I say get the AWD winter beater for all the task you will have to do, instead creating more work and stressing over close calls.

 

I'm finding that dealers want ridiculous prices for late model Outbacks with leather. Heck, I could get a nice RX330 for what they want. I'm going to test sit my wife in a RX.

 

I have read that the RX330 are pretty bullet proof. We had looked at RX350s recently but ended up getting a used 07 V6 Highlander Limited with 16k miles on it this May for $21,200 from private seller. But I don't know about Highlander's performance in snow even with AWD - probably not as good as a Subaru.

 

If you do not need a truck and the one you have is not relaible and causes you back pain why keep it period. In regards to the LS and salt..here in wisconsin we get our storms and then in 2 days the roads are dry. I still drive the LS but use my ol caravan (I use for towing the boat) on these wintery days. Not perfect to live in the midwest but home is home.

Cars are built much better to handle the elements than they use to be.

 

The LS would probably get along well with an RX and avoid any garage turf war. It would make for a nice stable if you picture that tandem

However the price might be climbing from what you originally planned and I'm not sure about how high it is to get into an RX vs. a lower Subaru.

 

one has to wait till the 09 LS 460 is affordable to benefit from awd I suppose. I also want an LS 430, but I fear the NJ snow.