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For an occasional driver how to purchase a car?

K

Kntx

Platinum Member
So I brought my car out on friday night to go play hockey and realized once again just how useless my car is in snow. So at a whim I've decided to get a new car that doesn't suck so much in the snow.

Now I only drive about 10,000 KM (~6000 miles) per year and probably a good deal less. So I was thinking given my driving habits is it best to buy a new car, lease a new car, buy a newish used car, lease a used car???

I saw a low mileage lease not too long ago in the paper for either an A3 or an A4 (i think it was 12,000 km a year) for what looked like a reasonable price. Seemed like a not too bad idea.

I'm leaning towards something like a 2005 or 2006 off lease car, but maybe there's a better option.

For those interested I've been looking at Xterras and Imprezzas. I like the idea of having a 4 wheel drive. The Xterra seems like it could drive thru anything. I like that idea.
 
If you're interested in keeping your current car I'd recommend a good set of snow tires and a set of extra rims for them. They make a world of difference.
 
Used Impreza hatchback. 4WD, good cargo capacity (for all your sports equipment). The gas millage sucks for a vehicle that size, but that's probably not a great concern if you are not driving a lot of miles.
 
How close do you live from a dealer or rental place. Given your statements about infrequent use and low miles you might consider dumping the car entirely and renting one when needed. It would give you the flexibility to rent the right vehicle for the specific use and likely save you money.
 
Best value? Old Ford Ranger with the 4.0 V6 and 4WD. The 2.3 litre I4 is a good engine too, but it's a trifle sluggish.

ZV
 
you might get a used audi for cheaper, and obviously get quattro for snow action. the cheapest option is to get a pair of snow tires. IMO it sounds to me like you want an excuse to upgrade cars.

no offense, but if you want a new car, just say so. ATG isn't here to bash you for saying "hey i want a new car, i'm looking at ______"
 
o boy... you are coming from an SVT... and want something that will be comparable to it, but better in the snow...

have fun, the CSVT is one hell of a car.

maybe a Cobalt SS with the ecu GM released that will allow you to have over 290 hp, w/ factory warranty...

perhaps an 08 WRX STI? you can find them for WELL below $30k after incentives. (fast, fun, awd)

then i suggest going to the used lots...
G35X
Used A4
 
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
o boy... you are coming from an SVT... and want something that will be comparable to it, but better in the snow...

have fun, the CSVT is one hell of a car.

maybe a Cobalt SS with the ecu GM released that will allow you to have over 290 hp, w/ factory warranty...

perhaps an 08 WRX STI? you can find them for WELL below $30k after incentives. (fast, fun, awd)

then i suggest going to the used lots...
G35X
Used A4
Click to expand...

Why would you recommend someone to buy a "sports" car to drive in the snow???
 
My Contour was always awesome in the snow. What are you doing wrong? Do you have summer tires, bad alignment, etc.?

 
Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
you might get a used audi for cheaper, and obviously get quattro for snow action. the cheapest option is to get a pair of snow tires. IMO it sounds to me like you want an excuse to upgrade cars.

no offense, but if you want a new car, just say so. ATG isn't here to bash you for saying "hey i want a new car, i'm looking at ______"
Click to expand...

Well obviously 🙂

Anyway it's not exactly an upgrade... I'll keep the Contour. I love that guy. He has great seats, he's so fun to drive on the 2 lane highways (in summer) and ladies love him for some reason.

I was really just wondering because I'm always hearing people say things like "well because of my driving habits it's better to do X rather than Y ... " etc. I havn't bought a lot of cars, so I just don't know. Maybe it's a whole lot of BS!




 
Originally posted by: Kntx
Well obviously 🙂

Anyway it's not exactly an upgrade... I'll keep the Contour. I love that guy. He has great seats, he's so fun to drive on the 2 lane highways (in summer) and ladies love him for some reason.

I was really just wondering because I'm always hearing people say things like "well because of my driving habits it's better to do X rather than Y ... " etc. I havn't bought a lot of cars, so I just don't know. Maybe it's a whole lot of BS!
Click to expand...

If you're keeping the Contour as your main car, then just get an old beater 4x4 pickup to use only in the snow. It makes almost no sense at all, no matter what your driving habits, to buy a nice and newish car for use only a few weeks out of the year when the snow is bad.

ZV
 
i can vouch for the xterra. it WILL drive through anything. i have the 2nd gen and look forward to the snow. a buddy of mine picked up a 2008 automatic, 4X4 for 20K out the door (including TTL). I've seen 2008 4x2's new advertised for as low as 12K.
 
Take a look at a lease on an 09 Impreza WRX or possibly purchase a 05-06 used, you'll have plenty of fun in the snow with it and performance should be on par or better than your SVT
 
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Best value? Old Ford Ranger with the 4.0 V6 and 4WD. The 2.3 litre I4 is a good engine too, but it's a trifle sluggish.

ZV
Click to expand...

and a couple of sand bags
 
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Originally posted by: Kntx
Well obviously 🙂

Anyway it's not exactly an upgrade... I'll keep the Contour. I love that guy. He has great seats, he's so fun to drive on the 2 lane highways (in summer) and ladies love him for some reason.

I was really just wondering because I'm always hearing people say things like "well because of my driving habits it's better to do X rather than Y ... " etc. I havn't bought a lot of cars, so I just don't know. Maybe it's a whole lot of BS!
Click to expand...

If you're keeping the Contour as your main car, then just get an old beater 4x4 pickup to use only in the snow. It makes almost no sense at all, no matter what your driving habits, to buy a nice and newish car for use only a few weeks out of the year when the snow is bad.

ZV
Click to expand...

I agree. Look around for a beater pickup, jeep, or other small SUV with 4x4. You can pick them up for a few grand. For the best deal look for one that's mechanically ok but isn't the best looking. For a beater to use in the snow who cares if it has dirty carpets from people driving with dirty boots or if the paint has a few scratches? Just lean on the seller because it's not cosmetically perfect to bring down the price.
 
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