Buying a new car for a new nurse ??

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Dec 24, 2015

How about some new tires and a brake job?

Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP · Dec 24, 2015

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.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Dec 24, 2015

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.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Dec 24, 2015

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.

**LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM** · Dec 24, 2015

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).

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Dec 24, 2015

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

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Dec 24, 2015

Honda CRV

elkpark · Dec 24, 2015

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.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 24, 2015

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

WereBadger · Dec 24, 2015

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.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 24, 2015

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