Big nono 2:14 Land Rover discovery 1 and 2 1990-2000 4:04 Jeep compasses or patriots 5:20 BMW with x drive all wheel drive system Okie-doky 8:19 Subaru 2005-present 9:40 Toyota Rav-4 all wheel drive 11:14 Honda CRV
Tons of Subaru issues with the last gen... windshield cracking and thousand dollars PLUS cost of windshield to fix due to Subaru Camera needing to be re calibrated. Oil consumption issues... etc..
Have 170,000 miles on my 2012 Outback and it’s been awesome! Never let me down, goes just about anywhere I need, and is very comfortable and great on long road trips. Easily been the best car I’ve ever had. Absolutely recommend one to people!
Also, do not buy the Tribeca, if you are planning to purchase another Subaru, because these Tribeca's had some electrical problems and so forth. The Ascent could be a better choice for a second Subaru, because most of them are under warranty at this time around.
I live in upstate New York where it snows 60 inches a year. More important than 4WD are snow tires. With the right tires you'll do fine with front or rear wheel drive. During the first snow storm of the year all the vehicles in the ditch are 4wd. Drivers think they're invisible. 4WD doesn't help you stop or turn any better.
modern snow tires are so good compared to the old ones, they turned my 94 Civic sedan into a slow plow, a bit squirmy stopping, the rubber is soft, yes, modern snow tires should be number one on the list.
You nailed it with this one. We lived in the Idaho mountains when we got our first CR-V and Blizzaks were the first winter upgrade. Almost unstoppable. It's all about the tires.
Just bought a 2006 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport last winter for $500, came with snow tires. Haven't had a single problem with it, 216k miles and it dominates the snow
@@emmawalton2849they’re still driving it he said he owns it and bought it 2 years ago. Issue is your not going to find one for $600 now and where did he get it? A family member most likely
You forgot to mention how the 3rd gen rav 4 had the 3.5 v6 option And it was nuts for that little car. It’s an absolute rocket, especially compared against other cars of its time you could easily give any V6 mustang or Camaro a run for its money
@@zzzz-ok7733 yeah, I’ve heard that about their off-road capabilities but to me they were all wheel drive wagon with close to 300 naturally aspirated horsepower
I have a 04 Land Rover and can confirm everything he said… another quote I hear about them is “Land Rover turning owners into mechanics since 1989 or 79”
Got an 08 Acura RDX turbo. The awd is amazing. I’ve taken it to the snow and it is rock solid! Honda really nailed it. 160k on it, and original turbo still going strong! I maintain my own vehicles.
Ive never had trouble with fwd in snow and ice but i ive used studded tires 🤔I'm planinng to get w211 e500 and use it all year around gotta see how well that goes.
Going to look at an '08 Pilot tomorrow (11/16/2022). 181k on it, but we'll see. I believe I know what to look for. Had four Acuras, last one broke my heart. Transmission.
@@GeoffreyGodshall I have an '08 pilot "4WD". It has 170k on it, and has been a good ride so far. We had a really big ice storm last year. I wish that I could give you a good report on the AWD, but my tires were terrible, so of course it wasn't an impressive experience. I have good tires now, and it's great on muddy ground. I bought it with about 140k, and it hasn't had an easy life. The previous owner did have timing belt changed at 120k. But, his son (an friend of mine) did haul lawn equipment with it. His son also drove it pretty hard, but it's very clean inside and out. So far, so good. I hope that I didn't just jinx myself.
mn guy here. love my 08 crv with 176k, purchased at 89k 5 years ago. sway bar links were pretty bad and replaced at 105k. door locks replaced at 115k other than that - oil changes, fluids and a set of tires. been an awesome ride, saved my rear end on 2 major occasions. Lesser vehicles lost control on freeway during snowstorms and swerved into my lane. crv stayed its course and avoided the accidents. this list is exactly what I tell all my relatives and friends.
I own a 99 CR-V 4x4. It has 236,000 miles on it and it is still a fantastic car. I just did a timing belt and am confident it's ready to make it to 300,000 miles.
I have a 2008 cry with 179,000 miles. I’ve had to replace some things (door lock actuators, blended air motor), but other than the starter, I could do it all myself. Changing fluids is easy. AWD goes over snow like a lizard over sand.
Another few cars to add for the Don’t Buy section are the Nissan Rogue or Murano (Nissan CVT, pretty self explanatory and it seems like people ignore maintenance on these), any Audi with the Quattro All Wheel Drive (it’s not a bad All Wheel Drive system per se, it’s just you know the drill with Audi, always going to be expensive to fix), and Chevrolet Traverse or equivalent vehicles (GM 3.6 V6, that’s all I need to say, you can figure out the rest)
I am driving my 17 year old All Wheel Drive A6 for 12 years now, without anything significant breakage. The key is to keep up with maintenance and strictly follow the mtc. recommendations.
@@heiner71 Agree.......had a 2000 A4 way back when as a second vehicle, 225000 km and not a hitch with the AWD.......same with the BMWs I have had, zero issues with the X-Drive
Love my B7 in metro nyc area, maintenance is high but you have to keep up with it. Its an audi not a honda. That being said its not the first choice for everyone
Car Wizard I bought a 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD with 40,000 miles on it 2 years ago and I love it. I put 10,000 miles on it since and I'm definitely getting my money's worth from it. I bought it because of the reliability and plan on having it for many years to come. My friend had a 2004 Subaru Forester and the rear struts rotted through the sheet metal that they were mounted to. He wound up junking it because no shop would fix it, he even tried a few body shops and they said it wasn't worth fixing. The cost of repairs were more than the vehicle was worth.
Subaru does have amazing Awd in the snow..... just try to avoid anything made in the U.S.A. Try and get a model still made in Japan. Those last a lot longer. I got rid of my 2017 Impreza because it had 7 recalls and tons of other problems including an engine rod knock at 53,000 miles. Traded it in for a Corolla.... which isn't great in the snow.... but I like a challenge now and then.
I can attest to the longevity of the Honda CRV. My Sister has a 1st generation (2000 model) that currently has almost 360000 miles with the original engine and transmission. Burns almost no oil even though she is rather haphazard on oil changes. Only usual wear items replaced such as tires, brakes, alternator, clutch, distributor and timing belt.
I think I am going to try a 24f battery next time it needs one. Those tiny 52r batteries just don't have enough power to last more than 3 years in mine. Ours burns NO oil and it doesn't leak any either. I go about 5-6k miles on synthetic oil.
I have a 2nd Gen with the K24A engine. Like the 1st Gen it also has the picnic table. Unfortunately it’s a 2 wheel drive but it’s realiability is bulletproof .
I just bought a 22 crv hybrid touring a lil over 45 days ago. I'm not digging the CVT though honestly. I've only put 300 miles on it because I still have a loaner car from Kia and I'm putting all the miles on it instead...since it's free ..lol
My 90s CRV automatic won't shift reverse and 4th gear when cold. I need to replace shift solenoid under the transmission. Luckily it share with 90s civic.
This was a great video with excellent information. One thing to remember as an AWD car owner is if you happen to have a blowout on any tire that is beyond wear you may be looking at a complete set of tires you will need to replace instead of just one tire. The reason why is that the diameter of the newer tire may be significantly thicker than the other three tires which can cause excess wear on your AWD system. I drive a 2020 Hyundai Kona AWD that has been worry free for 26k miles but when I had a nail break my tires belt and sidewall, I was forced to get a new set of 4. The stock tires on this car are awful in the winter so I was fine replacing them but my wallet wasn’t quite so happy.
@@teevee2145 the car wizard has mentioned on one of his jeep Cherokee videos that people who don’t change out tires in sets of 4 ruin differentials on AWD systems. A few members of the Kona forums online that I belong to also told me the same thing that after a certain point that all 4 need to be changed
Winter tires make a HUGE difference as well. Up here in the frozen north I have studded winter tires on my vehicles, never slide through an intersection or get sideways.
I can vouch for the CR-V. I had a ‘99 which ran great up until just before Christmas. After 355,000 miles, the transmission kicked the bucket. In all of those miles, she only left me stranded twice. Once when a u-joint failed on the drive shaft, and once when the 2nd timing belt failed prematurely with on 40k on it. I blame myself because I ordered a kit off of amazon that had a counterfeit gates belt. Luckily there was no damage to the top end. Other than that, I did all the regular maintenance and replaced wear items as they wore out. She was great in the snow, even with all season tires. I plowed through a 2 foot snowfall once that had me amazed at how good it was doing. One particularly cold and snowy winter, we were on a Boy Scout winter camping trip. Our cabin was at the bottom of a ice and snow covered two track hill. Only three of us could make it up and down. My CR-V, another CR-V, and an Outback.
Great list ! I got a 99 Forester SF5 and love it ! 233k miles and still going strong. We did reseal the entire engine and resurface the heads and everything at 170k and upgraded to multi layer Head gaskets though. Other than that there has been no major issues, and it’s amazing in the rain and snow 😊
Or just get snow tires and AWD. I ran all seasons for a few winters and then tried snow tires and was blown away. Then I tried awd and snow tires and I don't know if I'll ever go back. Fuel economy is slightly shit, but you can drive likes it's dry weather with awd and snow tires. Pass people that are driving 20mph and cruise at 50-70 in blizzard conditions on the highway. Very few things slow the car down. I can't get it stuck even if I try.
@@skoparweaver7692 I agree. With all wheel drive and winter tires you are unstoppable. However I find that the slightly less grip of front wheel drive is offset by the better handling and greater fuel economy.
@@skoparweaver7692 There some new "all weather" tires (like the Michelin CrossClimate) that are almost as good as snow tires (according to various tests). Might be a good option for those that live in mixed climates....
Remember to pair the car with proper tires for the driving conditions. If you need to drive on snowy/icy conditions all the time, get proper snow tires.
I know the haters gunna hate, but I have a Nissan Rogue with AWD and I love it. Yeah, it has a CVT, but if it is properly maintained and you are gentle with it, it's an excellent car. I DoorDash on the side and you wouldn't believe the amount of times it's gotten me up a super steep driveway or road without any problems.
You could add 1st Gen Highlander to the list. Besides the timing belt you have to replace, they are cheap and solid vehicles. Not to mention they are built in Japan.
My dad had a 2007 bmw 530XI with 180k miles and it ran beautifully. I personally just think that it’s how the driver takes care of the car. Most people don’t really care for there cars besides oil changes and after wonder why there car breaks!!! Trust me, Toyota Honda and Subaru products do break!!!! I work at Toyota and if you don’t take care of them they will become money pits!!!
I drive in the snowing roads of Canada. I own a 2011 Subaru Tribeca. That car is very capable on the snow and very reliable too, just like the Wizard says. It's also very comfortable and safe. There's a lot of different Subarus down the road here up north.
I drove a few BMW E90s in the Canadian winters, it’s actually one of the best cars I’ve winter driven, I ran all weather tires instead of real winter tires. The tread depth always has to be consistent on all 4 tires for the longevity of the AWD system. The reliability of the cars themselves was a mixed bag. The xDrive models are actually harder to work on than a RWD version because more stuff is in the way.
I have four nearly new tires on my Quattro Audi and recently caught a nail in the sidewall of one tires making it unfixable. These exact Kumhos were discontinued and hence i can't find a new replacement. Do i need to replace all four or can I get by with one axle set?
@@petrosaguilar8916 What’s the thread depth on the existing tires? There’s usually a tolerance limit. 1-2/32nd difference might be ok. If the tire is discontinued and the other 3 tires have minimal wear, they can be changed in pairs. Changing just one tire can cause performance difference due to different thread pattern so changing two and putting them in the same axle is the best thing to do.
I had a used 89 325ix for a couple of years with zero issues. Maybe the E90s are garbage, they def have a poor reliability reputation. I've owned 5 BMWs and will probably never buy another one.
The only, one too Buy, is the A- team van. The whole crew comes with the van. Is that a plan I hear? Ba, shut your trap. Murdock, did you just kill, our, good friend Face? Yeah, he drives like a pussy. I know Ba, but you just killed the Transfer case, of, our indestructible van.😂
Adding on to what Wizard said about winter driving, when ice and/or snow is on the ground, remember this when driving: NO SUDDEN MOVES Start slow from a stop, start to slow down way ahead of when you would in dry weather to stop (and perhaps gear down carefully to have engine braking help you, especially on hills), and no sudden turns (slow down as much as possible and turn as gently as you can). Do all of this while (as much as you can) leaving much more space between you and other drivers on all sides, being super aware of people on your rear and sides. Inertia and the associated loss of traction and control is a bitch...
I was driving along one snowy day years ago in my GMC Jimmy; driving slowly. This big 4x4 truck goes speeding past me. About 5 miles down the road that truck has run off the road and into the side of a hill. Drive to the weather not necessarily the speed limit in bad weather.
Have an 07 328xi. Honestly I haven't had many issues. Previous owners took meticulous care of it as well. N52 is a bulletproof engine and the last of the N/A BMW engines.
Got myself a 07 328xi coupe need to do my front driveshaft cause of this shit mechanic last year but haven’t had no crazy things happen and I’m coming from a 07 530xi
My ‘04 X5 3.0i X drive is absolutely amazing in the snow/ice/rain etc. Maybe I’ve been lucky but other than a broken window regulator and a few minor oil leaks it has always been rock solid. Plus it’s built like a tank and extremely safe. Airbags everywhere and 5 Star crash ratings which is one of the reasons I bought it back in ‘04.
A good friend of mine has a Honda Accord that has almost 300,000 miles on it. He is doing well financially speaking so I asked him when was he going to change his car. His answer was that he wanted to run this thing to the ground first, but that he is giving up! I know it hurts to admit it but ANY car made in Japan will be a great buy, and it will certainly be reliable.
My first car was a 2004 Honda Element ex AWD, it was my dads then my moms then mine, still have it with 290k on the clock, has been a fantastic car nearly bullet proof, great AWD system awesome on the snow, my only complaint is the gas mileage sucks but the car makes up for it in personality and reliability, definitely pick one up if u find it, same power train as a CRV, both cars are nearly indestructible
Good Winter Tires (not mud+snow) will do more for you than all wheel drive (both is obviously better). You can stop faster, turn better and plow through the snow better.
This past weekend I talked my wife's sister into buying a 2014 Toyota Rav 4 AWD with 140,000k miles. Such an upgrade over her 2011 Chevrolet Equinox that is currently sitting at a local shop with a blown engine. 🤣 I'm gonna do the maintenance myself on it so I know it's done right. Well what I can anyway. Fluids, brakes, bearings, Ect. My wife and I are looking for a older Rav 4 or Highlander as well with third row seating. Honestly Im tied of working on things that break down. 🤣
My g/f has an ‘08 Rav 4 V6, only 275k miles. A/C blows cold, everything works like new. However, it’s going in for a new wheel bearing tomorrow. It’s not been replaced in the 6 years I’ve been with her so I guess it’s an acceptable repair 🤣
Had a "97 Rav4 before my current 2012 ( 40K ). My 2012 I've had for 7 years, had it in twice for regular service, runs like a Toyota. I plan on getting 300K plus on my current model, keep it clean, do service when needed, and drive. Won't be wowing the crowd, but I'll get where I'm going, every time ( or darn near ). My mechanic loves my car, parts are easy.
Have a 2013 Rav4 AWD with 190,000 km and a 2020 Rav4 AWD with 32,000 km. Love them both. The thing about Toyota is, for the most part, they don't make the prettiest vehicles in the world but I'd rather look at an OK vehicle sitting in my driveway that I KNOW is going to take me where I want to go and back than a vehicle that is right purdy sitting up on my mechanics hoist.
I had an 18' outback 3.6R and put 96k miles on it in 3 and half years without a single issue. I did all the maintenance myself without a problem. I traded it off for a 21' mazda cx-5 all wheel drive and have almost 18k on it now and zero issues with it as well. I just like trying out different vehicles which is the only reason I didn't get another Subaru.
3.6 is another league of engine. I had a 2011 outback with 2.5 and it was fantastic... until someone in traffic looked at their phone too long... Now I drive a 2009 lexus rx450h with an electric motor on the rear axle. It's also an amazing car.
Subaru with manual transmission is the way to go.... They have the old school 50/50 front rear AWD and none of the catastrophic CVT problems. Subarus are user serviceable and there is some cool after market stuff available for them... My Crosstrek smokes my Wrangler on slick roads and highway snow.
Doing a car living situation by choice, live in Illinois, and I'm so happy with my 2013 Impreza I picked up a few months ago. Today was our first real dusting of snow and it was wet on the road snow was blowing across a little bit but the car was handling phenomenal. Driven it in The heavy rain a few times too I'm more than pleased with the performance.
Absolutely agree with your list. My daily is a AWD Skoda Yeti , basically a 2.0L TDI VW Golf with AWD , just with a different body and built in the Czech Republic. It easily does 50mpg and is great in all weathers.🏴 I do have a Landrover Defender if it gets really bad 😂
Same. I got a spare set of old alloys from ebay and put proper winter tyres on. It is absolutely unstoppable in the snow. I've pulled Range Rovers and all sorts of other soft roaders out of snow drifts with it.
I did the strata florida in wales in my trusty old '95 defender, and to my astonishment a german skoda yeti just whizzed on by through a mudhole like it didnt exist.. I never thought such a vehicle could do that.. I'm definitely convinced on its random capabilities
I live in upstate NY, my wife's car is a Subaru Forester, mine is a WRX STI. I have a Suzuki SX4 as a winter beater (the SX4 and Forester have far more ground clearance). All have appropriate tires for winter. The only maintenance they need is routine or wear items (e.g. my wife's Forester needed ball joints and lower control arms after 150k miles of pot holes and questionably maintained rural dirt roads).
As a former owner of 2 1989 Land Rover, Range Rovers I can emphatically agree with you. They will climb a tree but they are an electrical, head & exhaust gasket, oil and fluid leaking nightmare.
I loved my Forester. Yeah it was a 2000 but it never had head gasket issues. Right before I decided to get rid of it it developed weird suspension noises and the filler neck leaked since I bought it, but it never needed anything but routine maintenance. Exhaust also rotted through. I got the original service records and it got nothing but fluid and filter changes its whole life, apart from a serpentine belt. Amazing in the winter and very practical in general, I was foolish and ended up in ditches a few times and was able to just drive out. Michigan road salt got to it though, I mean it was already 20 years old when I bought it. Because of that car my mom dumped her unreliable Audi for a Subaru Outback.
Bizarrely, in Australia, the Jeep compass (with the diesel and manual) is about the only Jeep you'd consider buying (except for a TJ or older, Wrangler manual)
Just spent $3,200 to replace the head gasket and machined the head on my 2010 Outback at 126k miles. It's still a great car and I expect to keep it for another 100k! Great advice CW!
Can't second the Subaru suggestion enough. The only time I got stuck in snow with my 2011, with all season tires, was when there were 13" of the stuff, and I was still able to get it unstuck and back in the garage without assistance. Only regular maintenance items in 100,000+ miles before I traded it for a 2021...
With the Subaru Outback, do be careful what tires you buy if traction in snow is important. I had a 2002 4-cyl, stick shift model (a MN car). The OEM types always provided best traction in snow, especially on highway. Yes, it leaked oil. It also repeatedly fouled CATs (after about 180,000 miles) making this car infeasible where vehicle inspections were required.
There’s a lot more cars/SUVs that can go on this list. I know Car Wizard likes 4Runners. Don’t forget the 4Runner Limited has full time awd as well as a transfer case with 4wd high and low. Love mine!
Very true except that I seen this list as kind of a budget list even though I guess some of the cars in the newer form or as expensive as forerunners, but there’s definitely no cheap forerunners out there
Another excellent video. So, true confession time, I used to make fun of Subarus. I was a Jeep guy and truly only believed they were capable of going anywhere anytime. Then I purchased my first Subaru outback. There’s no comparison. Why yes, my Jeep Liberty and Grand Cherokee could go over about any Jeep trail in Colorado. However, after having my 2014 Outback out in the wilds of NW Wyoming This past September, and we ended up on some high clearance 4wd roads and it went anywhere my Jeep would’ve gone. Great to see the Subaru love!
My 2003 Forester was BULLITPROOF, I'm very mechanically inclined and was able to upgrade the head gaskets over a week-end, the Forester NEVER failed my. NOT once. The mileage could have been better, but it always worked.
live in New Hampshire, snows a good amount in the winter and can confirm, subarus are everywhere. I've owned 2 myself, currently a 2005 wrx. the first time I drove it in deep snow I was very impressed. I thought I was going to get stuck for sure but the subaru said otherwise.
Had so pay 7k to fix gaskets in our 2014 outback when we found oil in the coolant system. The windshield cracks if you look at it wrong, $450 each time and i have a $500 deductible. Other than that it has been very reliable. Since they had the engine apart we had upcoming scheduled maintenance done like valve adjustment and a few other things. This car has saved our lives many times and its worth it just for that.
I would say that's the last year of the bad ones. Though, I'm more on Team Toyota-Lexus and Porsche for cars anyways. And real japanese toyotas like the prius, mirai, rav4 prime, gx, lx, ls, gs, is etc
Thank you Car Wizard, for putting the whole world of "car repair" into "laymen's terms", so that hopefully the average person will understand what it's like to have to repair cars these cars these days. They are SOOOO complicated these days that they're pretty much nothing but disposable vehicles.
Speaking on Subaru’s. Also the 2005 and later years now have very nice interiors. My grandmother got a new outback touring xt and I was honestly taken aback by what you get for the money. A huge touch screen, napa leather, HK sound. Like years aho you had to spend thousands more on a Beemer or a Merc to get features like that!
Very gratifying to see a car you own on the Wizard's "buy this! short list. I bought a 2007 CR-V AWD last year (2021) with 153,000km (around 95,000 miles) on it. Being in Portugal, mine has Honda's 2.2 liter turbo diesel and 6MT that are renowned for being "bullet proof". This is my daily driver and I am averaging over 35mpg. I have been wondering where you stood Wizard on Honda vehicles (I always hear you speak highly about Toyotas) so I am happy to hear that you recommend the CR-V.
The 2010 Rav4 Sport AWD has a 4WD button on the dash that they claim will temporarily deliver equal power to each wheel if needed to get out of a jam. Turns off automatically if you forget to hit the button again to return to AWD. Never had to use it, but seems like a nice feature.
You have to be financially responsible enough to *religiously* do proper maintenance, but a XWD SAAB is one of the best AWD cars money can buy Haldex was invented back in the day specifically with the intention of SAAB implementation; the plan was to add AWD to the 900 back in the 1980s. Unfortunately we never saw an AWD 900, but when they finally got the chance in 2008, SAAB got a specialized unique version of Haldex. It has far far higher capabilities than almost all Quattro systems, the sole exception being the R8. It can send 100% of power to either axle, and 85% of power to any single wheel
My wife and I have a pair of Outbacks to get us through the winter weather and they work great. I've seen videos where they compare a 2WD car with snow tires to an AWD car with all season tires. In the tests, the 2WD car often wins in acceleration and braking. Certainly an AWD car with snow tires would be the best combination but I don't bother. Where I live in the midwest, they usually have the roads cleared within a day or so of the snow. I don't find snow tires would be worth my time or money considering how little I actually drive on the snow. My AWD is always there and gets the job done when I need it. If I lived in the country, I would probably consider the snow tires on my AWD.
Got an ‘07 Outback up here in Winnipeg…we just got several inches last week. No problems and I’ve never been stuck. Driving past pickups in the ditch!😂👌🏼
2008 Subaru Outback owner here. Cheap to repair. Gets going in the snow with no problems. Once or Twice I tried to drift in a corner on snowy roads, lucky to regain control both times without hitting anyone or anything. I advise to avoid accelerating in turns on snow...
Thx Car Wizard...good solid advise..what not and what to buy. You talk calm and sensible..no loud shouting or exagerated voice. That I like best..keep up the good work!😀
Maybe I've had worse luck with Subaru than others, but my 2013 Forester has consistently needed fixing year over year due to the brake calipers failing, resulting in dragging. (Now on my third repair.) It's like if they get the slightest bit wet at freezing temps, or if they sit outside for a week or two, there they go. (Note: I live in the Rust Belt of Salty Goodness.) However... I will agree that with the right tires and when driven intelligently, it is an absolute *tank* in the snow and ice and takes it no problem.
Subaru reliability is a myth in my experience or at least hit and miss. My 02 WRX was super reliable and I put 180k trouble free miles on it but my 05 Legacy GT was the single most unreliable vehicle I've ever owned. With that said however they would both plow snow with the front bumper and I never had either one stuck though 10 Michigan winters of ownership. With the exception of super deep snow I preferred either Subaru to my F-150 for winter driving.
@@jerrywagner7346 former '05 Legacy GT owner here. Can confirm, complete POS. Every single Subaru in my family has been a piece of trash 🗑️ and yes all had head gaskets go but the other stuff also broke and was an expensive list of total repairs. I don't care how good they are in the snow, they are piles. Never getting another one or allowing a friend/relative to. I despise them. Most drivers of them also usually can't drive and all vote a certain way 🗑️
I wouldn't even consider another Subaru. I can't believe Wizard put them on his list. I had so many niggly issues with mine, including a bad mass airflow sensor. Never in my life had a car with a bad MAF until I bought that POS, and I've owned 50 cars. I've heard way too many stories about bad head gaskets too. No thanks, I don't trust them. My manual Forester was fun to drive and practical though.
@@Maximus20778 - Are you being sarcastic about Porsche engines? TONS of issues with their engines over the years. RMS, IMS failures, cracked cylinder liners, clogged secondary air injection, valve guide wear. It's a long list.
I love my BMW E61 the AWD is an absolute beast in the snow and ice. Took it to Utah for off roading and trail driving in the snow. But reliable...not really...mine is in the shop atm for possible transfer case problem. But it's been great for 35,000 miles of my ownership. I've driven mine on thousand mile plus road trips. Take care of it and it'll be reliable
I'm in the Midwest and always get asked what is a good vehicle, as a third car for a college student. The CR-V and RAV4 are always at the top of my list. They check off so many boxes of what is needed in a "beater with heater", but they are so much more than that
I Have a Toyota Hiace 4wd as work Car. It has Webasto and actually good clearance. There are many all wheel drive cars where i live, but when there is lot of snow many cars get stuck because they are low. Job i do is manual Labour. So last thin i want to do is repair Car at My freetime. So thats why i love Toyota
I on the other hand have a 2005 bmw x5 (diesel) :) 220k miles, no oil leaks, no issues with transfer case and most importantly, minimal rust. My wife had a honda and currently has a 2009 corolla and theyre both extremely rusty from the underside, it's crazy. They salt the winter roads heavily here and it just kills japanese cars, at least the ones pre 2012
Compass and Patriot number 1 problem is front and rear sub frame rust, they are covered by a 10 years extended warranty starting from the day of the original purchase, when buying a used one you need to check first if it is admissnle to the extended warranty because in parts alone that's a $1K chunk per subframe
Besides a reliable car, the number one winter tip should be to put on winter tires. We have a 2003 and a 2004 rav4. Both are only front wheel drive, but we put winter tires on them (Nokian hakkepellitta) and get around great in the winter. If the snow gets deep we can always get around with our 2022 Toyota 4runner Off Road Premium which also has winter tires (blizzak DM-V2).
Great choice with the Nokian hakkepellitta, I run them on my 2007 subaru legacy and that thing amazes the old guys with their big trucks as it cuts through the snow.
@@onlyrog5 I've lived in MN, MT, ID, WA and spent a winter in IL. I grew up driving on all season tires because that's what everyone drove on, and I don't even know if winter tires existed back then. Once I tried winter tires I've been sold on them ever since. Sure you can very carefully get going, turn corners, and stop on all seasons like bambi on ice, but once you try winter tires and can drive with confidence you won't want to go back.
Subaru Forester XT Limited from 2006 owned 5 years, stock survivor car. Smooth runner. 206k, original drivetrain and turbo, new timing belt, block heater, x-ice snow tires. I've seen 4 other gen 2 facelift (06-08) XTs in 5 years. 40 service records in 5 years to recondition. No need to plow the driveway ever...😀
Not a popular opinion, but I used to have an 06 Buick Rendvous CXL AWD. Had the updated 3.5 v6 (not the 3.4 in the older models). I would try frequently to test the AWD system during harsh winter snows and I gotta say, that thing could plow through the snow with ease and get out of big drifts with no effort. (Also was very fun to drift around in it too!) Sold it at 213k and that motor still ran strong! Miss that car alot.
Im surprised to see the BMW X-Drive system on the list. I had a 150,000 mile used 2010 328xi. It was great in even in deep snow, and other than valve cover gaskets I never had issues.
Nothing wrong with the x-drive, wizzard is just biased against BMW's although you should stay away from cars with the N54 and the N63 unless you intend to do repairs yourself.
I've had great luck with the Xdrive sportwagen also, 12 years old and just the customary maintenance. In fact I've never met another driver of these that have had issues. I would much rather the opinion of the Ninja who has much more experience with these vehicles.. Sorry Mr Wizard, I believe you are out of your league on this one.
Last year I bought a new Chevy Trax AWD and it does pretty well in the snow, ice, and mud...even with the factory all-season tires. I put 24,000 miles on it in one year...So far so good. The Chevy Trax and its brother the Buick Encore are decent little crossovers.
100% Agree about your Subaru recommendation. We just traded our 2012 Outback 3.6 with 175k miles. Always felt confident driving in the snow with that car.
I have often been passed in snow storms by guys flying by going way too fast in their huge Bro Dozers. I frequently see them a few miles down the road stuck in a ditch as I drive by in my medium size, bone stock SUV with good all-season radials. It's all about your speed, inertia and the tires!
@@squash661 It's called the Law of Inertia or Newton's First Law of physics which says that: "Every object in a state of rest or uniform motion will remain in that state of motion unless an external force acts on it. Force equals mass times acceleration." Look into it.
If you can find one that hasn't rusted out and the door handles haven't all broken off; GMC Safari and Chevy Astro vans with AWD are pretty robust and perform very well in snow. The wheel placement is close to the bumpers and the engine location makes for good weight distribution.
Something I always say about winter driving "It's 4 Wheel Drive, not 4 Wheel Stop" just because you can put power down evenly across all 4 wheels and keep grip doesn't mean that you'll be able to stop, don't let it make you over confident
I’m from south GA and we never get any snow. I spent a year in Ohio and it took me 1 snow storm to figure out I had no clue what I was doing. Luckily I only slid through 1 red light and nobody was coming. I spent the rest of the winter driving REALLY carefully and didn’t have any more issues. It was a 99 ford escort wagon and I never had snow tires on it
The non-Trail Rated 2014-2017 Jeep Patriot and Compass with the 2.4l engine has a traditional 6-speed automatic. From personal experience when taken care of this combo is very reliable. We have over 180k miles on our Patriot, which we do all the maintenance and repairs on ourselves. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another or recommend this combo.
You can't get people in the cult of Kilmer to understand this. He talks up the Rav4 and forgot to mention that the 2.4 liter engine in those Toyotas love to burn oil after 100k miles. My employer had Scions with that same engine and had a good number of them locked up from lack of oil. Where did the oil go. Oh yeah it got burned up before the oil change lol. Go look up "Toyota 2AZFE burning oil".
I can attest to Subaru's being excellent in the snow. I had a 2005 Outback sedan for 4 years and it was almost unstoppable. I could point the car wherever I wanted to go, even in a blizzard and it would just do it without any kind of hesitation. Even with all season tires on it had little issue in up to a foot of snow
My exes 2012 Subaru Outback was garbage. CVT failed twice under warranty and the engine locked up due to oil consumption recall (we almost got seriously injured being stranded on the side of the highway) Her car was also maintained very well by a local Subaru mechanic. I ditched my 16 Subaru Impreza with 23 thousand miles because it was eating coolant. I bought a 2022 Camry AWD, there’s no need for Subaru anymore. Also my parents have a 2007 rav4 v6 with 228,000 miles. Solid cars!
Hmmm...we have a 2015 Patriot with the 6-speed Hyundai transmission and it's been great. It's definitely good in the Canadian snow, but the 2.4 engine is, as you said, a little unrefined (but no mechanical problems at all so far). Approaching 100k miles and the only thing that broke was a $10 brake light switch. But then again, all our crappy cars have lasted for ages because we don't drive them hard and we do all the scheduled maintenance.
The Wizard specifically mentioned the CVT equipped Patriots. From what I could find doing research recently while looking for first car candidates for my son the 6 speed Patriots are fine, the CVT models should be avoided like the plague.
Here in New England, Subarus, RAV-4s and CRVs are everywhere, so definitely good advice to buy one of those. For those who will drive often in the snow, you also want a set of winter tires, like Bridgestone Blizzak or Michelin X-Ice. The difference in traction and control is surprising, and they just make AWD that much better. Plus you can save some mileage on your regular tires. Just make sure to leave more space between you and the car ahead, and if your car has an automatic transmission use the manual mode (if available) and keep it a gear lower than you would in good weather. Those with manual transmissions already know what to do 😀
I've traveled to Maine and Minnesota. I'd say one of the most common vehicles in either of those states are Subaru Outbacks. I almost never see them in Texas, but they are everywhere in those states.
Subarus are really popular in the Intermountain west too, Montana Utah, Colorado etc. They're probs not as common in Tx because the terrain is so subtle and flat and never sees serious snow
I work at a parts store in Maine and for most cars we will have one or two boxes of brake pads on hand. For Subarus we will have 10 or so boxes on hand because we sell so many.
Thanks for the video Wizard. Happy to see you finally give some love to Honda. Sure, not quite as reliable as Toyota, but way more fun to drive. You know me for my BMW love, but I got Honda love too.
Another issue with the Jeep Patriot, the steering is numb. And I mean horribly numb. Also, despite the fact that it's a somewhat narrow SUV compared to others in its class, driving it is so ponderous that it feels like a full-size SUV when you're behind the steering wheel. Used to have one as a patrol vehicle at the client's site I still work at. Thankfully not vehicle patrol. But there were times I had to drive it when the drunken excuse for a security officer was late coming to work in the morning. Usually on a Monday morning. Did I mention he gets every single weekend off. Yeah, unless someone gives you a working one for free, and you have several thousands of dollars set aside for future repairs; definitely avoid this one. (Ironically, after it was totaled, we eventually got a previous gen. Honda CR-V as a replacement.)
I completely lucked out recently and got myself an 03 WRX with a full set of wheels with snow tires. It’s high mileage with over 200k miles on it but it drives like a dream. I’m the fourth owner but it’s clear that the car has been very well maintained and loved mechanically. Cosmetics on the outside it’s definitely showing signs of its age but inside it’s excellent. And the best part is it’s UNMODIFIED!! So you can find wonderful gems if you know where to look.
![[UA] Team Vitality проти NAVI | IEM Cologne 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wttO1zVRTC0/mqdefault.jpg)
Big nono
2:14 Land Rover discovery 1 and 2 1990-2000
4:04 Jeep compasses or patriots
5:20 BMW with x drive all wheel drive system
Okie-doky
8:19 Subaru 2005-present
9:40 Toyota Rav-4 all wheel drive
11:14 Honda CRV
Thank you brother
@@loganwhelan93of course my man
Tons of Subaru issues with the last gen... windshield cracking and thousand dollars PLUS cost of windshield to fix due to Subaru Camera needing to be re calibrated. Oil consumption issues... etc..
Feeling all cozy by the fire with Wizard Claus
Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha
When his beard turns gray he will be a great Santa Claus no doubt
Blizzard Wizard
This is true guy therapy. Do more of these wizard, lol!
Lmao wings pfp
Toyota Tercel, 35 years still going strong. Same motor & transmission for around town.
Have 170,000 miles on my 2012 Outback and it’s been awesome! Never let me down, goes just about anywhere I need, and is very comfortable and great on long road trips. Easily been the best car I’ve ever had. Absolutely recommend one to people!
I love my 2012 4 cylinder Outback with 112, 000 miles. Bridgestone Blizzak's in the winter time, great vehicle in the snow....
I love my 97 Impreza 2.2l (so without the engine gasket issues) with 87k original miles. I keep that car only to have some fun winter time.
Thanks for telling us ! Good for you 🌞.
Also, do not buy the Tribeca, if you are planning to purchase another Subaru, because these Tribeca's had some electrical problems and so forth. The Ascent could be a better choice for a second Subaru, because most of them are under warranty at this time around.
Just bought one so good to know. Thanks 👍🏽
I live in upstate New York where it snows 60 inches a year. More important than 4WD are snow tires. With the right tires you'll do fine with front or rear wheel drive. During the first snow storm of the year all the vehicles in the ditch are 4wd. Drivers think they're invisible. 4WD doesn't help you stop or turn any better.
modern snow tires are so good compared to the old ones, they turned my 94 Civic sedan into a slow plow, a bit squirmy stopping, the rubber is soft, yes, modern snow tires should be number one on the list.
first three rules of off roading (green laning, 4 wheeling) 1. TIRES. 2. TIRES 3. TIRES. TIRES ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN OFF ROADING
Exactly
Yes this should be obvious. Tires are the only part of your car that actually contacts the road. So good tires are a MUST
You nailed it with this one. We lived in the Idaho mountains when we got our first CR-V and Blizzaks were the first winter upgrade. Almost unstoppable. It's all about the tires.
Just bought a 2006 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport last winter for $500, came with snow tires. Haven't had a single problem with it, 216k miles and it dominates the snow
That's a steal! Nice buy.
Where the hell do you guys find these steals
@@reionmiller9289 probably friends or family. i have an 09 hyundai sonata with the v6 that I got for like $2k because a family member threw me a bone.
I have a 2010 Honda CRV - 230K miles paid $600. It is flawless. I towed my son's pickup out of a snowy field effortlessly with it.
Hi! I'm looking for a car and I was wondering how long the car lasted you with 230,000 miles on it?
@@emmawalton2849they’re still driving it he said he owns it and bought it 2 years ago. Issue is your not going to find one for $600 now and where did he get it? A family member most likely
You forgot to mention how the 3rd gen rav 4 had the 3.5 v6 option
And it was nuts for that little car. It’s an absolute rocket, especially compared against other cars of its time you could easily give any V6 mustang or Camaro a run for its money
I have seen those rav 4's out in the remote back desert trails of California. It surprised me how capable they are.
@@zzzz-ok7733 yeah, I’ve heard that about their off-road capabilities but to me they were all wheel drive wagon with close to 300 naturally aspirated horsepower
coolest Rav4 for sure
@@thetechlibrarian 269hp
My grandfather has the 2009 AWD with the V6, I LOVE that thing. Such a rocket!
I have a 04 Land Rover and can confirm everything he said… another quote I hear about them is “Land Rover turning owners into mechanics since 1989 or 79”
Same. It's a rolling turd, but it's turned me into a mechanic so I can't complain.
Got an 08 Acura RDX turbo. The awd is amazing. I’ve taken it to the snow and it is rock solid! Honda really nailed it. 160k on it, and original turbo still going strong! I maintain my own vehicles.
Ive never had trouble with fwd in snow and ice but i ive used studded tires 🤔I'm planinng to get w211 e500 and use it all year around gotta see how well that goes.
Going to look at an '08 Pilot tomorrow (11/16/2022). 181k on it, but we'll see. I believe I know what to look for. Had four Acuras, last one broke my heart. Transmission.
@@GeoffreyGodshall I have an '08 pilot "4WD". It has 170k on it, and has been a good ride so far.
We had a really big ice storm last year. I wish that I could give you a good report on the AWD, but my tires were terrible, so of course it wasn't an impressive experience.
I have good tires now, and it's great on muddy ground.
I bought it with about 140k, and it hasn't had an easy life. The previous owner did have timing belt changed at 120k. But, his son (an friend of mine) did haul lawn equipment with it. His son also drove it pretty hard, but it's very clean inside and out.
So far, so good. I hope that I didn't just jinx myself.
@@GeoffreyGodshall I always change the trans fluid and so far so good!!! Use only Honda !!!
mn guy here. love my 08 crv with 176k, purchased at 89k 5 years ago. sway bar links were pretty bad and replaced at 105k. door locks replaced at 115k other than that - oil changes, fluids and a set of tires. been an awesome ride, saved my rear end on 2 major occasions. Lesser vehicles lost control on freeway during snowstorms and swerved into my lane. crv stayed its course and avoided the accidents.
this list is exactly what I tell all my relatives and friends.
I own a 99 CR-V 4x4. It has 236,000 miles on it and it is still a fantastic car. I just did a timing belt and am confident it's ready to make it to 300,000 miles.
Recently bought a 2008 CRV with 265K miles. Runs and drives perfectly.
Same, only mine's a 2005 Gen II with 98k.
The third gen crv is a tank
I know a woman that has around 300k on her 2008 CRV. Just keeps on going.
I have a 2008 cry with 179,000 miles. I’ve had to replace some things (door lock actuators, blended air motor), but other than the starter, I could do it all myself. Changing fluids is easy. AWD goes over snow like a lizard over sand.
Another few cars to add for the Don’t Buy section are the Nissan Rogue or Murano (Nissan CVT, pretty self explanatory and it seems like people ignore maintenance on these), any Audi with the Quattro All Wheel Drive (it’s not a bad All Wheel Drive system per se, it’s just you know the drill with Audi, always going to be expensive to fix), and Chevrolet Traverse or equivalent vehicles (GM 3.6 V6, that’s all I need to say, you can figure out the rest)
audis are cheap to fix, shut up
I am driving my 17 year old All Wheel Drive A6 for 12 years now, without anything significant breakage. The key is to keep up with maintenance and strictly follow the mtc. recommendations.
@@heiner71 Agree.......had a 2000 A4 way back when as a second vehicle, 225000 km and not a hitch with the AWD.......same with the BMWs I have had, zero issues with the X-Drive
Love my B7 in metro nyc area, maintenance is high but you have to keep up with it. Its an audi not a honda. That being said its not the first choice for everyone
Most Subarus have the garbage Jatco CVT transmission. I already commented about my exes Outback failing 😂
Car Wizard I bought a 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD with 40,000 miles on it 2 years ago and I love it. I put 10,000 miles on it since and I'm definitely getting my money's worth from it. I bought it because of the reliability and plan on having it for many years to come. My friend had a 2004 Subaru Forester and the rear struts rotted through the sheet metal that they were mounted to. He wound up junking it because no shop would fix it, he even tried a few body shops and they said it wasn't worth fixing. The cost of repairs were more than the vehicle was worth.
Subaru does have amazing Awd in the snow..... just try to avoid anything made in the U.S.A. Try and get a model still made in Japan. Those last a lot longer. I got rid of my 2017 Impreza because it had 7 recalls and tons of other problems including an engine rod knock at 53,000 miles. Traded it in for a Corolla.... which isn't great in the snow.... but I like a challenge now and then.
I can attest to the longevity of the Honda CRV. My Sister has a 1st generation (2000 model) that currently has almost 360000 miles with the original engine and transmission. Burns almost no oil even though she is rather haphazard on oil changes. Only usual wear items replaced such as tires, brakes, alternator, clutch, distributor and timing belt.
I think I am going to try a 24f battery next time it needs one. Those tiny 52r batteries just don't have enough power to last more than 3 years in mine. Ours burns NO oil and it doesn't leak any either. I go about 5-6k miles on synthetic oil.
I have a 2nd Gen with the K24A engine. Like the 1st Gen it also has the picnic table. Unfortunately it’s a 2 wheel drive but it’s realiability is bulletproof .
I just bought a 22 crv hybrid touring a lil over 45 days ago. I'm not digging the CVT though honestly. I've only put 300 miles on it because I still have a loaner car from Kia and I'm putting all the miles on it instead...since it's free ..lol
My 90s CRV automatic won't shift reverse and 4th gear when cold. I need to replace shift solenoid under the transmission. Luckily it share with 90s civic.
Still driving my 35 year old Toyota Tercel!...same motor & transmission!
This was a great video with excellent information. One thing to remember as an AWD car owner is if you happen to have a blowout on any tire that is beyond wear you may be looking at a complete set of tires you will need to replace instead of just one tire. The reason why is that the diameter of the newer tire may be significantly thicker than the other three tires which can cause excess wear on your AWD system. I drive a 2020 Hyundai Kona AWD that has been worry free for 26k miles but when I had a nail break my tires belt and sidewall, I was forced to get a new set of 4. The stock tires on this car are awful in the winter so I was fine replacing them but my wallet wasn’t quite so happy.
Yeah, but of the other 3 are new enough, they can shave the new one down to equal the others.
That's what they say..i don't really buy it. 4 tires..they ripped you off
@@teevee2145 the car wizard has mentioned on one of his jeep Cherokee videos that people who don’t change out tires in sets of 4 ruin differentials on AWD systems. A few members of the Kona forums online that I belong to also told me the same thing that after a certain point that all 4 need to be changed
@@travisp11 hocus pocus
Tire rack will shave tires. Just buy one of the same model
Winter tires make a HUGE difference as well. Up here in the frozen north I have studded winter tires on my vehicles, never slide through an intersection or get sideways.
I can vouch for the CR-V. I had a ‘99 which ran great up until just before Christmas. After 355,000 miles, the transmission kicked the bucket. In all of those miles, she only left me stranded twice. Once when a u-joint failed on the drive shaft, and once when the 2nd timing belt failed prematurely with on 40k on it. I blame myself because I ordered a kit off of amazon that had a counterfeit gates belt. Luckily there was no damage to the top end. Other than that, I did all the regular maintenance and replaced wear items as they wore out.
She was great in the snow, even with all season tires. I plowed through a 2 foot snowfall once that had me amazed at how good it was doing. One particularly cold and snowy winter, we were on a Boy Scout winter camping trip. Our cabin was at the bottom of a ice and snow covered two track hill. Only three of us could make it up and down. My CR-V, another CR-V, and an Outback.
My 2001 CRV AWD has 221,000 miles and runs great, but now getting a lot of squeeky noise from somewhere in the rear drivetrain.
Great list !
I got a 99 Forester SF5 and love it ! 233k miles and still going strong. We did reseal the entire engine and resurface the heads and everything at 170k and upgraded to multi layer Head gaskets though. Other than that there has been no major issues, and it’s amazing in the rain and snow 😊
Bet u don't live in he rust belt.
@@sickvic3909 Wanted so say the same. Had two SF Foresters in Germany and while I love the cars, resolving the massive rust problems was uneconomical.
I have a lot of friends with Subarus and I drive a lowered g37 coupe awd so I stick out like a sore thumb in the winter when driving with them hahah
True ! I’m in the Pacific Northwest and my car has been an Oregon baby so 0 rust :D I was just happy with how well it has been
That is not the real car wizard, that is a scammer!!
I live in Minnesota and have owned many 4X4's. I have had better performance with fwd with winter tires than most of the 4wd models I have owned.
Or just get snow tires and AWD. I ran all seasons for a few winters and then tried snow tires and was blown away. Then I tried awd and snow tires and I don't know if I'll ever go back. Fuel economy is slightly shit, but you can drive likes it's dry weather with awd and snow tires. Pass people that are driving 20mph and cruise at 50-70 in blizzard conditions on the highway. Very few things slow the car down. I can't get it stuck even if I try.
@@skoparweaver7692 I agree. With all wheel drive and winter tires you are unstoppable. However I find that the slightly less grip of front wheel drive is offset by the better handling and greater fuel economy.
@@skoparweaver7692 There some new "all weather" tires (like the Michelin CrossClimate) that are almost as good as snow tires (according to various tests). Might be a good option for those that live in mixed climates....
Remember to pair the car with proper tires for the driving conditions. If you need to drive on snowy/icy conditions all the time, get proper snow tires.
I know the haters gunna hate, but I have a Nissan Rogue with AWD and I love it. Yeah, it has a CVT, but if it is properly maintained and you are gentle with it, it's an excellent car. I DoorDash on the side and you wouldn't believe the amount of times it's gotten me up a super steep driveway or road without any problems.
You could add 1st Gen Highlander to the list. Besides the timing belt you have to replace, they are cheap and solid vehicles. Not to mention they are built in Japan.
Just bought a 2007 well maintained Highlander. Engine solid. Body solid. Suspension solid.
Agreed
Some Second-generation early model years and all hybrid models were also assembled in Japan.
Got a 2019 Forester, bought new, 74,000 miles, zero problems. Great economy.
My dad had a 2007 bmw 530XI with 180k miles and it ran beautifully. I personally just think that it’s how the driver takes care of the car. Most people don’t really care for there cars besides oil changes and after wonder why there car breaks!!! Trust me, Toyota Honda and Subaru products do break!!!! I work at Toyota and if you don’t take care of them they will become money pits!!!
I drive in the snowing roads of Canada. I own a 2011 Subaru Tribeca. That car is very capable on the snow and very reliable too, just like the Wizard says. It's also very comfortable and safe. There's a lot of different Subarus down the road here up north.
Agreed
As good as Subarus are in the snow, adding snow tires makes them that much better. You WILL notice a difference.
I drove a few BMW E90s in the Canadian winters, it’s actually one of the best cars I’ve winter driven, I ran all weather tires instead of real winter tires. The tread depth always has to be consistent on all 4 tires for the longevity of the AWD system. The reliability of the cars themselves was a mixed bag. The xDrive models are actually harder to work on than a RWD version because more stuff is in the way.
I have four nearly new tires on my Quattro Audi and recently caught a nail in the sidewall of one tires making it unfixable. These exact Kumhos were discontinued and hence i can't find a new replacement. Do i need to replace all four or can I get by with one axle set?
@@petrosaguilar8916 What’s the thread depth on the existing tires? There’s usually a tolerance limit. 1-2/32nd difference might be ok. If the tire is discontinued and the other 3 tires have minimal wear, they can be changed in pairs. Changing just one tire can cause performance difference due to different thread pattern so changing two and putting them in the same axle is the best thing to do.
I had a used 89 325ix for a couple of years with zero issues. Maybe the E90s are garbage, they def have a poor reliability reputation. I've owned 5 BMWs and will probably never buy another one.
I would love to see you do a "To buy & not to buy video" about minivans. Think a lot of people might find that useful.
It should be uploaded from the Car Wizard sooner or later.
The only, one too Buy, is the A- team van. The whole crew comes with the van. Is that a plan I hear?
Ba, shut your trap. Murdock, did you just kill, our, good friend Face?
Yeah, he drives like a pussy. I know Ba, but you just killed the Transfer case, of, our indestructible van.😂
Adding on to what Wizard said about winter driving, when ice and/or snow is on the ground, remember this when driving: NO SUDDEN MOVES
Start slow from a stop, start to slow down way ahead of when you would in dry weather to stop (and perhaps gear down carefully to have engine braking help you, especially on hills), and no sudden turns (slow down as much as possible and turn as gently as you can). Do all of this while (as much as you can) leaving much more space between you and other drivers on all sides, being super aware of people on your rear and sides.
Inertia and the associated loss of traction and control is a bitch...
I'm always amazed at people in Giant powerful trucks and cars speeding during snow storms. The laws of physics doesn't care about your ignorance.
Good simple clear instructions 👍🏻
I was driving along one snowy day years ago in my GMC Jimmy; driving slowly. This big 4x4 truck goes speeding past me. About 5 miles down the road that truck has run off the road and into the side of a hill. Drive to the weather not necessarily the speed limit in bad weather.
Have an 07 328xi. Honestly I haven't had many issues. Previous owners took meticulous care of it as well. N52 is a bulletproof engine and the last of the N/A BMW engines.
BMW bring more wallet.
N52 is solid. Last great NA engine from BMW. Poster above me is just an uneducated simpleton who blindly hates without reason
Agree, have the exact same car, with 160k miles had to change front shocks and recently had to change flexdisk and central bearing of the propshaft.
Got myself a 07 328xi coupe need to do my front driveshaft cause of this shit mechanic last year but haven’t had no crazy things happen and I’m coming from a 07 530xi
My ‘04 X5 3.0i X drive is absolutely amazing in the snow/ice/rain etc. Maybe I’ve been lucky but other than a broken window regulator and a few minor oil leaks it has always been rock solid. Plus it’s built like a tank and extremely safe. Airbags everywhere and 5 Star crash ratings which is one of the reasons I bought it back in ‘04.
A good friend of mine has a Honda Accord that has almost 300,000 miles on it. He is doing well financially speaking so I asked him when was he going to change his car. His answer was that he wanted to run this thing to the ground first, but that he is giving up! I know it hurts to admit it but ANY car made in Japan will be a great buy, and it will certainly be reliable.
I have a 2011 Chevy Impala with 350000 miles no problems it all just regular services and still going.
Accords are made in USA. I believe since 1982 in Ohio. CR-V as well (for not as long obviously.)
My first car was a 2004 Honda Element ex AWD, it was my dads then my moms then mine, still have it with 290k on the clock, has been a fantastic car nearly bullet proof, great AWD system awesome on the snow, my only complaint is the gas mileage sucks but the car makes up for it in personality and reliability, definitely pick one up if u find it, same power train as a CRV, both cars are nearly indestructible
Good Winter Tires (not mud+snow) will do more for you than all wheel drive (both is obviously better). You can stop faster, turn better and plow through the snow better.
We used winter tires (General Arctic) on our Honda Odyssey and we could stop better than any 4wd/AWD.
I always made due with mud terrain tires and enjoyed the extra noise ;)
@@stevegiddens7713 Not my Subaru with snow tires. :) And I can take off at the light to get away from all the dumb people on low tread all seasons
This past weekend I talked my wife's sister into buying a 2014 Toyota Rav 4 AWD with 140,000k miles. Such an upgrade over her 2011 Chevrolet Equinox that is currently sitting at a local shop with a blown engine. 🤣 I'm gonna do the maintenance myself on it so I know it's done right. Well what I can anyway. Fluids, brakes, bearings, Ect. My wife and I are looking for a older Rav 4 or Highlander as well with third row seating. Honestly Im tied of working on things that break down. 🤣
The Honda pilots are good too
My g/f has an ‘08 Rav 4 V6, only 275k miles. A/C blows cold, everything works like new. However, it’s going in for a new wheel bearing tomorrow. It’s not been replaced in the 6 years I’ve been with her so I guess it’s an acceptable repair 🤣
Had a "97 Rav4 before my current 2012 ( 40K ). My 2012 I've had for 7 years, had it in twice for regular service, runs like a Toyota. I plan on getting 300K plus on my current model, keep it clean, do service when needed, and drive. Won't be wowing the crowd, but I'll get where I'm going, every time ( or darn near ). My mechanic loves my car, parts are easy.
Have a 2013 Rav4 AWD with 190,000 km and a 2020 Rav4 AWD with 32,000 km. Love them both. The thing about Toyota is, for the most part, they don't make the prettiest vehicles in the world but I'd rather look at an OK vehicle sitting in my driveway that I KNOW is going to take me where I want to go and back than a vehicle that is right purdy sitting up on my mechanics hoist.
Just bought my wife a 2021 rav4 last year. Hoping it lasts longer than a decade
I had an 18' outback 3.6R and put 96k miles on it in 3 and half years without a single issue. I did all the maintenance myself without a problem. I traded it off for a 21' mazda cx-5 all wheel drive and have almost 18k on it now and zero issues with it as well. I just like trying out different vehicles which is the only reason I didn't get another Subaru.
3.6 is another league of engine.
I had a 2011 outback with 2.5 and it was fantastic... until someone in traffic looked at their phone too long...
Now I drive a 2009 lexus rx450h with an electric motor on the rear axle. It's also an amazing car.
@Dima Gurevich Yeah that 3.6R was a beast of an engine.
Subaru with manual transmission is the way to go.... They have the old school 50/50 front rear AWD and none of the catastrophic CVT problems. Subarus are user serviceable and there is some cool after market stuff available for them...
My Crosstrek smokes my Wrangler on slick roads and highway snow.
Doing a car living situation by choice, live in Illinois, and I'm so happy with my 2013 Impreza I picked up a few months ago. Today was our first real dusting of snow and it was wet on the road snow was blowing across a little bit but the car was handling phenomenal. Driven it in The heavy rain a few times too I'm more than pleased with the performance.
Got a TRD Rav4, besides a little low ground clearance its done very well on sand, snow and gas. Been a great little suv so far.
Absolutely agree with your list.
My daily is a AWD Skoda Yeti , basically a 2.0L TDI VW Golf with AWD , just with a different body and built in the Czech Republic.
It easily does 50mpg and is great in all weathers.🏴
I do have a Landrover Defender if it gets really bad 😂
Same. I got a spare set of old alloys from ebay and put proper winter tyres on. It is absolutely unstoppable in the snow. I've pulled Range Rovers and all sorts of other soft roaders out of snow drifts with it.
i wish we got these in the usa, i sooooo wanted one of them for years
I did the strata florida in wales in my trusty old '95 defender, and to my astonishment a german skoda yeti just whizzed on by through a mudhole like it didnt exist.. I never thought such a vehicle could do that.. I'm definitely convinced on its random capabilities
You guys get all the cool cars!!!
50 mpg? Are you sure you don’t mean 50kpl of petrol?
I live in upstate NY, my wife's car is a Subaru Forester, mine is a WRX STI. I have a Suzuki SX4 as a winter beater (the SX4 and Forester have far more ground clearance).
All have appropriate tires for winter.
The only maintenance they need is routine or wear items (e.g. my wife's Forester needed ball joints and lower control arms after 150k miles of pot holes and questionably maintained rural dirt roads).
Is the suspension wear bad? I was reading reviews of a 2008 Subaru and people on there kept complaining about the suspension wearing out too fast.
@@zzoinks
I'm going to blame the roads on this one, the suspension took 150000 miles of wear before needing replacement.
As a former owner of 2 1989 Land Rover, Range Rovers I can emphatically agree with you. They will climb a tree but they are an electrical, head & exhaust gasket, oil and fluid leaking nightmare.
I loved my Forester. Yeah it was a 2000 but it never had head gasket issues. Right before I decided to get rid of it it developed weird suspension noises and the filler neck leaked since I bought it, but it never needed anything but routine maintenance. Exhaust also rotted through. I got the original service records and it got nothing but fluid and filter changes its whole life, apart from a serpentine belt. Amazing in the winter and very practical in general, I was foolish and ended up in ditches a few times and was able to just drive out. Michigan road salt got to it though, I mean it was already 20 years old when I bought it.
Because of that car my mom dumped her unreliable Audi for a Subaru Outback.
Subaru Forester / Outback is mandated to be owned by all residents in Vermont
@@RustyZipper there’s a million newer Outbacks around me, and quite a few Foresters as well
Bizarrely, in Australia, the Jeep compass (with the diesel and manual) is about the only Jeep you'd consider buying (except for a TJ or older, Wrangler manual)
Yeah if we had that drivetrain they'd actually be ok... but cvt's especially in jeeps are terrible.
I have an Outback and the first time I drove it in the snow it blew my mind. It went right through 6 inches of snow like it wasn't even there.
Just spent $3,200 to replace the head gasket and machined the head on my 2010 Outback at 126k miles. It's still a great car and I expect to keep it for another 100k! Great advice CW!
i had 2 foresters 2,5 turbo same issue
You're crazy
Can't second the Subaru suggestion enough. The only time I got stuck in snow with my 2011, with all season tires, was when there were 13" of the stuff, and I was still able to get it unstuck and back in the garage without assistance. Only regular maintenance items in 100,000+ miles before I traded it for a 2021...
With the Subaru Outback, do be careful what tires you buy if traction in snow is important. I had a 2002 4-cyl, stick shift model (a MN car). The OEM types always provided best traction in snow, especially on highway. Yes, it leaked oil. It also repeatedly fouled CATs (after about 180,000 miles) making this car infeasible where vehicle inspections were required.
‘96-2001 Ford 5.0 Explorers with AWD are rock solid and great in bad weather.
I just moved to Pittsburgh from NYC, and so many people have Subaru's. I couldnt figute it out until Wizard gave the answer. Thanks!
There’s a lot more cars/SUVs that can go on this list. I know Car Wizard likes 4Runners. Don’t forget the 4Runner Limited has full time awd as well as a transfer case with 4wd high and low. Love mine!
Just need to be cautious on the 4th generation, 2006 - 2009, although they are extremely reliable, some did suffer from excessive subframe rust.
Very true except that I seen this list as kind of a budget list even though I guess some of the cars in the newer form or as expensive as forerunners, but there’s definitely no cheap forerunners out there
The early 1990's 4Runner's were the worst in reliability.
Rust buckets, the ride's too firm, lousy MPGs and the headroom is not the best.
@@md2k8 My 4Runner 94 22RE is very robust and reliable.
Another excellent video. So, true confession time, I used to make fun of Subarus. I was a Jeep guy and truly only believed they were capable of going anywhere anytime. Then I purchased my first Subaru outback. There’s no comparison. Why yes, my Jeep Liberty and Grand Cherokee could go over about any Jeep trail in Colorado. However, after having my 2014 Outback out in the wilds of NW Wyoming This past September, and we ended up on some high clearance 4wd roads and it went anywhere my Jeep would’ve gone.
Great to see the Subaru love!
My 2003 Forester was BULLITPROOF, I'm very mechanically inclined and was able to upgrade the head gaskets over a week-end, the Forester NEVER failed my. NOT once. The mileage could have been better, but it always worked.
live in New Hampshire, snows a good amount in the winter and can confirm, subarus are everywhere. I've owned 2 myself, currently a 2005 wrx. the first time I drove it in deep snow I was very impressed. I thought I was going to get stuck for sure but the subaru said otherwise.
Had so pay 7k to fix gaskets in our 2014 outback when we found oil in the coolant system. The windshield cracks if you look at it wrong, $450 each time and i have a $500 deductible. Other than that it has been very reliable. Since they had the engine apart we had upcoming scheduled maintenance done like valve adjustment and a few other things. This car has saved our lives many times and its worth it just for that.
Subaru’s are actually nice little cars, except for the motor, and except for the transmission, and except for its reliability
I would say that's the last year of the bad ones. Though, I'm more on Team Toyota-Lexus and Porsche for cars anyways. And real japanese toyotas like the prius, mirai, rav4 prime, gx, lx, ls, gs, is etc
Thank you Car Wizard, for putting the whole world of "car repair" into "laymen's terms", so that hopefully the average person will understand what it's like to have to repair cars these cars these days. They are SOOOO complicated these days that they're pretty much nothing but disposable vehicles.
Speaking on Subaru’s. Also the 2005 and later years now have very nice interiors. My grandmother got a new outback touring xt and I was honestly taken aback by what you get for the money. A huge touch screen, napa leather, HK sound. Like years aho you had to spend thousands more on a Beemer or a Merc to get features like that!
The timing for this was perfect. Living in SW Michigan the snow is a huge factor. Thanks Car Wizard!
😭😭😭✌️
Very gratifying to see a car you own on the Wizard's "buy this! short list. I bought a 2007 CR-V AWD last year (2021) with 153,000km (around 95,000 miles) on it. Being in Portugal, mine has Honda's 2.2 liter turbo diesel and 6MT that are renowned for being "bullet proof". This is my daily driver and I am averaging over 35mpg.
I have been wondering where you stood Wizard on Honda vehicles (I always hear you speak highly about Toyotas) so I am happy to hear that you recommend the CR-V.
The 2010 Rav4 Sport AWD has a 4WD button on the dash that they claim will temporarily deliver equal power to each wheel if needed to get out of a jam. Turns off automatically if you forget to hit the button again to return to AWD. Never had to use it, but seems like a nice feature.
You have to be financially responsible enough to *religiously* do proper maintenance, but a XWD SAAB is one of the best AWD cars money can buy
Haldex was invented back in the day specifically with the intention of SAAB implementation; the plan was to add AWD to the 900 back in the 1980s. Unfortunately we never saw an AWD 900, but when they finally got the chance in 2008, SAAB got a specialized unique version of Haldex.
It has far far higher capabilities than almost all Quattro systems, the sole exception being the R8. It can send 100% of power to either axle, and 85% of power to any single wheel
Yes, Subaru. We’ve had 3 of them. Current is a 2008 Outback, 2.5i. Almost 200,000 Klms. Love bro dozer handle, so accurate!
Excellent
My wife and I have a pair of Outbacks to get us through the winter weather and they work great. I've seen videos where they compare a 2WD car with snow tires to an AWD car with all season tires. In the tests, the 2WD car often wins in acceleration and braking. Certainly an AWD car with snow tires would be the best combination but I don't bother. Where I live in the midwest, they usually have the roads cleared within a day or so of the snow. I don't find snow tires would be worth my time or money considering how little I actually drive on the snow. My AWD is always there and gets the job done when I need it. If I lived in the country, I would probably consider the snow tires on my AWD.
Got an ‘07 Outback up here in Winnipeg…we just got several inches last week. No problems and I’ve never been stuck. Driving past pickups in the ditch!😂👌🏼
2008 Subaru Outback owner here. Cheap to repair. Gets going in the snow with no problems. Once or Twice I tried to drift in a corner on snowy roads, lucky to regain control both times without hitting anyone or anything. I advise to avoid accelerating in turns on snow...
No shit Sherlock
Thx Car Wizard...good solid advise..what not and what to buy. You talk calm and sensible..no loud shouting or exagerated voice. That I like best..keep up the good work!😀
Maybe I've had worse luck with Subaru than others, but my 2013 Forester has consistently needed fixing year over year due to the brake calipers failing, resulting in dragging. (Now on my third repair.) It's like if they get the slightest bit wet at freezing temps, or if they sit outside for a week or two, there they go. (Note: I live in the Rust Belt of Salty Goodness.) However... I will agree that with the right tires and when driven intelligently, it is an absolute *tank* in the snow and ice and takes it no problem.
Subaru reliability is a myth in my experience or at least hit and miss. My 02 WRX was super reliable and I put 180k trouble free miles on it but my 05 Legacy GT was the single most unreliable vehicle I've ever owned. With that said however they would both plow snow with the front bumper and I never had either one stuck though 10 Michigan winters of ownership. With the exception of super deep snow I preferred either Subaru to my F-150 for winter driving.
@@nobodynever7884 boxer engines are great just look at Porsche their reliabile
@@jerrywagner7346 former '05 Legacy GT owner here. Can confirm, complete POS. Every single Subaru in my family has been a piece of trash 🗑️ and yes all had head gaskets go but the other stuff also broke and was an expensive list of total repairs. I don't care how good they are in the snow, they are piles. Never getting another one or allowing a friend/relative to. I despise them. Most drivers of them also usually can't drive and all vote a certain way 🗑️
I wouldn't even consider another Subaru. I can't believe Wizard put them on his list. I had so many niggly issues with mine, including a bad mass airflow sensor. Never in my life had a car with a bad MAF until I bought that POS, and I've owned 50 cars. I've heard way too many stories about bad head gaskets too. No thanks, I don't trust them. My manual Forester was fun to drive and practical though.
@@Maximus20778 - Are you being sarcastic about Porsche engines? TONS of issues with their engines over the years. RMS, IMS failures, cracked cylinder liners, clogged secondary air injection, valve guide wear. It's a long list.
Got a 22 impreza last year 💪🏻 Had an 06 forester prior to that and it was jaw dropping in the snow storms.
I've never owned one, but a Subie guy told me they (finally) *100%* solved their head gasket problem in 2013.
I love my BMW E61 the AWD is an absolute beast in the snow and ice. Took it to Utah for off roading and trail driving in the snow. But reliable...not really...mine is in the shop atm for possible transfer case problem. But it's been great for 35,000 miles of my ownership. I've driven mine on thousand mile plus road trips. Take care of it and it'll be reliable
Not ALL older Compass/Patriots have a CVT. The 6 speed auto (in later models) and 5 speed manual are also available.
I'm in the Midwest and always get asked what is a good vehicle, as a third car for a college student. The CR-V and RAV4 are always at the top of my list. They check off so many boxes of what is needed in a "beater with heater", but they are so much more than that
I Have a Toyota Hiace 4wd as work Car. It has Webasto and actually good clearance. There are many all wheel drive cars where i live, but when there is lot of snow many cars get stuck because they are low. Job i do is manual Labour. So last thin i want to do is repair Car at My freetime. So thats why i love Toyota
I on the other hand have a 2005 bmw x5 (diesel) :) 220k miles, no oil leaks, no issues with transfer case and most importantly, minimal rust. My wife had a honda and currently has a 2009 corolla and theyre both extremely rusty from the underside, it's crazy. They salt the winter roads heavily here and it just kills japanese cars, at least the ones pre 2012
Compass and Patriot number 1 problem is front and rear sub frame rust, they are covered by a 10 years extended warranty starting from the day of the original purchase, when buying a used one you need to check first if it is admissnle to the extended warranty because in parts alone that's a $1K chunk per subframe
Besides a reliable car, the number one winter tip should be to put on winter tires.
We have a 2003 and a 2004 rav4. Both are only front wheel drive, but we put winter tires on them (Nokian hakkepellitta) and get around great in the winter. If the snow gets deep we can always get around with our 2022 Toyota 4runner Off Road Premium which also has winter tires (blizzak DM-V2).
Great choice with the Nokian hakkepellitta, I run them on my 2007 subaru legacy and that thing amazes the old guys with their big trucks as it cuts through the snow.
@@Kevin-fm1vn they're all better than the "all season" tires a lot of people slide around on in the winter.
@@dalefrolander3583 Have yet to experience this and I'm in the Midwest.
@@onlyrog5 I've lived in MN, MT, ID, WA and spent a winter in IL. I grew up driving on all season tires because that's what everyone drove on, and I don't even know if winter tires existed back then. Once I tried winter tires I've been sold on them ever since. Sure you can very carefully get going, turn corners, and stop on all seasons like bambi on ice, but once you try winter tires and can drive with confidence you won't want to go back.
ua-cam.com/video/GlYEMH10Z4s/v-deo.html
Subaru Forester XT Limited from 2006 owned 5 years, stock survivor car. Smooth runner. 206k, original drivetrain and turbo, new timing belt, block heater, x-ice snow tires. I've seen 4 other gen 2 facelift (06-08) XTs in 5 years. 40 service records in 5 years to recondition. No need to plow the driveway ever...😀
Back in 2011, I was on a test drive of a Patriot, and the salesman tried to turn the stereo up over the engine. That was a clue.
Not a popular opinion, but I used to have an 06 Buick Rendvous CXL AWD. Had the updated 3.5 v6 (not the 3.4 in the older models). I would try frequently to test the AWD system during harsh winter snows and I gotta say, that thing could plow through the snow with ease and get out of big drifts with no effort. (Also was very fun to drift around in it too!) Sold it at 213k and that motor still ran strong! Miss that car alot.
My FWD rendezvous was best snowcar ive ever had
Im surprised to see the BMW X-Drive system on the list. I had a 150,000 mile used 2010 328xi. It was great in even in deep snow, and other than valve cover gaskets I never had issues.
bmw is trash. so is mercedes.
Xdrive is just as good as quattro if not better for the rwd bias
Agree 100%.....never had any issues with X-Drive with upwards of 200000km.....but did have the leaky valve cover gasket haha
Nothing wrong with the x-drive, wizzard is just biased against BMW's although you should stay away from cars with the N54 and the N63 unless you intend to do repairs yourself.
I've had great luck with the Xdrive sportwagen also, 12 years old and just the customary maintenance. In fact I've never met another driver of these that have had issues. I would much rather the opinion of the Ninja who has much more experience with these vehicles.. Sorry Mr Wizard, I believe you are out of your league on this one.
I like the fact that the edit puts the cars not to buy right on the fire
Last year I bought a new Chevy Trax AWD and it does pretty well in the snow, ice, and mud...even with the factory all-season tires. I put 24,000 miles on it in one year...So far so good. The Chevy Trax and its brother the Buick Encore are decent little crossovers.
100% Agree about your Subaru recommendation. We just traded our 2012 Outback 3.6 with 175k miles. Always felt confident driving in the snow with that car.
I have often been passed in snow storms by guys flying by going way too fast in their huge Bro Dozers. I frequently see them a few miles down the road stuck in a ditch as I drive by in my medium size, bone stock SUV with good all-season radials. It's all about your speed, inertia and the tires!
No you don't 😄 why you lying on the internet for no reason?
@@squash661 It's called the Law of Inertia or Newton's First Law of physics which says that: "Every object in a state of rest or uniform motion will remain in that state of motion unless an external force acts on it. Force equals mass times acceleration." Look into it.
If you can find one that hasn't rusted out and the door handles haven't all broken off; GMC Safari and Chevy Astro vans with AWD are pretty robust and perform very well in snow. The wheel placement is close to the bumpers and the engine location makes for good weight distribution.
Front end crash with those and the driver eats the steering wheel
Something I always say about winter driving "It's 4 Wheel Drive, not 4 Wheel Stop" just because you can put power down evenly across all 4 wheels and keep grip doesn't mean that you'll be able to stop, don't let it make you over confident
Driving in snow takes practice too, I'm from Canada and it takes a few days to remember every year that the water is stiff! Love the channel.
I’m from south GA and we never get any snow. I spent a year in Ohio and it took me 1 snow storm to figure out I had no clue what I was doing. Luckily I only slid through 1 red light and nobody was coming. I spent the rest of the winter driving REALLY carefully and didn’t have any more issues. It was a 99 ford escort wagon and I never had snow tires on it
Stiff water? Interesting
I would add a Highlander to that list of 'to buy'.
The non-Trail Rated 2014-2017 Jeep Patriot and Compass with the 2.4l engine has a traditional 6-speed automatic. From personal experience when taken care of this combo is very reliable. We have over 180k miles on our Patriot, which we do all the maintenance and repairs on ourselves. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another or recommend this combo.
You can't get people in the cult of Kilmer to understand this. He talks up the Rav4 and forgot to mention that the 2.4 liter engine in those Toyotas love to burn oil after 100k miles. My employer had Scions with that same engine and had a good number of them locked up from lack of oil. Where did the oil go. Oh yeah it got burned up before the oil change lol. Go look up "Toyota 2AZFE burning oil".
I can attest to Subaru's being excellent in the snow. I had a 2005 Outback sedan for 4 years and it was almost unstoppable. I could point the car wherever I wanted to go, even in a blizzard and it would just do it without any kind of hesitation. Even with all season tires on it had little issue in up to a foot of snow
My exes 2012 Subaru Outback was garbage. CVT failed twice under warranty and the engine locked up due to oil consumption recall (we almost got seriously injured being stranded on the side of the highway) Her car was also maintained very well by a local Subaru mechanic. I ditched my 16 Subaru Impreza with 23 thousand miles because it was eating coolant. I bought a 2022 Camry AWD, there’s no need for Subaru anymore. Also my parents have a 2007 rav4 v6 with 228,000 miles. Solid cars!
Hmmm...we have a 2015 Patriot with the 6-speed Hyundai transmission and it's been great. It's definitely good in the Canadian snow, but the 2.4 engine is, as you said, a little unrefined (but no mechanical problems at all so far). Approaching 100k miles and the only thing that broke was a $10 brake light switch. But then again, all our crappy cars have lasted for ages because we don't drive them hard and we do all the scheduled maintenance.
The Wizard specifically mentioned the CVT equipped Patriots. From what I could find doing research recently while looking for first car candidates for my son the 6 speed Patriots are fine, the CVT models should be avoided like the plague.
Jeep bought my dumbest purchase ever (2007 Jeep patriot) back from me because of roof issues. Lemon law.
Rover, unreliable…..? Whatever do u mean? They reliably break down all the time
Here in New England, Subarus, RAV-4s and CRVs are everywhere, so definitely good advice to buy one of those. For those who will drive often in the snow, you also want a set of winter tires, like Bridgestone Blizzak or Michelin X-Ice. The difference in traction and control is surprising, and they just make AWD that much better. Plus you can save some mileage on your regular tires. Just make sure to leave more space between you and the car ahead, and if your car has an automatic transmission use the manual mode (if available) and keep it a gear lower than you would in good weather. Those with manual transmissions already know what to do 😀
It’s crazy how these high-end luxury cars are the most unreliable. People always aspire to buy a Mercedes BMW etc but they end up being money pits.
because expensive cars arent intended for poor people lmao
I've traveled to Maine and Minnesota. I'd say one of the most common vehicles in either of those states are Subaru Outbacks. I almost never see them in Texas, but they are everywhere in those states.
I see them every day in Texas. Subaru is a very popular vehicle in the DFW area.
Subarus are really popular in the Intermountain west too, Montana Utah, Colorado etc. They're probs not as common in Tx because the terrain is so subtle and flat and never sees serious snow
I work at a parts store in Maine and for most cars we will have one or two boxes of brake pads on hand. For Subarus we will have 10 or so boxes on hand because we sell so many.
See them decently often here in east TN, espically since I like to buy and sell the 2000 to 2008 era cars
Thanks for the video Wizard. Happy to see you finally give some love to Honda. Sure, not quite as reliable as Toyota, but way more fun to drive. You know me for my BMW love, but I got Honda love too.
Another issue with the Jeep Patriot, the steering is numb. And I mean horribly numb. Also, despite the fact that it's a somewhat narrow SUV compared to others in its class, driving it is so ponderous that it feels like a full-size SUV when you're behind the steering wheel. Used to have one as a patrol vehicle at the client's site I still work at. Thankfully not vehicle patrol. But there were times I had to drive it when the drunken excuse for a security officer was late coming to work in the morning. Usually on a Monday morning. Did I mention he gets every single weekend off. Yeah, unless someone gives you a working one for free, and you have several thousands of dollars set aside for future repairs; definitely avoid this one. (Ironically, after it was totaled, we eventually got a previous gen. Honda CR-V as a replacement.)
I completely lucked out recently and got myself an 03 WRX with a full set of wheels with snow tires. It’s high mileage with over 200k miles on it but it drives like a dream. I’m the fourth owner but it’s clear that the car has been very well maintained and loved mechanically. Cosmetics on the outside it’s definitely showing signs of its age but inside it’s excellent. And the best part is it’s UNMODIFIED!! So you can find wonderful gems if you know where to look.