While most Americans have access to at least one car, the average U.S. household owns two vehicles while 20% of households own at least three. That’s according to Census Bureau data.
If you have a new car and want to spare it from the corrosive road chemicals used to treat the roads in the winter, invest in a beater vehicle.
What’s a Winter Beater, Anyway?
A winter beater is a term that describes a cheap, reliable vehicle that’ll get you from Point A to Point B and back during the cold winter months.
Here are 15 winter beater options that’ll serve you well without costing an arm and a leg.
Subaru Impreza
Do you live in an area that gets tons of snow in the winter? If so, an all-wheel drive might be mandatory. A used Subaru Impreza can be a great buy. But do your homework and stick with a vehicle that has already had any head gasket problems sorted out. Other than that issue, a used Subaru Impreza can give you AWD capability that’ll make winter driving a breeze.
Mazda 3
If you want a winter beater, consider a used Mazda3. According to CarParts.com, the vehicle gets a 4.0/5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal.com. That’s good for ninth place out of 35 compact cars. And the yearly repair expense of around $433 is close to $220 lower than rival compact cars. Online reviews from owners are overwhelmingly positive, so it’s worth considering a used one.
Lincoln Town Car
Based on the Ford Panther platform, the Lincoln Town Car is a vehicle that gets high marks for reliability, comfort, and quality. CarParts.com says a Town Car can go past 250,000 miles without breaking a sweat. And some owners have 400,000 or even 500,000 miles on the odometer. If you can get a Lincoln Town Car in good condition and perform proper upkeep, it can be a reliable winter beater for many years.
Nissan Altima
Another option for a winter beater is a used Nissan Altima. According to J.D. Power, you can get 250,000 to 300,000 miles from one of them.
Skip model years 2002 and 2013, according to Freeway Insurance, since those model years have the highest number of recalls and complaints for the brand. Otherwise, a used Nissan Altima can be a good option for a winter beater.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corollas are synonymous with reliable 4-cylinder commuter vehicles that get good gas mileage, last many hundreds of thousands of miles, and generally only require basic maintenance. Put a quality set of winter tires on it, and you’re good to go.
Toyota Camry
If you love Corollas but want something bigger, more comfortable, and with a nicer interior, consider a Toyota Camry. You can find plenty of used Camrys on Facebook Marketplace and other places, so it’s not hard to find one in good condition that can last hundreds of thousands of miles.
Ford Explorer
An SUV can be the perfect winter beater — especially if it has AWD or four-wheel drive. While it won’t have Corolla- or Camry-like reliability, a Ford Explorer can be a pretty reliable winter beater. You’ll get a dependable SUV to navigate roads covered in snow, sleet, or slush.
Toyota Yaris
You might be surprised to see this small Toyota Yaris on this list. But the secret is that narrow tires perform well in the snow. Just make sure you get quality winter tires for the best results. You’ll get Toyota reliability, so a used Yaris should last you many winters.
Chevy Blazer
According to CoPilot for Car Shopping, the Chevy Blazer’s 2006, 2008, and 2009 model years are among the most reliable for the popular SUV. It’s an option to mull over if you want an SUV for a winter beater.
Honda Civic
Honda Civic is another reliable commuter vehicle that won’t cost an arm and a leg in gas and won’t empty your wallet as far as maintenance and repairs go. You’ll be good to go after investing in quality winter tires.
Nissan Sentra
A used Nissan Sentra can be a great winter beater. According to CoPilot for Shopping, the model years to focus on include 2000 to 2004, 2007-2010, and 2020. You’ll get a relatively cheap vehicle to drive in the winter.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has a strong track record of reliability throughout its generations. The SUV outsells all new vehicles — save for full-size pickups. It came to the U.S. in 1996 equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine — and it’s been enthralling motorists ever since. You can get it in AWD or front-wheel drive configurations.
Honda CR-V
If you want a reliable used SUV but don’t want or can’t find a Toyota RAV4, consider a Honda CR-V. While not as popular as a RAV4, the CR-V has a strong following and is a reliable SUV that won’t break the bank.
Ford Ranger
An old Ford Ranger is worth considering if you want a small truck for your winter beater. CoPilot for Car Shopping says the most reliable model years for an older Ford Ranger are 1998, 2007, 2009, and 2010. They’re durable and sturdy — just the sort of truck you’ll want for winter driving.
Toyota 4Runner
Do you want a big SUV for a winter beater? Consider a Toyota 4Runner. According to CoPilot for Car Shopping, the best model years for a used model include 1999, 2000, 2008, and 2017 to the fifth generation of the SUV. You’ll get Toyota reliability in the form of a rugged SUV.
Winter Beaters Are Worth Considering
If you need a vehicle to drive during the winter, check out one of these 15 options. They’re far from the only possibilities available, but they can get you started as you search for the perfect beater.
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