Winter Vehicle Choices

[Twinbo]

I've bounced around the idea of buying a winter vehicle and storing my e92 in the winter. I thought storage space would be an issue but have recently solved that problem. My budget is $6000-$8000 and I need something reasonably reliable (i have a 3.5 km commute daily) and 4x4 is a must (otherwise I would just drive the M).

I'm looking to see if anyone has ownership experience with these vehicles:
1. 1998-2001 Toyota 4Runner - preferably manual transmission, no sunroof
2. 2001-2005 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee - Manual
3. 2001-2003 Nissan Pathfinder

Also, if anyone has any other suggestions I would welcome their opinions.

Thanks

[Daft]

Put that money towards a good set of snow tires and rims for your M3 and call it a day.

[THE TECH]

What's winter?

[Twinbo]

Originally Posted by Daft

Put that money towards a good set of snow tires and rims for your M3 and call it a day.

Already have a great set but thank you. The rationale goes beyond my concern for winter weather (i drove a mustang through 3 winters before FI'ing it). The second vehicle would reduce cosmetic damage (they use gravel on the roads here instead of salt), while also providing a great ski vehicle that can be taken into the BC backcountry.

[Twinbo]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

What's winter?

We are not all blessed with Cali's great weather. I'm especially jealous of being able to ski and go to the beach in the same weekend.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by Twinbo

We are not all blessed with Cali's great weather. I'm especially jealous of being able to ski and go to the beach in the same weekend.

It's true, I have to admit.

I feel for you guys that have to store your vehicles for months at a time.

[1sikbmr]

I have a 2002 pathfinder. That thing is awesome in the snow! Put it in 4 wheel an just drive off like a boss no real clearance issues as its pretty high up and it has enough power to get you out of sticky situations

[Singletrack]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

It's true, I have to admit.

I feel for you guys that have to store your vehicles for months at a time.

No storing! Flat out year round! ; )

[jqsmooth]

Originally Posted by 1sikbmr

I have a 2002 pathfinder. That thing is awesome in the snow! Put it in 4 wheel an just drive off like a boss no real clearance issues as its pretty high up and it has enough power to get you out of sticky situations

+1

[Templar]

A little out of your price range, but I have a 2007 Mazda CX-7. I have the sport version, so it's AWD and it's got a turbo 4 cyl in it. It's goot on storage space, I can fit my big dog in the back and plenty more, and it's AWD so it's good to go in pretty much anything. With the turbo, it's got a nice little kick to it when you hit the gas too!

[Twinbo]

Thanks for the fast responses guys. Going to check out some trucks on Autotrader including the pathfinders.

Templar, I've liked the CX-7 since it came out but you are right as it is out of my price range (prob ~$15k). Looking for a cash buy as this isn't the time to be loading on personal debt.
I like the idea of the 4runner because there is a strong following online which helps with DIY etc.

[JohnnyRoaster]

I think you could find a decent 2001 Jeep Cherokee for around four grand. They will go anywhere and the inline 6 runs forever. They are great if you don't mind a rusty beater.

[bblefas]

Originally Posted by Twinbo

I've bounced around the idea of buying a winter vehicle and storing my e92 in the winter. I thought storage space would be an issue but have recently solved that problem. My budget is - and I need something reasonably reliable (i have a 3.5 km commute daily) and 4x4 is a must (otherwise I would just drive the M).

I'm looking to see if anyone has ownership experience with these vehicles:
1. 1998-2001 Toyota 4Runner - preferably manual transmission, no sunroof
2. 2001-2005 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee - Manual
3. 2001-2003 Nissan Pathfinder

Also, if anyone has any other suggestions I would welcome their opinions.

Thanks

PATHFINDER

[1sikbmr]

Originally Posted by bblefas

PATHFINDER

+1 solid vehicle.

[Cdnrockies]

Originally Posted by Twinbo

Already have a great set but thank you. The rationale goes beyond my concern for winter weather (i drove a mustang through 3 winters before FI'ing it). The second vehicle would reduce cosmetic damage (they use gravel on the roads here instead of salt), while also providing a great ski vehicle that can be taken into the BC backcountry.

How often are you going to actually be heading out skiing? Is a second vehicle going to be worth it with the additional insurance, gas, maintenance, etc. costs? What about just renting an SUV for the weekends you want to take off? It would likely be much cheaper to rent for several weekends than buying. Just a thought.

The number of days we get that are so bad that your M3 isn't going to be driveable are few and far between. I do agree with you about the gravel and that's why I clear bra'd all our vehicles.

[Twinbo]

Originally Posted by Cdnrockies

How often are you going to actually be heading out skiing? Is a second vehicle going to be worth it with the additional insurance, gas, maintenance, etc. costs? What about just renting an SUV for the weekends you want to take off? It would likely be much cheaper to rent for several weekends than buying. Just a thought.

The number of days we get that are so bad that your M3 isn't going to be driveable are few and far between. I do agree with you about the gravel and that's why I clear bra'd all our vehicles.

Good questions. I got out 35 days last year with lots of travel through Roger's Pass which is my main concern. I'm not worried about the travel to Louise or Kicking Horse, but farther West through the pass can get much worse.
Renting a SUV is approx. $250 per weekend and if I get out 12 weekends we are looking at $3000. Two years of use and the 4runner/Pathfinder etc is paid for. The insurance would be null because I would remove coverage, save for fire/theft, from the M3 because it would be parked in a garage.
Where did you get your clear bra done?

[CalgaryX3]

We have a first gen Crv equipped with a good set of winters. That thing is unstoppable as a winter vehicle and with Honda reliability to boot, running costs are very reasonable.

A

[Genericuser1]

nevermind missed your budget...

[STooK]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

We have a first gen Crv equipped with a good set of winters. That thing is unstoppable as a winter vehicle and with Honda reliability to boot, running costs are very reasonable.

A

i was gona suggest a crv as well. heard they're pretty damn good.

i also want one of those jeep wranglers but the crv is probably a better daily.

[CalgaryX3]

Originally Posted by STooK

i was gona suggest a crv as well. heard they're pretty damn good.

i also want one of those jeep wranglers but the crv is probably a better daily.

Not to mention the 2.0 4-cyl is far more efficient than the antiquated 4.0 in the Jeep...

A

[EdmM3]

Jeep TJ or newer. Practical, bullet proof vehicle. A soft top doubles as a convertible on warm days next summer; also doubles a truck for home renovation tasks. Its a bit crude for 5 months driving, but will make you appreciate your M3 next summer.

[Cdnrockies]

Originally Posted by Twinbo

Good questions. I got out 35 days last year with lots of travel through Roger's Pass which is my main concern. I'm not worried about the travel to Louise or Kicking Horse, but farther West through the pass can get much worse.
Renting a SUV is approx. $250 per weekend and if I get out 12 weekends we are looking at $3000. Two years of use and the 4runner/Pathfinder etc is paid for. The insurance would be null because I would remove coverage, save for fire/theft, from the M3 because it would be parked in a garage.
Where did you get your clear bra done?

Got everything done at the dealers. Probably could of found it cheaper aftermarket, but couldn't be bothered.

Rogers pass can be a bitch at the best of times. I wasn't all that comfortable cruising through last winter in the X5 with a proper winter set up....lol.

FYI, Sunshine opened today so all the hills are good to go, with Louise having, by far, the best snow at the moment.