Try to boost my post count.... Yes, you can drive it in snow as others said. Ground clearance will be an issue if you're going to drive in few inches of snow. I put a set of Blizzaks on mine in winter and I can climb my driveway uphill, no problem. If it's really bad, I usually just stay home or take my wife's Rav4 but yes, it can be done safely if you exercise good judgment. Contrary to what a lot of people on this site will tell you, you can drive it in snow with the right equipment. Somehow people before 90s managed to drive RWD cars in winter before but since that time, snow has gotten more slippery and most think it can't be done safely, or is it that average drivers just lack the skill It must be the snow

 

Just don't do it. It can be done, but don't. It's not a smart option. You can put mud tires equipped with asphalt glue and spikes, you still run the risk. Instead of spending 1K on tires, spend 500 on a beater. If it gets hit, who cares. If you spend more on tires and get hit, how pissed will you be?

Very. Very, very pissed.

 

I say *** it. My car isn't a drive way queen. Slap some snow tires on and let it eat. Had mine in the snow and no problems.

 

I guess I just disagree with your approach. I know there's always risk even in a sunny day, in August with summers on. Economically, spending on $500 on a beater is not quite $500. If you ever owned a $500 car, you'll know you'll have to dump another $500 almost immediately in order for it to be somewhat safe. Add insurance (another couple hundred bucks) and other fees and the numbers aren't so good anymore.

As far as getting hit, if I get hit, I'll get hit regardless. If it is the Z, so be it. I'll buy another one with the payout. From the safety's point, I'd rather be in the Z than a beater. It's just a car. I'll eventually own a different one and if my Z dies in a fire tomorrow, I'll buy another one. Life goes on.

I think it comes down to the comfort level of the driver. Some people just aren't very good drivers. We all like to think we're the best drivers in the world and everybody else sucks but the truth is some are better at it than others.....just like everything else in life. I wouldn't say the OP should do it. I think it can be done and I have done it and will continue to do it this upcoming winter. And lastly, I really enjoy driving the Z. I can't enjoy driving it if I have to park it for 5 months somewhere. Defeats the purpose of owning it. What's the point? I'd rather drive it year round and bet on myself not to crash vs. playing it slightly safer and park it somewhere. OP needs to decide what is right for him/her.

 

The reason I say don't do it is simply because the fact if you're doing it for the first time in a RWD like him, it's probably not going to work out in your favor. Of course, some people really are good at driving; if I wanted, I could drive mine in the winter. Do I really want to? No.

You run a larger risk in the winter, keyword being larger, of smashing into a tree, losing control, whatever the case may be. For inexperience, the winter conditions will probably be the death of you. Not to mention everything else that takes the toll on the car. Whether it be beating on your suspension or eroding the undercarriage, I'd much rather park the car.

Figure it this way:

Gas in a Z all winter + insurance + tires = X.
Gas in a 4-cylinder + insurance + cost to buy = Y.

Which do you figure is cheaper? You can buy a good quality car really cheap if you look. Even if it lasts a couple of months, it's served it's purpose. Repairs if you hit the Z as compared to a beater you probably won't fix? Meh. No brainer for me. It's my opinion and I respect yours. Hopefully you respect my point of view.