Looking for a new winter beater...

[96Firebird]

Probably going to use my current winter beater for the last time this winter, and want to look start looking at possible replacements. Right now I drive a '95 Cutlass Supreme with a 3.1L V6. 3rd motor in the car, motor has around 180k on it. Car has around 215k on it, and it is about time to retire it. I will probably end up selling it next spring, and buy the new beater at that time.

My winter beaters are actually year round vehicles now, since my dog hates riding in the Trans Am (too loud and not much room, plus I hate getting hair everywhere). I want to find a jet ski to use for next summer, so the new beater will have to be able to trailer and launch a jet ski. I was thinking either a wagon, or a small SUV. Any wheel drive is fine, I used to drive a RWD '86 Cutlass in the winter so I have no problem with that. Budget is going to be around $4k, but the cheaper the better. I don't really care about looks, but I'd like reliability.

Any suggestions? So all in all, I want something that I can transport my dog (~75lbs) comfortably and tow a jet ski. It's main use will be in the winter. Thanks.

 

[Vic Vega]

Taurus wagon.

Something like this: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...=5&searchRadius=500&listingId=321101308&Log=0

 

[exar333]

Crown Victoria would be fantastic. Sure its RWD, but get some cheao winter tires on that for winter use and it will tow your jet ski the summer.

 

[jlee]

My favorite winter beater ever is a Forester XT. You won't be able to get one for $4k though.

 

[96Firebird]

The only problem I foresee with RWD is launching the ski, as the rear tires may get wet and cause me to spin pulling the weight up the launch's incline. I guess it really depends on the trailer and how long the tongue is...

And I was thinking about a Subaru wagon, but they hold their value well.

 

[JoeyP]

The only problem I foresee with RWD is launching the ski, as the rear tires may get wet and cause me to spin pulling the weight up the launch's incline. I guess it really depends on the trailer and how long the tongue is...

And I was thinking about a Subaru wagon, but they hold their value well.

An older Ford Explorer would work well. Put some snows on and you'll be good to go. Plenty of cargo space as well.

Plus, it's pretty hard finding a Subaru without an Obama/Biden bumper sticker.

 

[mvbighead]

Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee with a 4.0L inline 6. Should be plenty of options, a hitch, and ample room for your pup. Slip it into 4WD if slippage becomes a problem.

I have one with a 4.7 and it is fine, but the 4.0L is a pretty highly regarded engine. I had a 1992 back in the day that I drove to college. Took it from 130k to 212k without issue. 4WD always worked. Seats folded down. Had plenty of power for what it was too.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Subarus also blow headgaskets like crazy.

Just have too look and see what is available. When I was looking in the same range for something practical there weren't a lot of decent options. Ended up buying an 03 pontiac vibe for $2200. Since you don't care about looks how about a pontiac aztec . Horrible resale value due to the ugly but very practical and available with AWD.