Element
I’d go with a Honda Element right now. I would have said CRV, but they changed the design for 2007 and looking at the roofline, it doesn’t look too good for car topping. Maybe if you can find a low mileage CRV from 2006 and before, that would be a good choice.
Next choice would be a Subaru Outback or Forester. OK cars, but my wife has a 2003 Outback and I have a 2003 CRV. We both have roughly 150k on the vehicles and they were both bought new within months of each other.
My CRV has only had the brakes and exhaust system replaced in that time. My wife’s Outback has been in the shop half a dozen times for a variety of problems.
We had a similar experience when I had a 1997 Honda Civic and she had a 1998 Subaru Legacy, so I think the Hondas have a big edge in reliability over the Subarus. The Subarus are nicely designed and ride quieter and more comfortably than the Hondas though. Just not as reliable.
celia
Many times, for newer cars you can find a set of factory wheels from the dealer, used, or on ebay. People like to swap out wheels to personalize their vehicle or augment performance. So you could conceivably get a used and cheap set of factory rims with sensor, mount snows and have a dedicated set, keeping the sensors intact on each set.
I know Discount sells plain steel rims for winter use also but I don’t think they would have the sensors.
impreza WRX
The STi doesn’t come in wagon form. but the WRX does. It’s a hoot to drive and the turbo gives you a bit of “best of both worlds” re: performance and economy.
Agree
I have to agree with the reliability and expense of the Subaru. I wont buy another one.
Tires don’t come off for rotations.
And I didn’t say it WOULDN’T happen, just not that likely. Extended warranties do make sense sometimes. It depends on the cost. When I bought a Honda-certified used CRV in 2002 w/ 60K miles on it, they offered an extended up to 100K or 4 years for $400. That was a good deal. When I just bought my wife a new Element last summer, they wanted $1600. I passed on that. I told the guy, if you think I’m spending $1600 on maint. in the next 7 years on this new vehicle, then let’s tear the paperwork up right now. That’s why I buy Honda. If it was a GM or Ford, that would have been a good deal. . . .
Second set of rims
Aware of the idea, and for one car I had them. But even with options like EBay it’s not an insignificant investment to go for four plus good snow tires and now manage the tire sensor, so I suspect that many out there just do what I did on the last car and get the tires changed out.
another option
Some of the retailers have programs where they store the set of tires you’re not using, if you buy and get rotation and changes from them.
Just another option; as an apartment dweller I thought that was pretty cool.
they might on subarus
…and those with unidirectional tread.