accord!

:fullofwin:

/shameless plug


....oorrrrrr I can sell you my Pathfinder for less... ;) lol

used subaru...

I heard turbocharged VW's are good in the snow :ifyouknow:

Lifted automatic civic.

2006 Eclipse GS and then throw some snowies on it.

And actually... I found my GTI great in the snow as long as it's not too deep. It's more a factor of tires than anything.

for a year round tire sure, for something just winter specific i'd rather take hakkas or arctics.

:fullofwin:

2000 ek with civic type r engine

i personally know the seller

i m sure he will give rs member some discount

mine is but its in a suzuki

Why? Both have the snowflake, The DuraTracs are great tires IMHO, and so are the BFG's.