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.
I love my 2013 Ford Escape. I bought it right when the new redesign came out at the end of summer 2012. I've had it over 3 years now. It does really well in the snow and I feel safe in it. I was able to pick and choose which upgrades I wanted, then it was built at the factory and sent to my dealership. I was able to get some of what I deem safety upgrades (4wd, nav, and Bluetooth) without having to pay for other pricey upgrades like heated seats. I'm in eastern PA and the past 2 winters have been bad. Other cars have been slipping around on the road before and I was totally fine.
Love my wife subaru. It handles really well and she doesn't mind driving on the snow anymore. In CO thought the market for them is absurd as they retain value so well.
Regardless of what vehicle you decide on, I still vote for getting kitty litter just in case. Make sure it's the non-clumping kind though!
No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you still may encounter weather conditions (or other drivers) that you end up getting stuck. During a recent inservice at work, our manager talked about preparing ourselves and our families first so we can take care of our patients. That education included what to keep in your vehicle for the winter.
I'm another CRV fan (I have 2014), got me through 17" of snow in blizzard last winter as a hospice nurse. Good mileage, reliable. I've got some co-workers though who are huge advocates for some of the other vehicles in this post.
Good luck in whatever you decide is the best option for you:)
Subaru's have all wheel drive which works great in the snow, but I've heard that regular cars would be just as good as long as you get snow tires for the winter. Of course then you need a place to store the tires off season and have to pay to have them switched every year. I used to have a honda and it would get stuck in the alley when there was a snow storm, couldn't even use my garage had to park on the street. No such problems with the Subaru Impreza I now have!
OP, your car is a status symbol. Buy something nice even if it is a little pricey.
I don't regret treating myself to a C6 Corvette.
And how is the 'Vette in the snow? Since I don't think Corvette has come out with a 4WD model yet I'd suggest the Porche Cayenne. Just as much of a status symbol and a beautiful little SUV!
On a more practical level anything with 4WD or all wheel drive will be an improvement. I have a Ford Escape which I like because it always starts, I don't even have problems when the wind chill hits 30-40 below which sadly happens here too often. It also has more ground clearance so getting through deeper snow and over those nice snowpiles the plow leaves at intersections is easier. The added height overall also makes it easier to see over snowbanks so spotting oncoming traffic at intersections is easier and safer.
How about a Raptor? I love my 2013 F-150 Raptor. People move out of my way. I live in FL so I tow people when it floods. Great way to make $$ on the side.
My daily driver is a 2015 Honda Accord. Excellent gas mileage. My husband has a 2016 F150 4x4 for work and he loves that truck as well.
Honestly, I can't comment on driving in the snow. I've only done it once. I thought we were just listing our cars here to brag.
Specializes in Healthcare risk management and liability.
Subarus are very popular in the Pacific Northwest and amongst healthcare professionals in this area. Used models in good condition are quickly snapped up and they retain their value. I recall reading in Medical Economics many years ago that 25% of the people buying Subarus at that time worked in healthcare. In my opinion, they offer a great bang for the buck, are reliable and handle rain, snow or mud with aplomb. My wife traded in a 2011 Kia Optima and bought a 2016 Outback a couple of months ago and she just loves it. We live in the wet/snowy part of Washington, and we figure between the AWD Subaru wagon and the 4x4 Toyota Tacoma, we can get through just about anything.
I've had two Subarus now and I will never go back. They hold their value extremely well and they are the best in the snow. Subaru has perfected the AWD as to why they have it in all their vehicles, besides the BRZ. And people who say to just get snow tires and new brakes, I don't think have ever experienced the handling of a Subaru in snowy conditions... I don't think it really compares.
I have a new Forester and it gets great mileage for an SUV. Also all of the Subarus are 4 cylinders so you will get good mileage with all of them... But the AWD will take some mileage off as with all AWD vehicles.
You have been given good advice, I have heard nothing but good, about the Subaru.....but do not set your self up for additional debt, this early in you career.....there is a big difference in needs and wants.....I admit, I did not realize that as soon as I should have
Also, look at how you're driving. I take turns driving with my bf to save gas (we both get about 40-45 mpg), I have 2012 Honda Civic, she has 2014 Subaru Forester. I've never been stuck or had slide issues yet. Her, same conditions, multiple times. She had and old Toyota before that, same situation. You can have 'the best' car in the world and have issues, if you don't know how to handle the situation. I paid cash for mine, she has about a $450/month payment (if she's not lying). Both bought new. But I digress...bone up on your winter driving skills and always have a bad weather contingency plan
AceOfHearts<3
916 Posts
I love my 2013 Ford Escape. I bought it right when the new redesign came out at the end of summer 2012. I've had it over 3 years now. It does really well in the snow and I feel safe in it. I was able to pick and choose which upgrades I wanted, then it was built at the factory and sent to my dealership. I was able to get some of what I deem safety upgrades (4wd, nav, and Bluetooth) without having to pay for other pricey upgrades like heated seats. I'm in eastern PA and the past 2 winters have been bad. Other cars have been slipping around on the road before and I was totally fine.