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What are some good, cheap AWD cars?

S

SickBeast

Lifer
Are there any small cars comparable to a Civic with AWD? I've decided that front wheel drive just doesn't cut it for the conditions I drive in. Essentially, I want the ultimate winter commuter car for driving in heavy snow and icy conditions. I'd like to keep it under $25K.

I immediately thought of Subaru and Audi. I'm not a big fan of the Subarus, and the Audis are way overpriced and are not reliable at all.

What are some good options? Do Honda, Toyota, and Nissan even make a small AWD car?
 
Not really....a lancer evo is awd. I got a newer non-wrx impreza and I hate it so I wouldn't recommend that. Go for a used audi 🙂
 
Suzuki SX4 is a lot like a civic with AWD. Small, cheap, AWD.

Subaru WRX, the new one is supposed to be very, very good with 265hp and updated, sportier suspension.
 
Does Nissan make an AWD Maxima?

I don't need 262hp; I want good fuel economy. I drive long hauls on the highway twice a week on one of the snowiest and most dangerous higheways in Canada. The Civic has been good, but I want the best I can get given the conditions I've been dealing with this year.
 
Originally posted by: zerocool84
For heavy snow and ice you should get like a small SUV with 4WD not a sedan or coupe with AWD.
Click to expand...

This.

You need something with a bit more clearance than a sedan or coupe. AWD and snow tires are useless if the snow is too deep for your vehicle.

Look at the RAV4 and CR-V.
 
What about a lightly used BMW 328 / 330xi? You can get a nearly new one for right in that range. Example
Plus, you can knock that price in half (or more) if you go for one a few years older with more miles on it. Gas mileage is 17/25, premium only...not stellar, but not awful either.
 
We all know you'll have to buy a Subaru so stop fighting it.

Actually, if you want, the Infiniti G line has an AWD and is a sharp car.
 
What are people suggesting BMWs? It says cheap! And I think a subaru fits the bill but WRX? There are butt tons of used imprezas, legacy and outbacks for sale around here at all times. You should be able to get a new one of those for under your price cap. I've noticed a Fusion AWD, and Honda and Toyota make small SUVs that are fairly close to the subaru's in gas mileage...although nobody really seems able to touch them in the AWD + mileage segment.
 
Originally posted by: SickBeast
Does Nissan make an AWD Maxima?

I don't need 262hp; I want good fuel economy. I drive long hauls on the highway twice a week on one of the snowiest and most dangerous higheways in Canada. The Civic has been good, but I want the best I can get given the conditions I've been dealing with this year.
Click to expand...

No they don't, and a Maxima fits none of your qualifications.

Might want to consider a Forrester. It will have better ground clearance than a car and get about the same fuel economy.
 
Originally posted by: zerocool84
For heavy snow and ice you should get like a small SUV with 4WD not a sedan or coupe with AWD.
Click to expand...

Switching in and out of 4WD when the conditions change ftl. With my Frontier I was switching between 4Hi and 2WD many times during a 40 mile commute.

I much prefer AWD for mixed snow/ice conditions.
 
Originally posted by: PingSpike
What are people suggesting BMWs? It says cheap! And I think a subaru fits the bill but WRX? There are butt tons of used imprezas, legacy and outbacks for sale around here at all times. You should be able to get a new one of those for under your price cap. I've noticed a Fusion AWD, and Honda and Toyota make small SUVs that are fairly close to the subaru's in gas mileage...although nobody really seems able to touch them in the AWD + mileage segment.
Click to expand...

He listed a price range of $25k or less. The BMW I posted fits in that range - well under that, if he looks in the '01 - '05ish range.

And he specifically excluded Subaru.
 
Right now SUVS and pickups are dirt cheap, wether new or used. It may cost a bit extra in gas, but a 4 wheel drive model will get the job done, with plenty of ground clearance and a decent interior. Look at the Chevrolet or GMC line or Dodge / Ford if that is to
your liking.
 
You gotta remember that not all AWD is comparable. You want the "ultimate" winter car and throw out the two companies that are known for the best awd? Yea, good one.

EDIT: Even AWD within subaru is not all built the same. Differences within trims of the same model, and power split differences between manual and automatic.
 
Originally posted by: Jumpem
Originally posted by: zerocool84
For heavy snow and ice you should get like a small SUV with 4WD not a sedan or coupe with AWD.
Click to expand...

Switching in and out of 4WD when the conditions change ftl. With my Frontier I was switching between 4Hi and 2WD many times during a 40 mile commute.

I much prefer AWD for mixed snow/ice conditions.
Click to expand...

Yea but he said for heavy snow. I don't know if I just like to play it safe but for heavy snow, I wouldn't go with a sedan with AWD.
 
Originally posted by: Jumpem
Originally posted by: zerocool84
For heavy snow and ice you should get like a small SUV with 4WD not a sedan or coupe with AWD.
Click to expand...

Switching in and out of 4WD when the conditions change ftl. With my Frontier I was switching between 4Hi and 2WD many times during a 40 mile commute.

I much prefer AWD for mixed snow/ice conditions.
Click to expand...

Look, most trucks with electronic, shift on the fly 4x4 systems do not work this way. I know you bring it up in every thread but Nissan's crappy system is not the norm. With almost all modern, electronic 4x4 systems the only time you, the driver, must shift anything is if you want to go into low range gears - and those are pretty worthless in snow anyway and will never be used. Low range is for going up or down very, very steep grades. The automatic 4x4 engagement system is perfect for snow - if the rear wheels slip the front wheels engage.

No amount of 4x4 or AWD will help on ice without studded tires.
 
Originally posted by: iFX
Caliber. Although the 2009 model drops AWD so you need a 2006, 7 or 8.
Click to expand...

Please do NOT buy a Caliber, unless you've test driven one and like it.
It was the 2nd worst thing I've ever driven, 1st being the Jeep Liberty!
 
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