Recommendations for a Cheap Reliable Pre-Owned Car?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Sep 18 2007, 09:19 AM) [snapback]514249[/snapback]</div>

I don't know much about 4WD, 4X4, AWD, etc. I've never had much need for it. However, this information seems to answer the question. It is from wikipedia so while a good starting point I can't vouch for it's accuracy or validity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four-wheel_drive

"The term four-wheel drive describes truck-like vehicles that require the driver to manually switch between two-wheel drive mode for streets and four-wheel drive mode for low traction conditions such as ice, mud, snow, slippery surfaces, or loose gravel. All-wheel drive (AWD) is often used to describe a "full time" 4WD that may be used on dry pavement without destroying the drivetrain (It should be noted that "Full-Time" 4WD can be disengaged and the center differential can be locked, essentially turning it into regular 4WD. On the other hand, AWD cannot be disengaged and the center differential cannot be locked.) [1][2], although the term may be abused when marketing a vehicle. AWD can be used on dry pavement because it employs the use of a center differential, which allows each tire to receive different amounts of power. This eliminates driveline binding, wheel hop and other driveline issues associated with the use of 4WD on dry pavement."


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Sep 18 2007, 09:19 AM) [snapback]514249[/snapback]</div>

Hmm, those are some relative terms. What one person considers inexpensive, another is likely to consider way too much (although you do offer a starting point somewhere over $5k, I'm not sure how much you or your daughter were planning on contributing). What one person considers reliable enough, another might think has too many problems. How fuel efficient are you looking for? 10mpg is very fuel efficient compared to 4mpg.

Anyhow, the wikipedia link I included above includes a list of automobiles that are available with various forms of 4WD and AWD. It shouldn't be too difficult to find out which models fall into your price range (edmunds.com?, cars.com?). Once you do that, a little research (Consumer Reports? Internet searches? Discussions with a local mechanic?) should help you figure out which of those are more reliable.

Hopefully someone here at PriusChat will respond to you with more direct answers rather than just pointing you in a good direction, but in case they don't I hope this has been helpful.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Sep 18 2007, 10:19 AM) [snapback]514249[/snapback]</div>

You do want AWD as explained above. The Subaru line of cars are all AWD and their 4 cylinder models have reasonable gas mileage (My Legacy Outback averages about 24 MPG; Their smaller ones do a little better). These are reliable and safe cars that last a long time (my 1997 Outback has gone 208,000 miles with only a few problems). My only complaint is their tendency to leak a little oil on our garage floor.

JeffD

 

Here is a simpler, more direct description 4WD and AWD.

Now a few years ago I read an article in Popular Science/Mechanics where they compared an AWD w/ all-season tires to a FWD w/ snow tires on snowy and icy roads. The AWD had an edge, but only a small one. So, depending on what she actually needs for, if she has to gat into work no matter what, has the storage space for a second set of tires, etc. an AWD may not be a must.

 

Also, to be a fly in the ointment, make sure you really do want AWD/4WD, if FWD might do (it opens up a lot more options, such as Toyotas and Hondas). If she lives in the country or somewhere where the roads aren't plowed, then AWD can help from getting stuck... but if she lives in the city and/or can afford to wait a bit after a dump before having to drive, then FWD may be a good choice. Especially for a new driver, where AWD (or "four wheel GO") can lead to a false sense of security in slippery conditions.

 

i would also open up consideration to front-wheel drive rather than just 4wd or awd if she's in a city situation.

many a winter i would plug along in my fwd, awd/4wd cars flying by me, only to pass them 10 miles later as they sat in the ditch.

we drove DH's camry through a whiteout storm across the state of wisconsin one january and it made it just fine with a good driver and safe practice.

 

I've never had a 4WD vehicle in my life, and have survived. When the roads are really bad, I stay home, or walk to work. I second the notion of at least giving FrontWD serious consideration.

When you do that, you can add Civic to your list, and put it right at the top, with good fuel economy and excellent reliability and durability.

There are way too many SUV drivers who use snow as an excuse to drive gas hogs.

Harry

 

I do think that a Subaru would be a good choice for a new driver due to reliability and safety. But I'm going to agree that AWD really isn't necessary. I've been driving for the better part of a decade and spent most of it in New England and Upstate NY. My FWD and RWD cars have done great in the snow as long as the snow tires were on. In many cases I've been able to drive where many 4WD and AWD cars couldn't simply because they were running all-season tires and couldn't get traction. And remember that the drive train transmits the power, but the tires are responsible for the turning and the stopping (and also transmitting the power).

So I have two suggestions. 1) Have a look at older 4-cylinder Accords because they are safe, reliable, and reasonably efficient. (I'm biased...mine was a great car.) 2) Rather than kicking in the extra money for the car, ear-mark your share ($500-600 of it) toward that set of good snow tires mounted on their own wheels no matter what car she gets. That will go a VERY long way toward her safety.

 

I had a Toyota RAV4 with AWD for many years. It is a very reliable car and good in snow. Any Toyota has excellent reliability ratings on Consumer Reports.

Good luck.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Blue Hoosier @ Sep 18 2007, 03:49 PM) [snapback]514480[/snapback]</div>

I would second a RAV4. A friend of mine has a mid-1990s and it's been very reliable for him. I would choose Toyota over Subaru any day. Toyota used to make a 4WD Tercel wagon, but I think that was way back in the 1980s.

 

I have a RAV4 and it's a good thing. All wheel drive Celica will handle shallow snow but not sure about fuel consumption.
I had a Tercel years ago and loved it, getting a bit long in the tooth now unfortunately. AWD Corolla wagon would be an economical used car with practical carrying capacity.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusRos @ Sep 18 2007, 04:18 PM) [snapback]514492[/snapback]</div>

I think you are a little confused as to what one does with snow / winter tires. You don't change them every time it snows. At the beginning of the winter season in your area your daughter would change to the snow tires and leave them on all winter until spring. Our friends in Europe that live in snowy climates such as the Scandinavian countries and Germany make this a mandatory requirement. Most of them have a set of basic black steel wheels that the winter tires are mounted on. This is a very easy thing to do, it is really is as easy as changing a tire. You daughter could do this herself our have it done as part of the normal maintenance. The wheels come off every 5K miles for a tire rotation, so it would be easy to have the technician put the winter tires / wheels on.

I agree with others here that AWD is not necessary unless you live off paved roads or out in rural areas where it takes a long time for road crews to reach your area. Both my wife and I grew up in Michigan and managed just fine with 2wd vehicles even with just all-season tires. I had a FWD Cavalier and my wife had a RWD Ford Ranger.

For a vehicle I would recommend a late 90's to early 2000 Honda Accord with the 4 cylinder and a manual transmission. Very reliable, readably available, 4/5 star crash ratings and 25/30 mpg.

 

the only time front wheel drive has been beneficial to me in the snow has been for getting unstuck in the driveway. Otherwise I leave it in 2WD because it eats more gas in 4WD mode.