Considering a new DD. I now live in an area that apparently gets absolutely pummeled with snow in the winter and I’m thinking something with 4WD and/or a little extra ride height would make things easier. Still house shopping but am expecting a long-ish commute (30-45min) in fairly hilly terrain based on the areas I’m looking.
I’m a little torn on what I want as it seems anything 4WD that’s clean and interesting is rather pricey these days. (hardtop Wrangler would be awesome but the only way to get under $20k is 10 years old with 100k miles!) I would really love a manual transmission as I just all-around don’t like the 24-speed automatics they put in everything these days, but I’m not completely against an auto for the right vehicle.
Criteria:
- Fun to drive and/or has a cool factor
- Reliable – would prefer something that doesn’t have major known issues
- Quiet/comfortable/not an econobox (this one may be tough and I’m flexible on this)
- $20k absolute maximum. Would be more comfortable $14-16k or less (especially for older vehicles)
- Clean and absolutely no rust
- Again, manual trans preferred, but not a necessity
So far, the following vehicles are on my radar:
- 2012+ Mini Countryman S All4 (manual trans)
- Subaru Crosstrek (manual trans)
- 2000+ BMW 3/5 series xdrive wagon (manual trans)
- Late 90’s/early 00’s 4Runner/Land Cruiser
- 2000-2006 GM 2500 pickup (manual trans and/or diesel)
- 2008+ Jeep Wrangler w/ hard top (manual trans)
Thoughts? Any other vehicles I should be looking at? Am I being unrealistic?
Bookmarks