I just sold my car to get a 350z. Well I don't want to drive it in winter.

So what is something I could get to drive and have some fun with. To me reliability and comfort trumps everything. I have around 10K to spend and will travel if needed.

Auto or manual (which is most reliable)?

Help me out guys!

 

Do you travel in traffic?? I have a 2001 Audi TT AWD 6mt as a daily , i drive in nyc traffic 75min to and from work each way. I'm fine with it.

 

Traffic is not too bad up here really. I do well with the 350z and thats stick.

How do you like the audi? I've heard about issues with oil consumption/leaks

I never thought of a TT because I always thought it was a 2 seater!

 

Not sure about which type of car, but if you're comfortable with a stick, I would definitely say MT for winter driving. More control, you can downshift when needed instead of braking, etc. Grew up in Syracuse so I know what youre talking about haha

 

WRX wagon, I wanted one as a DD for the longest time. Either that or the Subaru Forester XT. Couldn't find any non molested ones though so I went ahead and got a 2001 Toyota 4Runner and haven't looked back, the only thing I don't like about it is the MPG and small gas tank.

 

Of the cars your listed, i would go subaru WRX. The WRX can be fun to drive with the AWD + manual. You could prob find an older model in your price range or close to it. I would also price out the older mitsu evos. Again, AWD + manual. An older model A4 with quattro would be good for the winters, but may not be as fun as the wrx/evo

 

If Batavia gets as much snow as we did in Buffalo, I'd go for whatever reasonably priced AWD beater I could find. With all the snow, ice and worst of all salt you shouldn't even care what it looks like. Just as long as you can maneuver well through snow and on ice and have enough room for a shovel in the back.
Used to carry shovels in our trunks during the winters...you had to.

 

moving to NE Section...

 

I dont know how much snow you get but a cheap alternative is getting a second set of wheels with snow tires. This past winter was my fIrst time with them, and although we didnt get much snow, i did drive in the snow and was blown away by how much grip i had.

 

I always love getting into my fully loaded A6 Avant honestly awd and you can fit motors and other fun things in the back...

 

Ive driven my z for 2 winters now and it's been alright. I've had to leave it at home a combined approximate 2 weeks over that time ( 3+ inches).

IMO owning a 10k car because you don't want to drive a (10-20k) isn't worth it.. Just get a decent looking 17 inch rims and some meaty snow tires and you should be ok.

I do live in NYC tho so having a car is optional altogether.

 

I was thinking the same thing, the only time I drive my beater is when there's snow on the ground I only drove it like 4 days this winter, 10k would be such a waste... Unless you plan on taking your Z off the road completely and dedicate your beater to winter months duty maybe then it would be worth it. Otherwise, spend 2k on a beater, spend the other 8k on your Z and drive it ~345 days out of the year

 

how bout a 350z i drive mine all year with all seasons going on 4 years now

 

My winter driver and occasional summer toy is a Jeep Wrangler.

 

Thats basically it, the salt ruins the car. And let's face it the 350z isn't a winter vehicle.

I snowboard, so the z isn't an option. I know about the boofsquare but no thanks.