Daily Driver / Winter Car

WheelmanSS · 06-21-2012, 08:30 AM

Hey yo,

So I been wracking my brain around what I should do for a daily driver / winter car. The last couple years, I would pick up some turd for a couple of grand, rock it for November through March, then clean it up and flip it and usually make a few pennies.

That strategy has worked pretty well, but since I'm moving up the ladder, I would like to maybe get something a little nicer and a little more permanent. When the Camaro is apart, carpooling with the GF is painful. It would be nice to have a plan B.

So I'm looking for suggestions. I was thinking something AWD or 4WD. Maybe an SUV. Not looking for a clunker, but I don't really want to break the bank. If I didn't have such an awful experience with my TBSS, that would have been a nice option. I don't want to go as far/steep as the Jeep SRT8. Maybe a nice sedan? I'd like it to be something with decent interior and climate control. Something I can put a nice sound system in.

so yea, let 'er rip.

AdamZ · 06-21-2012, 08:32 AM

mid 2000s Ford Explorer.

Cheap and easy.

PsychoZL1 · 06-21-2012, 08:37 AM

A 2003-2005 Hummer H3

Early 2000's Subaru WRX
Early 2000's Nissan Xterra
Early 2000's Toyota 4runner

WheelmanSS · 06-21-2012, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamZ

mid 2000s Ford Explorer.

Actually thought about that, but I'd like to keep my streak of No Fords alive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsychoRS

A 2003-2005 Hummer H3

Early 2000's Subaru WRX
Early 2000's Nissan Xterra
Early 2000's Toyota 4runner

H3 - too much on gas.
WRX - Thought about that, might have to take a closer look.
Xterra - Not familiar with them, but could be an option
4Runner - Good thought, I had not considered them but that is a pretty strong option. Have to see if I can find one priced appropriately.

heRS · 06-21-2012, 10:31 AM

I'm on my 2nd mazda pickup since 1991, have gotten good service from both of them. It's handy to have a pickup, and the 4x4 works so well on winter roads. I drove the 86 rwd for more than 10 years then got the 90 model 4x4 b2600i which I love! Hubby drove the 86 up until about 3 months ago when he traded it for a Ford Ranger pickup with a new motor in it.

styphon · 06-21-2012, 10:36 AM

I have a junker 1998 Ford Ranger 4x4 for the winter...

I also thought about the WRX, but I think I would end up spending tons of money modding it because I can't help myself..

PsychoZL1 · 06-21-2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by styphon

I also thought about the WRX, but I think I would end up spending tons of money modding it because I can't help myself..

gr8whitebuff · 06-21-2012, 10:50 AM

I picked up a cruze lt getting close 2 30mpg city not the fastest car and not the most head turning but it dose the job nice driving past gas station instead of haveing to stop at everyone like I do in the ss

WheelmanSS · 06-21-2012, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by styphon

I have a junker 1998 Ford Ranger 4x4 for the winter...

I also thought about the WRX, but I think I would end up spending tons of money modding it because I can't help myself..

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr8whitebuff

I picked up a cruze lt getting close 2 30mpg city not the fastest car and not the most head turning but it dose the job nice driving past gas station instead of haveing to stop at everyone like I do in the ss

I do like the Cruze, however I don't trust it to handle a Chicago winter for me in that regard.

I'm definitely not worried about turning heads, I could care less about that even with my Camaro. I can live with a car with a lot of dings and scrapes on the outside. The interior quality is my concern.

gr8whitebuff · 06-21-2012, 01:32 PM

Well the interior is actually really nice and as far as the snow I just bought mine 3 months ago so haven't been able to drive it in the snow we have bad lake effect snow up to 6 to 12 inches of snow I had a srt-4 and it handled the snow perfect so I'm thinking I will not have any problems with the cruze but good luck with what u end up getting

PalmerGA · 06-21-2012, 04:22 PM

Look at 5-10 year old Audi, Volvo, Subaru all wheel drive sedans. They are built well and you can get a decent one for well under $10K. See......

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...cord=101&Log=0

_Nick_ · 06-21-2012, 04:34 PM

How 'bout an Eagle?

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/cto/3081331986.html

DaBears · 06-21-2012, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WheelmanSS

Actually thought about that, but I'd like to keep my streak of No Fords alive.

H3 - too much on gas.
WRX - Thought about that, might have to take a closer look.
Xterra - Not familiar with them, but could be an option
4Runner - Good thought, I had not considered them but that is a pretty strong option. Have to see if I can find one priced appropriately.

So you would rather consider a foreign car over a Ford? wow dude, just wow

one~Bad~SS · 06-21-2012, 07:28 PM

maybe a 2000's a4? you can get those pretty cheap and are great cars for winter hence all wheel drive. but can get pricey for timing belts and pumps and what not..... your choice.

06-21-2012, 08:30 AM	#1
WheelmanSS Logic is dead Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,804	Daily Driver / Winter Car Hey yo, So I been wracking my brain around what I should do for a daily driver / winter car. The last couple years, I would pick up some turd for a couple of grand, rock it for November through March, then clean it up and flip it and usually make a few pennies. That strategy has worked pretty well, but since I'm moving up the ladder, I would like to maybe get something a little nicer and a little more permanent. When the Camaro is apart, carpooling with the GF is painful. It would be nice to have a plan B. So I'm looking for suggestions. I was thinking something AWD or 4WD. Maybe an SUV. Not looking for a clunker, but I don't really want to break the bank. If I didn't have such an awful experience with my TBSS, that would have been a nice option. I don't want to go as far/steep as the Jeep SRT8. Maybe a nice sedan? I'd like it to be something with decent interior and climate control. Something I can put a nice sound system in. so yea, let 'er rip. __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS (LS3) 573 RWHP 498 RWTQ - Vortech V3 Supercharger - Kooks Stepped Headers, Magnaflow 16580 - Suspension by Pfadt, Hotchkis. 2007 Trailblazer SS- Sold 2001 Trans Am WS6 431 RWHP 408 RWTQ - Sold 1994 Camaro Z28 - Sold

06-21-2012, 10:31 AM	#5
heRS Raised by Wolves Drives: IBM 2010 2LT RS M6 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 5,981 View My Garage	I'm on my 2nd mazda pickup since 1991, have gotten good service from both of them. It's handy to have a pickup, and the 4x4 works so well on winter roads. I drove the 86 rwd for more than 10 years then got the 90 model 4x4 b2600i which I love! Hubby drove the 86 up until about 3 months ago when he traded it for a Ford Ranger pickup with a new motor in it. __________________ Tori click the sig pic to view my build thread

06-21-2012, 10:36 AM	#6
styphon Drives: 2011 Camaro 2ss Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: ny Posts: 99	I have a junker 1998 Ford Ranger 4x4 for the winter... I also thought about the WRX, but I think I would end up spending tons of money modding it because I can't help myself.. __________________ Build: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...49#post5161649

06-21-2012, 04:22 PM	#11
PalmerGA Drives: 2013 SIM 1SS/RS L99 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southwest GA Posts: 8,754 View My Garage	Look at 5-10 year old Audi, Volvo, Subaru all wheel drive sedans. They are built well and you can get a decent one for well under $10K. See...... http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...cord=101&Log=0 __________________ 2013 1SS/RS Coupe L99, Stainless Power Works LT Headers, SCT X4 Custom Tune from RDP, CAI Inc. Air Intake w/ Apex Scoop, VMAX CNC Ported Throttle Body, Solo Axle-Back Exhaust w/ J-pipes, Apex Catch Can, Husky Splash Guards, Heritage Grille, 3D Carbon Rear Spoiler, Oracle Chrome Turn Signal Bulbs, GM Reverse Light Trim Billets, Gorilla Black Locking Lugs, Emblem Pros Retro SS Badges/Custom Retro SS Kickplates/Under-hood Bowtie, 35% window Tint, Nitto Motivo Tires (6-8-18)

06-21-2012, 04:34 PM	#12
_Nick_ Drives: '87 T/A, '87 IROC, '70 Grand Prix Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Long Island Posts: 451	How 'bout an Eagle? http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/cto/3081331986.html __________________

06-21-2012, 08:32 AM	#2
AdamZ Account Suspended Drives: Eve - 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Fairfield, OH Posts: 11,814	mid 2000s Ford Explorer. Cheap and easy.

06-21-2012, 08:37 AM	#3
PsychoZL1 Drives: 2015 Challenger SRT Join Date: May 2011 Location: Roy, UT Posts: 1,001	A 2003-2005 Hummer H3 Early 2000's Subaru WRX Early 2000's Nissan Xterra Early 2000's Toyota 4runner

06-21-2012, 10:50 AM	#8
gr8whitebuff Drives: 2010 camaro 2ss Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 133	I picked up a cruze lt getting close 2 30mpg city not the fastest car and not the most head turning but it dose the job nice driving past gas station instead of haveing to stop at everyone like I do in the ss

06-21-2012, 01:32 PM	#10
gr8whitebuff Drives: 2010 camaro 2ss Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 133	Well the interior is actually really nice and as far as the snow I just bought mine 3 months ago so haven't been able to drive it in the snow we have bad lake effect snow up to 6 to 12 inches of snow I had a srt-4 and it handled the snow perfect so I'm thinking I will not have any problems with the cruze but good luck with what u end up getting

06-21-2012, 07:28 PM	#14
one~Bad~SS Drives: 2011 2SS/RS CGM LS3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Park City, Utah Posts: 525	maybe a 2000's a4? you can get those pretty cheap and are great cars for winter hence all wheel drive. but can get pricey for timing belts and pumps and what not..... your choice.