[PandaDog]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to purchase a winter beater in the coming month or so - as my current vehicle I would consider "unsafe" to drive.

I currently have a $5000 budget in mind, preferably looking for a Japanese vehicle that's reliable and okay on gas. The vehicle I would like should still have a "fun" factor element. If the vehicle doesn't hit the max budget, I wouldn't mind putting a bit of cash into the vehicle for upgrades to brakes/tires/suspension. Automatic or manual transmissions - doesn't matter which one.

If it makes any difference, I live around the Burnaby/Coquitlam mountain area where the incline and declines are steep

Open to all suggestions, thanks in advance :thumbs:

[punkwax]

Prefer either an automatic or manual

:suspicious:

I just saw a nice little purple EL in the B&S section. Not sure it meets your 'fun' requirement, but mine was super reliable and good on gas.

[bcrdukes]

If there is another type of transmission you are aware of besides auto and manual, please let me know. Thanks.

[dared3vil0]

^ I suppose a semi automatic trans technically exists.... Anyways, What kind of car do you drive that you consider unsafe for winter OP?

[Qmx323]

^ a 900hp supra on slicks

[BrRsn]

anything with LSD and winter tires will be unstoppable in the lower mainland

hell, even a civic with winter tires was more predictable than my jeep on balding all seasons and 4WD :fuckthatshit: .. but I'm sure you can guess which one was more fun :troll:

[PandaDog]

If there is another type of transmission you are aware of besides auto and manual, please let me know. Thanks.

I apologize for the vagueness - meant to say it wouldn't matter what the transmission for the vehicle is

[dared3vil0]

anything with LSD and winter tires will be unstoppable in the lower mainland

hell, even a civic with winter tires was more predictable than my jeep on balding all seasons and 4WD :fuckthatshit: .. but I'm sure you can guess which one was more fun :troll:

I had an Si which has a Helical limited slip dif, and brand new snowies and it SUCKED in the snow.

[PandaDog]

^ I suppose a semi automatic trans technically exists.... Anyways, What kind of car do you drive that you consider unsafe for winter OP?

I drive a heavy, RWD sedan with a fair amount of negative camber.
Driving in the rain recently has been sketchy, I could feel that the rear tires are slipping quite often

Not even putting winter tires on the vehicle would be a good thing :okay:
It was scary to drive with winter tires even when the car was stock

[white rocket]

3rd gen 4Runner. not that good on gas but practical, good in the city or road trips, fun for off-roading(fun factor), reliable, can be luxurious with the Limited trim level.

[dared3vil0]

Jeep TJ.

[BrRsn]

I had an Si which has a Helical limited slip dif, and brand new snowies and it SUCKED in the snow.

I had a 2001 civic base model with winters and it was awesome once the snow compacted. In powder, yeah you need some ground clearance and probably AWD would help, but when it's compacted/on main roads -- the civic was a lot easier to handle and stopped way faster than a big SUV could in the snow/ice.

Just my two cents :okay:

[T4RAWR]

3rd gen 4runner on hakkas or arctics

[dared3vil0]

3rd gen 4runner on hakkas or arctics

DuraTracs or BFG AT KO's are better imho.

[Timpo]

Just get a Pajero Mini

Hopefully you can find one for $5,000

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Mitsubishi_Pajero_Mini_005.JPG

[Timpo]

Also Pajero Jr.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/Mitsubishi_Pajero_Jr.jpg/800px-Mitsubishi_Pajero_Jr.jpg

[Lomac]

Buy my Accord! (http://www.revscene.net/forums/688096-2003-honda-accord-ex-l-coupe-%245000.html)

:fullofwin:

/shameless plug


....oorrrrrr I can sell you my Pathfinder for less... ;) lol

[GotRice?]

used subaru...

[kunoman1]

I heard turbocharged VW's are good in the snow :ifyouknow:

[belka]

Lifted automatic civic.

[roastpuff]

2006 Eclipse GS (http://www.repo.com/listing/1313) and then throw some snowies on it.

I heard turbocharged VW's are good in the snow :ifyouknow:

And actually... I found my GTI great in the snow as long as it's not too deep. It's more a factor of tires than anything.

[T4RAWR]

DuraTracs or BFG AT KO's are better imho.

for a year round tire sure, for something just winter specific i'd rather take hakkas or arctics.

:fullofwin:

[fearlesss]

2000 ek with civic type r engine (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4165499948.html)

i personally know the seller

i m sure he will give rs member some discount

[sdubfid]

I heard turbocharged VW's are good in the snow :ifyouknow:

mine is but its in a suzuki

[dared3vil0]

for a year round tire sure, for something just winter specific i'd rather take hakkas or arctics.

:fullofwin:

Why? Both have the snowflake, The DuraTracs are great tires IMHO, and so are the BFG's.

[TjAlmeida]

You really do not like other people having opinions do you?

If his opinion is strictly snow tires then good for him. Maybe not everyone likes the look and ride of a mud style all terrain.
Posted via RS Mobile

[dared3vil0]

You really do not like other people having opinions do you?

If his opinion is strictly snow tires then good for him. Maybe not everyone likes the look and ride of a mud style all terrain.
Posted via RS Mobile

Hang on. My opinion was a certain tire is better than another, his opinion was a certain tire is better than another, we discuss it in 2 or 3 posts, then you come in and tell me that I don't like other people having opinions. See that logic issue? The reality is for some bizzare reason YOU don't like me having an opinion.

[T4RAWR]

Why? Both have the snowflake, The DuraTracs are bar none the best snow tire on the market, and the BFG's are are just plain beast.

my guess is that OP will not be heading out to run trails/fsrs/etc..

so why not go with a proper winter tire and one that will give good mileage?

:fullofwin:

[TjAlmeida]

I couldn't give a Fuck what your opinion is. First it was buddy and his f150 about his grill, then you chomp on t4 because you question his choice in tire.

Guy is looking for a winter beater. Not duratrac's for his winter civic.
Posted via RS Mobile

[twitchyzero]

3rd gen 4Runner. not that good on gas but practical, good in the city or road trips, fun for off-roading(fun factor), reliable, can be luxurious with the Limited trim level.

pretty sure you can't find one under $5K that isn't a rebuilt rust bucket

in before people be posting answerisalwaysmiata.jpg :devil:

[dared3vil0]

my guess is that OP will not be heading out to run trails/fsrs/etc..

so why not go with a proper winter tire and one that will give good mileage?

:fullofwin:

Oh god you make a good point on the gas mileage... When i had the jeep my gas mileage went from 12l/100km with the stock 28" tires, to 17l/100km with the DuraTracs (33").

[dared3vil0]

I couldn't give a Fuck what your opinion is. First it was buddy and his f150 about his grill, then you chomp on t4 because you question his choice in tire.

Guy is looking for a winter beater. Not duratrac's for his winter civic.
Posted via RS Mobile

Why are you dragging up month old stuff? I already said i was wrong on that, what are you, the Revscene police? Fuck off. Atleast I was trying to help the OP, you only came in here to rag on me.

[Brianrietta]

DuraTracs are bar none the best snow tire on the market

That's a pretty bold statement. They seem like nice tires but the jack of all tradesness of them makes me highly doubt that. I don't know anybody who ran them when I lived back east over a dedicated winter tire like the Nokians or the Firestone Winterforces. A proper snow tire's compound and design isn't really conducive to being able to offroad with them.

While I've never used the Duratracs I do have a ton of experience with the AT K/O's through Ontario and Quebec's winters though and I can assure everyone that the mountain snowflake on them (as I would surmise for the Duratracs) means approximately nothing (pretty much just complied with the 'winter tire' law in Quebec).

The rubber and tire industry, with input from Transport Canada, established a performance standard for winter tires in 1999. From that point on, consumers were encouraged to look for a symbol combining a stylized snowflake overlaid on a triple mountain peak on their sidewalls while shopping for winter tires. This standard establishes that a given tire has achieved 110 per cent of the winter traction of a specific 'all-season' tire that was chosen as the control tire.

The problem, according to Mortimer, is that the 'snowflake' symbol "is no longer an indication for good (winter tires). People use it for not so good ones now," Mortimer says.

"The snowflake (symbol) is not doing the job anymore," Mortimer says. "Tire technology has evolved greatly since 1999. Some modern winter tires are now at 130 or 140 per cent of the control tire's performance. We need to move to a higher standard." (http://autos.ca.msn.com/specials/winter-driving-guide/article.aspx?cp-documentid=19293560)

The BFG's seemed to be bomb proof but their traction in ice and snow was noticeably less than even the cheapest, shittiest Canadian Tire dedicated winter tire that I could find for my Blazer. I have nothing but praise for the studded Hakkapeliitta LT2's though. Had those on my sister's Discovery and I've never experienced winter driving that felt quite that good. Stopping and handling with those on was unparalleled. If it actually snowed here I'd pick those up for the 4Runner in a heartbeat, but as it is I'll just keep my mudders on and carry chains.

[roastpuff]

pretty sure you can't find one under $5K that isn't a rebuilt rust bucket

in before people be posting answerisalwaysmiata.jpg :devil:

Actually... 2002 Mazda Miata (http://www.repo.com/listing/1170)

[T4RAWR]

pretty sure you can't find one under $5K that isn't a rebuilt rust bucket

in before people be posting answerisalwaysmiata.jpg :devil:

1997 TOYOTA 4runner SR5 (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/4168933323.html)

not too bad looking and under 5000.

rust in the usual spots but looks like she runs pretty decent. :thumbs:

[Iceman-19]

The BFG and Duratracs are all terrain tires, which are all season, which mean they turn stiff when its below 7 degrees constantly. So no, they are not better then a dedicated winter tire. That is probably the dumbest thing I have seen you post.

[Zedbra]

1997 TOYOTA 4runner SR5 (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/nvn/cto/4168933323.html)

not too bad looking and under 5000.

rust in the usual spots but looks like she runs pretty decent. :thumbs:

Don't forget that we don't have Aircare in Squamish. Cats sometimes are options - make sure you ask. ;)

[Brianrietta]

The BFG and Duratracs are all terrain tires, which are all season, which mean they turn stiff when its below 7 degrees constantly. So no, they are not better then a dedicated winter tire.

They do actually have the Severe Service Emblem on them which means that the rubber compound and traction is 10% better than the tested reference tire at cold temperatures, and are legally winter tires. They shouldn't go rock hard at that high of a temperature but at -15 and below I'd say the AT K/O's at least were quite out of their element. Rubber compound aside when you look at the tread patterns it's obvious that the larger number of studs, better studs, siping that evacuates moisture to the outside of the tire tread, not just into the inside, the amount of siping, etc is what makes a more effective winter tire.

Massive Comparison Photos:http://www.goodyear.ca/assets/goodyear/common/images/mediaGallery/354_WranglerDuraTrac_300p4c.jpghttp://vianor.ru/files/vianorru/nokian/Fthumb15_Nokian_Hakkapeliitta_LT2.jpg.jpg

[dared3vil0]

The BFG and Duratracs are all terrain tires, which are all season, which mean they turn stiff when its below 7 degrees constantly. So no, they are not better then a dedicated winter tire. That is probably the dumbest thing I have seen you post.

If they do then my mistake, but it appears you didn't do your research before making that statement- they are rated for severe snow, as in they have the snowflake. So technically, they can be a dedicated winter tire.

[Iceman-19]

I would never run an All Terrain tire and call it a snow tire. I have driven on those tires at those temps and colder, they are not a winter tire.

[Volvo-brickster]

The BFG and Duratracs are all terrain tires, which are all season, which mean they turn stiff when its below 7 degrees constantly. So no, they are not better then a dedicated winter tire. That is probably the dumbest thing I have seen you post.

+1

I used to have Goodyear Wranglers that were excellent in 10 inches of powder but sucked in on every other wet / slushy / icy surface.

I now run dedicated Bridgestone winter tires and are much better tires provided im not trying to ram up a hill with deep powder

[xilley]

I didnt even have to comment on the 4runner and knew that t4 would be in here.

[dared3vil0]

I would never run an All Terrain tire and call it a snow tire. I have driven on those tires at those temps and colder, they are not a winter tire.

Just going off of personal experience, words of people who run these in severe snow areas, and whoever gave it the mountain snowflake approval.

[ae101]

ummm guys can we get back to helping op with looking for a beater

i say a corolla, but its not as fun unless u can find a way to make it fun

[Iceman-19]

ummm guys can we get back to helping op with looking for a beater

i say a corolla, but its not as fun unless u can find a way to make it fun

NO

:suspicious:

[Iceman-19]

Just going off of personal experience, words of people who run these in severe snow areas, and whoever gave it the mountain snowflake approval.

I am one of those people, and I am telling you, its not a snow tire.

[dared3vil0]

I am one of those people, and I am telling you, its not a snow tire.

Great to know. If i ever buy a truck again, i'll keep it in mind. Or... Mustang with DuraTracs. :badpokerface:

[StylinRed]

2000 S4? 2000 Audi S4 ? CHILLIWACK ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Audi/S4/CHILLIWACK/British+Columbia/19_7563432_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

1999 A6? 1999 Audi A6 Quattro ? NORTH VANCOUVER ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Audi/A6/NORTH+VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_7532206_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2001 530l? 2001 BMW 5 Series for $4,800 in VANCOUVER | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/5+Series/VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_7514752_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2000 S-Type V8? 2000 Jaguar S-Type 4dr Sdn V8 for $4,600 in ABBOTSFORD | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Jaguar/S-Type/ABBOTSFORD/British+Columbia/19_7590715_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

Porsche 924? 944? 1987 Porsche 924 ? DELTA ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/924/DELTA/British+Columbia/19_7533276_/?showcpo=ShowCPO) 1986 Porsche 944 944 for $4,900 in VANCOUVER | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/944/VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_7491428_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2001 Subaru Legacy GT? 2001 Subaru Legacy GT for $4,995 in ABBOTSFORD | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Legacy/ABBOTSFORD/British+Columbia/5_18037714_20130712103959833/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2000 Celica GTS? 2000 Toyota Celica 1.8L for $3,800 in DELTA | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Celica/DELTA/British+Columbia/19_7591064_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)
1995 Celica GTS? 1995 Toyota Celica GTS ? NORTH VANCOUVER ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Celica/NORTH+VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_6563980_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2001 4runner? 2001 Toyota 4Runner for $4,500 in CHILLIWACK | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/4Runner/CHILLIWACK/British+Columbia/19_7375673_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

you've got loads of options gotta narrow it down a bit more eh?

[StylinRed]

With regard to duratracs

Non-Winter Tires That Meet the Industry's Severe Snow Service Standards - Hunter's Ramblings about Performance wheels & tire | Tire Rack (http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/hunters-ramblings/non-winer-tires-that-meet-the-industrys-severe-snow-service-standards)

[v_tec]

I'm looking to purchase a winter beater in the coming month or so - as my current vehicle I would consider "unsafe" to drive.

I currently have a $5000 budget in mind, preferably looking for a Japanese vehicle that's reliable and okay on gas. The vehicle I would like should still have a "fun" factor element.

Contact Clement, he should have an AWD STI to sell you :troll:

[Lomac]

2000 S4? 2000 Audi S4 ? CHILLIWACK ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Audi/S4/CHILLIWACK/British+Columbia/19_7563432_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

1999 A6? 1999 Audi A6 Quattro ? NORTH VANCOUVER ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Audi/A6/NORTH+VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_7532206_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2001 530l? 2001 BMW 5 Series for $4,800 in VANCOUVER | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/5+Series/VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_7514752_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2000 S-Type V8? 2000 Jaguar S-Type 4dr Sdn V8 for $4,600 in ABBOTSFORD | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Jaguar/S-Type/ABBOTSFORD/British+Columbia/19_7590715_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

Porsche 924? 944? 1987 Porsche 924 ? DELTA ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/924/DELTA/British+Columbia/19_7533276_/?showcpo=ShowCPO) 1986 Porsche 944 944 for $4,900 in VANCOUVER | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/944/VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_7491428_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2001 Subaru Legacy GT? 2001 Subaru Legacy GT for $4,995 in ABBOTSFORD | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Legacy/ABBOTSFORD/British+Columbia/5_18037714_20130712103959833/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2000 Celica GTS? 2000 Toyota Celica 1.8L for $3,800 in DELTA | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Celica/DELTA/British+Columbia/19_7591064_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)
1995 Celica GTS? 1995 Toyota Celica GTS ? NORTH VANCOUVER ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Celica/NORTH+VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_6563980_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2001 4runner? 2001 Toyota 4Runner for $4,500 in CHILLIWACK | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/4Runner/CHILLIWACK/British+Columbia/19_7375673_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

you've got loads of options gotta narrow it down a bit more eh?

I'd avoid everything up to the Subaru in that list :lol

[kunoman1]

2000 S4? 2000 Audi S4 ? CHILLIWACK ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Audi/S4/CHILLIWACK/British+Columbia/19_7563432_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

1999 A6? 1999 Audi A6 Quattro ? NORTH VANCOUVER ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Audi/A6/NORTH+VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_7532206_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2001 530l? 2001 BMW 5 Series for $4,800 in VANCOUVER | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/5+Series/VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_7514752_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2000 S-Type V8? 2000 Jaguar S-Type 4dr Sdn V8 for $4,600 in ABBOTSFORD | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Jaguar/S-Type/ABBOTSFORD/British+Columbia/19_7590715_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

Porsche 924? 944? 1987 Porsche 924 ? DELTA ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/924/DELTA/British+Columbia/19_7533276_/?showcpo=ShowCPO) 1986 Porsche 944 944 for $4,900 in VANCOUVER | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/944/VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_7491428_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2001 Subaru Legacy GT? 2001 Subaru Legacy GT for $4,995 in ABBOTSFORD | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Subaru/Legacy/ABBOTSFORD/British+Columbia/5_18037714_20130712103959833/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2000 Celica GTS? 2000 Toyota Celica 1.8L for $3,800 in DELTA | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Celica/DELTA/British+Columbia/19_7591064_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)
1995 Celica GTS? 1995 Toyota Celica GTS ? NORTH VANCOUVER ? For Sale (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/Celica/NORTH+VANCOUVER/British+Columbia/19_6563980_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

2001 4runner? 2001 Toyota 4Runner for $4,500 in CHILLIWACK | autoTRADER.ca (http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/4Runner/CHILLIWACK/British+Columbia/19_7375673_/?showcpo=ShowCPO)

you've got loads of options gotta narrow it down a bit more eh?


That porsche would be a terrible idea... might as well get a 240sx

[dared3vil0]

Out of that list only ones i'd consider is the 4Runner or the Legacy.

[StylinRed]

I threw the celicas in there for obvious reasons :fullofwin: but yeah id go with the legacy too

[thumper]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to purchase a winter beater in the coming month or so - as my current vehicle I would consider "unsafe" to drive.

I currently have a $5000 budget in mind, preferably looking for a Japanese vehicle that's reliable and okay on gas. The vehicle I would like should still have a "fun" factor element. If the vehicle doesn't hit the max budget, I wouldn't mind putting a bit of cash into the vehicle for upgrades to brakes/tires/suspension. Automatic or manual transmissions - doesn't matter which one.

If it makes any difference, I live around the Burnaby/Coquitlam mountain area where the incline and declines are steep

Open to all suggestions, thanks in advance :thumbs:

i like this:

1995 Subaru Impreza Outback rs2.5 (lots of new parts) - $5000 (Arbutus and King Edward) 1995 Subaru Impreza Outback rs2.5 (lots of new parts) (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4151668380.html)

http://images.craigslist.org/00606_awExXavQ7XK_600x450.jpg

has great engine swap project potential during the warm months.