Hello all,

I am a new grad (hopefully) beginning my first job soon. However, I will be commuting about an hour each way to my hospital. I live in NJ, and weather is four season so I need a car that is good in rain, slush, snow, etc. especially because of my long commute.

My only two other requirements for the car are affordable, obviously, because I am a new grad and am just getting on my feet, and decent/good gas mileage. I'm currently driving a 2005 Honda Civic and while it's great on gas, I can barely drive around town without skidding through at least one stop sign in the snow.

Any ideas? I've heard a lot of good things about Subarus.

How about some new tires and a brake job?

You want to get the biggest bang for your buck, so maybe try for a slightly older SUV that's 4-wheel drive. You can get some good deals on used cars if you do your research. I got a fully loaded Santa Fe that was in pristine condition for the same price as an entry level one that was a year newer. Definitely invest in really good snow tires. When I had a smaller car I used to change my tires out twice a year. I couldn't get out of my driveway when it snowed so I got some Michelin X-Ice tires and those things could get me anywhere.

How about some new tires and a brake job?

Yep! This. Why buy a new car right away? Why not spend a little money for breaks and some really good tires. That way, you can work for a while and save money. I think half my class went out and bought new cars after graduation. I don't get it.

Along with the tires and breaks, put some bricks or sandbags in your trunk (I know this sounds weird. I prefer bricks because it's less messy.) for added friction. And keep a shovel and fuel (food, water, blankets) just in case your car does decide to take a spin.

And helpful hint. If your car does get stuck, take the front mats in your car and put them up as far against your front wheels as possible to give you more traction.

I live in northern NJ and commute to NYC. I drive a Suburu Impreza and I'm obsessed with it! Affordable, great gas mileage, 4 wheel drive makes driving in snow and ice much easier (and this is coming from a nervous driver).

I have a Honda civic as well. Never had any issues on snow or ice. I'm with the tires and brakes and added weight people

Honda CRV

I am also a confirmed Subaru owner, but would advise that you not get a new car if you can still get good use out of your current car. Spend the money on brakes and tires, and see if that's good enough to get you by.

I would look at the new Honda HRV. I believe the low end model starts around 20K and it has four wheel drive which is electronically controlled (the car turns it on and off as needed). I would also recommend Blizakk tires, they are PHENOMENAL snow tires!

You may also want to look into the Subaru Impreza, which I believe is priced pretty close to a Civic. All Subarus have excellent AWD! Just be cautious buying a used Subaru as they tend to blow head gaskets around 40-60K and that's a 2K repair! Also some of the new Subarus were consuming excessive oil, but I am not sure if they have resolved that issue yet!

I had a Civic long long ago and can totally relate to your headaches!! Getting stuck all the time and not being able to even get over the snow hump at the end of the driveway!

Good luck!

Annie

Our Subaru Impreza is so great-- I can't say enough about it. I actually just looked outside, and it seems as though we're having our first snow of the season (hooray!) so I guess I'll be taking it down the mountain to work today.

Our Subaru Impreza is so great-- I can't say enough about it. I actually just looked outside, and it seems as though we're having our first snow of the season (hooray!) so I guess I'll be taking it down the mountain to work today.

Hi Werebadger,

What year is yours? Do you know if they resolved the oil issues in the newer ones?

Annie

Subaru forester. I had the impreza outback sport, but once we wore it out, we bought the forester. I love Subaru.