My wife currently has a FWD 2007 Nissan Xterra. We're not sure how it will do in the snow up here. This area got over 300 inches of snow last season. Looking at something used in the 10-15k range, AWD. Preferably an SUV but we'd consider a good 4 door sedan. And no wagons...my wife doesn't like wagons . Any suggestions?

 

Just put a set of good snow tires on it. They are cheaper than a new vehicle and will get you thru what you need to get thru.

 

Isn't the 2-wheel drive Xterra RWD? Any vehicle that has decent ground clearance, AWD/4WD and snow tires would make a great winter/snow vehicle. And really, most cars with snow tires will do fine in all but the worst conditions.

 

Not sure about the other years but 2007 is only FWD or AWD.

 

If you do go the tire route, I love my Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 snow tires.

I know last winter was very brutal here, but 300" is quite a lot. I thought our 82" of snow this past winter was damn too much. So I think a winter beater might be a good route.

 

Snowmobile.

You're welcome.

 

4Runner?

Bullet proof, reliable, 4wd, 20mpg, practical. Not very luxurious, but a great truck. You'd probably have to go older than your current which might be a negative for you.

 

Or, ask Yumcha. He'll know.

 

RX300 or 330 AWD? perfect for women.

 

Subaru Forrester, Legacy outback, Honda CRV

I had a Forrester for a week and a half as a loaner and that thing returned an impressive average of 28.1 in mixed driving... Yeah, I'd rock it all day long....

 

I'm doing some research on tires and I'm hearing good things about the Bridgestone Blizzaks. Might try the snow tire route for this and seeing how it does before jumping into another car payment.

 

If your area allows studded tires, I'd go with the General Altimax Arctic with studs. Great tire for deeper snow and ice situations, not that great for open/cleared roads or long distance driving. I had Micheline X-Ice2 tires on my 330Xi and it was damn near unstoppable in the snow. Never got it stuck or slipped off the road, tires were fantastic for open road as well.

 

You're mistaken. All vehicles that have carried the XTerra name have been RWD or 4WD. They are body on frame SUVs and the 2nd generation which runs from 2005 - present are built on the same platform as the Frontier and Titan.

 

agree with fatty..if you're not dying to get into a another car payment...dedicated winter set FTW.

 

Wow thanks man I just called the dealer and gave them the VIN. Its the 4x2 S Model. RWD...we're screwed.

 

This. But if you must get another car, I'd go for the CRV.

Also had no idea Nissan Xterras came in FWD....something new you learn everyday! lol

 

They don't.

 

i have blizzak ws70 tires on my winter wheels. never had an issue the past two winters. granted it wasn't a huge 300 inch winter but we got some decent snow in the NE

 

Correct. Xterra is either 4WD or RWD. It doesn't come FWD.

Even with good tires, I personally am not comfortable with a RWD car in the snow. Too much risk of the back end fishtailing out. My brother-in-law has a RWD Durango and it is absolutely terrible in the snow. It's heavy up front, light in the back with tons of torque. Tires aren't enough to help the cause. I imagine the Xterra is probably not too different.

My recommendation is to find yourself an AWD/4WD vehicle or even a FWD vehicle, especially since you're in Michigan. Tons of snow falls in Michigan, especially on the west side of the state.

 

snow tires can make any car better than an awd or 4wd without snows.

 

Going to take a look at a 2014 Honda CRV today with 15k miles.

 

If the resale value for the CRV is anything like it used to be, you might as well buy a new one.

 

Trade the RWD Xterra for an 4WD?

But I would try dedicated snows first as that is going to be the least expensive option.

 

This. Just buy a new one and slap some snow tires on it. The '15 CR-V has a lot of improvements and new features.

 

If they make them in your size, the General Articmax are the hands down best.

 

 

This all day long. Just buy a new one, the CRV's resale value is freaking insane, just like most Hondas.

Back to your original question, I got 130+ inches of snow on my side of Cleveland last winter. I rocked my RWD CTS-V wagon with Blizzaks. Never, ever got stuck once. It's the tires....AWD only helps with starting out, not with maintaining traction--that's on the tires.

That said, for this winter I found an old beater Pilot for $6k to handle winter for me. It was in great shape for 132k miles.

 

We were trying to keep the price tag right at 20k. Wanted something nice and reliable but not brand new since this car is not going to be garaged. Plus considering the way they salt the roads up here, I really wanted something used. Looked at the 2014 today with 15000 miles. I'm going to look around some more but its almost a done deal.

 

i don't think i'd ever suggest ridgeline to anyone.

But in your case, reliable and functional winter beater. Ridgeline will do.

there are some under 20k with reasonable mileage after a quick search.

 

OP said this:
Maybe typo then?

I was having a hard time looking up specs for a FWD Xterra as well....

 

^Yeah I goofed. I didn't think they would make a RWD only Xterra but I was wrong.

 

Wife hates them. She's looking for an SUV/Crossover type car.

 

or is it time for something new/different?

 

Thanks for reminding me about that ugly beast. I'm going to go check a few out in my hunt to downsize to two cars before adding another... Any thoughts on reliability and such? I know they're fugly but I don't care for a daily winter beater.

 

we can all agree on its ugliness.

but It has Honda's AWD and 20 years old J series engine.,.. so...

 

RX330/350 would be my top choice due to its reliability and size.

 

RAV4 plays in the same market as the CRV and tends to depreciate more than the Honda. Worth a look. The V6 from the previous version is no joke either and can actually tow if properly equipped.

I'm more worried about the transmissions that mate to the 20 year old J series engines.