vB Easy Archive - Need an AWD vehicle to replace 95 stang

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Need an AWD vehicle to replace 95 stang
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Posted by: daveyp225

Hey.. winter is comming again, and that means one more winter where I am stuck inside my house unless I get a ride from a friend who owns a jeep. Basically, I am selling my 95 mustang gt conv which can go nowhere but in a circle when there is a light dusting of snow.. And I want a reliable 4WD or AWD car that is under 15k dollars.

I expect to get around 7k for my car.. maybe a bit more, and I dont want to finance anything more than 7000 dollars cuz I am a college student and only bring in about 150 a week. I need help deciding, and I am still considering basically everything.

What do you guys think of the jeep liberty or subaru impreza? Those are the two I'm looking at right now, but am open to any and all suggestions!

I prefer a manual transmission & any where around 200hp or greater..

Thanks,
Dave

Posted by: c^2

used WRX

Posted by: [bisheadking]

Just because its AWD doesn't mean its going to be amazing in the snow, i mean i don't see an impreza being that much greater then a stang just because its still a small body and low to the ground.

Get a truck if u're really serious about the snow.

Posted by: daveyp225

c^2 - I was already considering the impreza wrx (#1 or 2 on my list), but I am skeptical about its bad weather capibilities.. if anyone has first hand experience here please enlighten me.

bisheadking - I agree that AWD doesnt imply great snow travel, that is why I am looking for information from those with first hand experience. A pickup really isn't my style. Maybe a little f-150 but that doesn't leave much room for anything else.

I have heard some good things about the 02 jeep liberty and ford escape, but am also worried that since they are small, thin and top-heavy that they may be prone to flip over.. is it something to truly consider?

Dave

Posted by: dead_cactus

chevy blazer
nissan pathfinder

Posted by: c^2

An SUV does not necessarily equal better snow performance - if anything, the higher centre of gravity and less manuverability doesn't help much. Ground clearance might help though.

What about an A4 Quattro? pre 2002 models should be well within your price range

Posted by: daveyp225

Audi was actually my FIRST choice, but I don;t really want the 1.8T. Most of the 2.8 v6's are a bit steep for me right now. Maybe I will get lucky by scouting autotrader every day.

Dave

Posted by: Skylinepilot

Agreeing on what they said about AWD, it doesn't make you invincible. But it sure can be fun:
http://www.wallpaperinstaller.com/m...cartrouble2.wmv

I run my WRX off road but haven't blessed it with snow yet... But from driving gravel, dirt, mud and wet highways I can say it's different from RWD. In an imminent crash, it won't make you superman but Subaru's have developed a good reputation in the safety department if you have a collision.

Although this doesn't apply to too many, from a racing stand point you will have the advantage in practically all conditions with AWD. AWD cars are on top of rally-X's, ice racing and auto-X's that have been rained on.

Posted by: xgambit

get a subaru justy

its just full of awd goodness!

Posted by: mau108

some fun with hondas

http://users.volja.net/andbor/HRVfun.wmv

Posted by: Skylinepilot

Wow, looks like an HR-V... not too many 2 dr (which is probably considered 3dr) suv's out there.

Posted by: ProjectGSX

Quote:

Originally posted by [bisheadking]
Just because its AWD doesn't mean its going to be amazing in the snow, i mean i don't see an impreza being that much greater then a stang just because its still a small body and low to the ground.

Actually, AWD or even FWD will be much easier to control on slick surfaces than a Mustang (or any reasonably powered RWD car). I went up to Tahoe in my buddies Talon and I was amazed at how well it handled in the snow.

In regards to the Impreza vs Mustang, it has nothing to do with the Impreza having a small body and lower center of gravity. Its simply 4 wheels turning vs 2. In a traction limited situation, you want as much weight over the wheels as possible. The Mustang is at a huge disadvantage for that reason.

Posted by: daveyp225

Thanks for all the replys. I think I will go with an 02 Jeep Liberty. They look like very solid vehicles and can be very customizable.. The reviews @ MSN Autos were very good, except for the RWD versions @ the AT versions. They are one of the few nice suvs that come with a powerful engine and a manual trans, plus they are just as heavy as the cherokee dispite their smaller size.. Should be great for what I need it for.

Thanks again
Dave

Posted by: SharpST77

tires play a big role too