Need a new car, gimme input

IsitWinterYet17You talk about lifting your car, but have a wrx as an option? That would be a weird combo hah.

Anyway Subaru or Jeep would be my picks, with a preference to Subaru because I have a Legacy. If you have some money, Subaru is coming out with a 3 row SUV called the Ascent this year. Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is an expensive car if you haven't checked prices; it's nice though.

Dash69WRX is definitely gonna be small to sleep in if you're over 5'9"'. Its not on your list, but I'd consider a Subaru legacy hatchback. Gonna be more reliable than the Volvo and much roomier than the WRX- similar space to an XC70. Also, you can find them with decent power/ turbos and they kinda rip. Especially in manual.

RousedWitsManual gearbox.

.lencon4runners are 4WD, not AWD. But I personally believe 4WD is better. You could probably find a 4Runner that already has a lift, but why lift that? They’re already pretty capable.

But id go for the 4Runner, some of those engines run for a while.

CaseyA 5 thousand dollar 4runner probably needs 5 thousand in work.

.CJ.I bet you saw those two Saabs on the Portland Craigslist and that's why they're on your list

.lencon4runners are 4WD, not AWD. But I personally believe 4WD is better. You could probably find a 4Runner that already has a lift, but why lift that? They’re already pretty capable.

But id go for the 4Runner, some of those engines run for a while.

ZypherHaha guess i forgot to mention something... Im 17

ZypherNo haven’t scoped any Saab’s yet. Links?

D.B.

RedneckGravyI've got a toyota tacoma with the 4x4 option. It's a very similar vehicle to the 4runner. The 4x4 is an option able to be switched off. I would definitely roll with toyota for the reliability. 4x4 smokes AWD in the snow by a wide margin. I would look into Tacomas and 4runners if I were you. Also, more $$ than 5k will make the search easier; and with used cars do your research on common problems and have a mechanic check the vehicle over before you buy.

Caseyhttps://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/d/4xtoyota-4runner-sr5-limited/6471992809.html

This is about what 5k can get you in the 4runner world. It's basically ok. Automatic on this one but at least it's got a 3.4L.

Tons of 1500 dollar project trucks from this era, "needs head gasket"

SendyMcSendyfaceXc70 for sure my dude. Also, unless you have really deep snow, fwd with good tires makes a really underrated setup. My 850 does better in snow than most subies around Targhee.

whiteboi4Runner or XT, I've seen some rad overland/off road builds on XT's. The Subaru Legacy GT Wagon's are similar to a WRX just a bit roomier, I'd recommend looking into the if you haven't already. Also, I'll be heading to Montana State next year as well, I'm either going to bring my Dodge Cummins or possibly buy a new ride to take down there depending on my funds next summer

RusticlesI'd stay away from the jeep, nothing but problems. If you're looking at a cherokee or 4 runner have you considered a truck, prob the same in gas mileage? You could get an 07-10 GMC with higher miles for 5-10g and toss a canopy on it with a mattress inside. Build a bench in the box so your gear/skis can slide in under the mattress. Just an idea

ZypherTrue, i've wanted a Tacoma or an old 80s k20/gmc 2500 for a while but im going AWD over a 4x4. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Laredo models + the 4Runner Limited models have an AWD option and a low range for deeper stuff and that seems more up my alley for the type of driving im doing. Plus, im looking at the straight 6 jeeps, not the big ol v8s so those usually have less problems and the 4Runner has that nearly invincible 3.4 v6 under the hood. If I end up with either, im definitely making a little platform with slide able drawers in the back for a twin on top and skis/gear underneath.

RusticlesA tacoma would be sweet as well. Why exactly AWD over 4x4, in a 4by you get the option of driving without it? I have an older GM Denali and it has AWD and I think the regular GM's have an Auto feature that senses the need and puts it in 4by. I'm over 300000kms on mine and have nothing but good things to say about it, would work good for this id say.

OregonDeadOP how rich are you? When I was 17 I had to take whatever I could get since I couldn't actually afford the full price of buying a care let alone maintenance etc. Got to drive a hand me down volvo 240, a dodge spirit, and a dodge caravan. With studs the caravan was about the best ski car. In college I got to borrow one of those Passports a bunch from a rich friend and they don't get good gas mileage since they are basically a pick up.
If you are like most of us were you'll be best served by getting something reliable and spending your money on good winter tires. You'll be better off with FWD and real winter tires than a 4 runner with old ass a/t tires.

Zypher4x4 is hella nice and definitely a good option but imo awd has its benefits on icy surfaces that 4x4 cant really compare to. awd can automatically transmit power to areas that are slipping while 4wd spins all the tires at once with no variation (no im not talking about traction control, thats a whole different thing that imo is useless). Honestly, its all up to personal preference though, to each their own yeah?

TheTropicsI'm hesitant to recommend a WRX or Forester XT as a good car for your needs. I had a WRX for a while and I had racks on racks just to hold all of my gear, especially since I kayaked and camped a lot at that time. Forester XT is a taller and dope looking ride ('08 and older) but they are similarly small with just a little added vertical space/headroom. As far as lifting Subarus goes, my buddy and I lifted his Impreza outback, it looks rad but mileage did go down a little bit. Even after purchasing the right suspension-adjusting components, the CV axles break at least once a year, sometimes more often. Lifting Subarus has been done plenty of times with varying levels of long-term success, there's a great wealth of information on it at dirally.com's forum.

If you're going Subaru, I would recommend an Outback, or Legacy Wagon. If you likeTurbo, go for an Outback XT or a Legacy GT wagon. The body style offers the most room for a Subaru and the Outbacks come stock with higher suspension than their counterparts. Adding even 1" to an outback makes it that much more capable.

A true 4WD platform isn't bad, just be aware of it's limitations when cornering. 4WD provides great capability when you're stuck and need to get out with more torque.

**This post was edited on Jan 29th 2018 at 8:41:41pm

mmccarthy81I’ve got a WRX hatch and can confirm it wouldn’t be too comfortable to sleep in, but definitely doable. I’m 5’ 11” and I have to go diagonal with the back seats folded down to sleep. Haven’t had problems with snow up to 6” but it’s no match for a truck in big storms. Super fun car though and I personally would sacrifice a little practicality for the fun factor. I can still sleep in it and get through snow to ski even though it takes a little more skill than doing it in my dads 1500. As long as you get the hatch you’d have a good time with it. You’d just have to get a bit creative with sleeping if you plan to bum in it. Gas also isn’t bad and I have a 93 octane tune on mine.

Zypherthanks for the input, based on what you've said, the outback xt is looking pretty nice rn. Little bit higher than the wrx + bigger booty gives is prime ski bumability haha.