Hameed

Just trying to get a feel for what you Lexus heads would buy if you wanted to spend about $2 - $3K on a winter beater to protect your expensive Lexus from the ravages of salt this winter?

I am leaning towards a Japanese four cylinder car that is stingy on gas and insurance, thereby offsetting its price against using the GS in the winter (gas and insurance expense and ofcourse protecting it from the salt).

I have narrowed my choices down to the following:
93 Honda Prelude
93 Toyota Corrolla
93 Toyota Tercel

Any others you guys would pick? I have a connection with a Used Car dealer, so I would get a car at their cost (they owe me a favour).

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

I'd buy a 94-96 ford ranger. they are extremely dependable, can be bought in an extended cab, and are great for winter driving.

Hameed

Thanks onelasttry, I had not initially considered a truck before. I will now.

Unrelated question, how come you never came to the Deals Gap meet last weekend that was just a couple of hours away from you in NC/TN ????? I went down there all the way from Canada! Yes, I know I am crazy, I don't need to be reminded of that!

Camshaft

Something in 4x4. For me I would pick a truck because I am always hauling/fixing/going places most can't nearly constantly. I would not pick a ranger though; my mother owns one and it has had a few questions. A mile and away from the S10, but I would stick to a Nissan Hardbody 4x4. Can get one for cheap, and solid as hell.

SDuquette

An old subaru for $1k and pocket the other $2k

Here's mine, peppy 1.8l turbo, hi and low range 4wd, locking center differential, comfy ride

Hameed

what model of Subaru is that?

I was also considering the Celica Turbo AWD, but that is pretty old now.

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

Hameed the 24th was my wifes B-Day and she was not thrilled with the idea of spending her b-day weekend with a bunch of gear heads. Sh'e just not a car chick at all.

Hameed

Yes, but you could have come down on the 22nd evening and gone back on the 23rd. Not sure how long your drive would have been. Probably not very short, that is why you did not come.

SDuquette

That is a 1988 subaru RX coupe

XenonES3

Are you sure you only want to spend $2-3K on a winter car? Why not spend a little more and get something newer and more reliable. Imagine having the car breakdown during a viscious snowstorm where visibility is almost zero. Personally, out of all times during the year, the winter is the time I'd something safe, secure, and dependable.

My friends have had their fair share of beater cars so I've learned some.

I'd say look into a 94-95 Honda Accord. They still look "up-to-date", are safe, reliable, and have relatively low maintenence costs. Going price is roughly $5K for an EX model with 100k miles.

Or look into the 92 Lexus ES300. No need to vouch for this car Also around $4-5K.

Wald GS

iTrader: (1)

Hameed!!

Why don't you turn back the clock and get a ES 250? hehe not the Es300, the ES250!!

Camshaft

Ouch... Is that filed under irreconcilable differences?

I think nearly any car would be fine in winter as long as they have Blizzacks, that anti-ice washer fluid, good upkeep, and a sturdy scraper. Oh yes, no leather. SO FREAKIN COLD on the buddies downstairs...

Hameed

Very valid points. However this would just be a car to get to work and back barely 5 miles away on a road that is not deserted. I am sure I can easily pick up a 93 Corolla with about 100K that will be extremely reliable and for about $2.5K only. I am not so concerned about an updated look as I am about saving on gas and insurance to make up for the initial outlay of cash to acquire the vehicle in the first place. Saving on gas and insurance by not driving the GS400 that is.

Hameed

That sounds like a good idea. Will look into this.

LS4fun

How about a Jeep Cherokee? ...that's what i did last year when the snow hit.....I bought the '99 vehicle for $500 bucks and sold it 5 months later for $6000.