The CAR WIZARD shares which All-Wheel Drive cars TO Buy & NOT to Buy!

[@racoonvile1326]

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

[@loganwhelan93]

Thank you brother

[@racoonvile1326]

@@loganwhelan93of course my man

[@S2L.studio]

Mr Wizard, add to the good list the Volvo XC90, XC70 and XC60 with the 3.4L inline 6. Start around the year 2008. Do not buy any 5-cylinder Volvos, prior to 2008. Avoid any Volvo turbos, like all turbos.

[@phillipjohnson5868]

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!

[@ed-gw3ov]

I love my 2012 4 cylinder Outback with 112, 000 miles. Bridgestone Blizzak's in the winter time, great vehicle in the snow....

[@TermlessHGW]

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.

[@Shadobanned4life]

Thanks for telling us ! Good for you 🌞.

[@md2k8]

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.

[@DDDDDDD34]

Just bought one so good to know. Thanks 👍🏽

[@PeterGriffin_2077]

Feeling all cozy by the fire with Wizard Claus

[@oonwing]

Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha Hahaha

[@Ryan-85]

When his beard turns gray he will be a great Santa Claus no doubt

[@youdontknowme5969]

Blizzard Wizard

[@Bizija123]

This is true guy therapy. Do more of these wizard, lol!

[@SeniorCat-]

Lmao wings pfp

[@CMHC]

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.

[@gregorymurphy9980]

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.

[@believeinyourself4457]

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.

[@downtheshedwithjason]

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

[@pablopicaro7649]

Exactly

[@Fly-aaron92]

Yes this should be obvious. Tires are the only part of your car that actually contacts the road. So good tires are a MUST

[@Bdub1952]

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.

[@redneckdave1968]

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.

[@lokimowgli5151]

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”

[@fuosdi64]

Same. It's a rolling turd, but it's turned me into a mechanic so I can't complain.

[@magdump7380]

‘96-2001 Ford 5.0 Explorers with AWD are rock solid and great in bad weather.

[@aipo86t]

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.

[@emmawalton2849]

Hi! I'm looking for a car and I was wondering how long the car lasted you with 230,000 miles on it?

[@jessewynne8193]

@@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

[@travisp11]

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.

[@The_10th_Man]

Yeah, but of the other 3 are new enough, they can shave the new one down to equal the others.

[@teevee2145]

That's what they say..i don't really buy it. 4 tires..they ripped you off

[@travisp11]

@@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

[@teevee2145]

@@travisp11 hocus pocus

[@SamWhitlock]

Tire rack will shave tires. Just buy one of the same model

[@tpdabomb3]

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

[@budyfixit]

That's a steal! Nice buy.

[@reionmiller9289]

Where the hell do you guys find these steals

[@deesnutz42069]

@@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.

[@NickTarterOKC]

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.

[@zzzz-ok7733]

Toyota Tercel, 35 years still going strong. Same motor & transmission for around town.

[@robbflynn4325]

Got a 2019 Forester, bought new, 74,000 miles, zero problems. Great economy.

[@chrislangstaff]

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.

[@AlexanderVonMalachi]

We have a 1st gen 1995 RAV4 JDM, in our family since 2000, thing would probably outlive me.

[@mikeL5183]

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...

[@hankhill5622]

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

[@drdiabeetus3061]

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.

[@jaskajokunen3716]

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.

[@GeoffreyGodshall]

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.

[@letsdothis9063]

@@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.

[@tatialo37]

@@GeoffreyGodshall I always change the trans fluid and so far so good!!! Use only Honda !!!

[@thetechlibrarian]

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]

I have seen those rav 4's out in the remote back desert trails of California. It surprised me how capable they are.

[@thetechlibrarian]

@@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

[@baelm]

coolest Rav4 for sure

[@yukonstriker1703]

@@thetechlibrarian 269hp

[@badledgend1172]

My grandfather has the 2009 AWD with the V6, I LOVE that thing. Such a rocket!

[@coinsagE46m3]

Recently bought a 2008 CRV with 265K miles. Runs and drives perfectly.

[@davidknowles2491]

Same, only mine's a 2005 Gen II with 98k.

[@Tool0GT92]

The third gen crv is a tank

[@WhittyPics]

I know a woman that has around 300k on her 2008 CRV. Just keeps on going.

[@Sr89hot]

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.

[@philsarkol6443]

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!😀

[@chastonbaird7487]

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.

[@rodbelding9523]

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.

[@Buellerwtfman]

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.

[@robsonselzelin]

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.

[@md2k8]

Agreed

[@lucasglowacki4683]

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!😂👌🏼

[@robminch8592]

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.

[@rachelblack3816]

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.

[@matthewkennedy5483]

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 😊

[@sickvic3909]

Bet u don't live in he rust belt.

[@jim_bocho]

@@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.

[@hexicalcat4937]

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

[@matthewkennedy5483]

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

[@cars4life458]

That is not the real car wizard, that is a scammer!!

[@dennissheehy1157]

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.

[@md2k8]

It should be uploaded from the Car Wizard sooner or later.

[@theluckyman74]

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.😂

[@kingjlinza]

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)

[@Random-nf7qb]

audis are cheap to fix, shut up

[@heiner71]

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.

[@thefalloutshelter7799]

@@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

[@andrewg2322]

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

[@801_adventure_trek4]

Most Subarus have the garbage Jatco CVT transmission. I already commented about my exes Outback failing 😂

[@terranwoolley4226]

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!

[@rivergewehr4817]

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.

[@grizzleypeak]

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.

[@Bill-yv1kf]

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.

[@WhittyPics]

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.

[@wasabitoburrion4409]

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 .

[@johngatsby1473]

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

[@GF-mf7ml]

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.

[@zzzz-ok7733]

Still driving my 35 year old Toyota Tercel!...same motor & transmission!

[@HelenFire420]

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!

[@Rickmakes]

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.

[@coldpepper3175]

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!

[@Tempsho]

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.

[@kurtmadison9517]

Just bought a 2007 well maintained Highlander. Engine solid. Body solid. Suspension solid.

[@brandonbostwick9010]

Agreed

[@bvedant]

Some Second-generation early model years and all hybrid models were also assembled in Japan.

[@leschab]

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.

[@jayyambrovich3740]

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.

[@hammyh1165]

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 😂

[@CriticalMick]

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.

[@jamessouder6044]

i wish we got these in the usa, i sooooo wanted one of them for years

[@FPVsean]

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

[@tatialo37]

You guys get all the cool cars!!!

[@The_10th_Man]

50 mpg? Are you sure you don’t mean 50kpl of petrol?

[@chipmunk1631]

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

[@jaybru661]

The timing for this was perfect. Living in SW Michigan the snow is a huge factor. Thanks Car Wizard!

[@zzzz-ok7733]

😭😭😭✌️

[@matte8441]

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.

[@petrosaguilar8916]

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?

[@matte8441]

@@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.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

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.

[@Gamilus]

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.

[@Stantonv]

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.

[@skoparweaver7692]

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.

[@Stantonv]

@@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.

[@ckm-mkc]

@@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....

[@matthewsalomone3800]

I've got a hooptie if you're ever bored and want to do a show. It's a 2006 Lexus GS300 and I can't figure out how to get the dash lights off. It has the infamous VSC light

[@banjototingjoymonger]

Got a 22 impreza last year 💪🏻 Had an 06 forester prior to that and it was jaw dropping in the snow storms.

[@nicksrandomviews1296]

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.

[@dgurevich1]

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.

[@nicksrandomviews1296]

@Dima Gurevich Yeah that 3.6R was a beast of an engine.

[@matthewsalomone3800]

I like the idea of the wizard's fireside chats

[@charlie_nolan]

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.

[@RustyZipper]

Subaru Forester / Outback is mandated to be owned by all residents in Vermont

[@charlie_nolan]

@@RustyZipper there’s a million newer Outbacks around me, and quite a few Foresters as well

[@jasongarnish]

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.

[@lesterparker1594]

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

[@moeanthony9308]

Stiff water? Interesting

[@ericwilson2585]

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.

[@Wally1892]

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!

[@md2k8]

Excellent

[@sgnt9337]

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.

[@talon262]

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...

[@diallo1347]

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.

[@Twosidesofthemicpodcast]

Good simple clear instructions 👍🏻

[@aaawd445]

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.

[@larryaltman3694]

One criteria I would include as long as your talking about cars for snow country is corrosion resistance. I’m in northern New England where subarus are everywhere but they have rust problems and still have head gasket problems. U-Haul refused to put a tow hitch on my friends 5 y/o Subaru because it was too rusty. His 2008 will no longer pass inspection due to corrosion of structural members. Around here it’s not just the longevity of the mechanicals of a car to consider, but whether they’ll be rust buckets prematurely. As far as I can see, Volvo XC’s while probably not the cheapest to maintain hold up extremely well in salty environments. Enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@terranceaddison4599]

Aww dang...I was about to put it on my wish list.. 😔

[@alain99v6]

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

[@Nvp8985]

2013 Impreza checking in……only thing I’ve fixed was a rear wheel bearing this past weekend. PIA but it only cost me about 300$in parts and hub tamer. Only 65k miles. Good and obvious list Mr. Wizard.

[@moomae1]

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!

[@russiaKGB]

i had 2 foresters 2,5 turbo same issue

[@FrameRot]

You're crazy

[@joaopedroalbernaz]

I like the fact that the edit puts the cars not to buy right on the fire

[@johnboynb]

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.

[@stevegiddens7713]

We used winter tires (General Arctic) on our Honda Odyssey and we could stop better than any 4wd/AWD.

[@plektosgaming]

I always made due with mud terrain tires and enjoyed the extra noise ;)

[@bindingcurve]

@@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

[@adaml19]

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)

[@budyfixit]

Yeah if we had that drivetrain they'd actually be ok... but cvt's especially in jeeps are terrible.

[@beachbumis]

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.

[@TakuroSpirit77]

Not ALL older Compass/Patriots have a CVT. The 6 speed auto (in later models) and 5 speed manual are also available.

[@cbmadcow]

2014 Subaru outback owner here...that wagon is a tank in snow, love it.

[@joshuadugan1931]

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. 🤣

[@Tool0GT92]

The Honda pilots are good too

[@RustyZipper]

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 🤣

[@echobeefpv8530]

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.

[@AcidFlash123]

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.

[@lesterparker1594]

Just bought my wife a 2021 rav4 last year. Hoping it lasts longer than a decade

[@agen1man]

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

[@anitatombreach7801]

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...😀

[@lordraiden5398]

09' Forester X lowered on coilovers and full suspension. Has 18x9.5 wheels. All season Sumitomo tires for winter. Even lowered it has absolutely no problem in the snow.

[@gainzorzilla8999]

My 07 Acura rdx is a great option too. Turbo awd, very peppy. Bought it for 5k over 2 years ago now. Currently at 187k miles, only been in the shop for a new heater core. Really easy to work on.

[@Matt_from_Florida]

I've never owned one, but a Subie guy told me they (finally) *100%* solved their head gasket problem in 2013.

[@wgb_jd]

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.

[@jerrywagner7346]

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.

[@terranwoolley4226]

Jeep bought my dumbest purchase ever (2007 Jeep patriot) back from me because of roof issues. Lemon law.

[@singebkdrft]

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).

[@zzoinks]

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.

[@singebkdrft]

@@zzoinks I'm going to blame the roads on this one, the suspension took 150000 miles of wear before needing replacement.

[@zanesutherland406]

Love my 2007 Subaru Outback, manual transmission! Does awesome in the snow, very useful and practical. Has a lot of luxury features too

[@gabrielchristopher9625]

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!

[@mazpr2025]

Just need to be cautious on the 4th generation, 2006 - 2009, although they are extremely reliable, some did suffer from excessive subframe rust.

[@thetechlibrarian]

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

[@md2k8]

The early 1990's 4Runner's were the worst in reliability.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Rust buckets, the ride's too firm, lousy MPGs and the headroom is not the best.

[@alexandrebeinotti3359]

@@md2k8 My 4Runner 94 22RE is very robust and reliable.

[@gschaib3209]

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.

[@markbarcalow7839]

My FWD rendezvous was best snowcar ive ever had

[@brianmacadam4793]

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.

[@chefjefe68]

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.

[@delbomb3131]

Best snow driver i ever had was my 93 geo metro. Breezed through many rural Wisconsin blizzards in that tin can

[@SmallBaller]

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.

[@jamesdarcy3902]

Front end crash with those and the driver eats the steering wheel

[@MrJrv1993]

Come to Vermont. Pretty much every other car on the road is a Subaru. For a long time, and this might still be the case, the Outback was the most registered car in the state.

[@speedybuilds2878]

As good as Subarus are in the snow, adding snow tires makes them that much better. You WILL notice a difference.

[@e-terrestrial]

I can vouch for this! My 2020 Impreza Hatchback has snow tires, Bridgestone Snow Tires, and I’ve never felt safer in a car in my life! #1 it’s a Subie, so of course it’s gonna be safe, but MAAANNN once you get a pair of tires for the winter you’re pretty set for just about anything 💪

[@thevideolord]

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

[@coache1nine]

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

[@StratoArticA]

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

[@thebigguy8306]

Thank you Wizard and Mrs. As a geezer from the era of lockout hubs, loved my first AWD car 89 Subaru GL wagon, shift on the fly AWD. From Minnesota, Winterize - tires, battery, coolant, oil. Land Rover, dealership garage, the British don't build computers because they can not leak oil

[@josephsallis2808]

I love my 2008 v6 rav4. It has the more robust 5 speed, and it’s actually fairly quick with 269hp

[@victorbaird8220]

😊

[@scotthillman3283]

I 100% agree with everything the wizard said regarding the Disco. If and when it worked I absolutely loved my 95 series 1 but it was a money pit. Each repair I would say "ok if this is the only major repair this year, over a year it will average out, I got the truck cheap". But next month another major repair. Over the 2 years I had it 2005-2007 there were some months it would've been cheaper to be leasing an new Rover lol.

[@jcpaz382]

Nice list, I have the Honda Element which is a boxy CRV with more available cargo space and also has the picnic table. Over 300k miles with no major issues.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Who doesn't love a winter picnic.

[@brentboswell1294]

Gotta say I love my work vehicle...2019 Ford Escape "4wd" (really AWD). When we had a massive ice storm last year, it got my family around like a champ, on the stock tires (no traction devices!). It had 16k miles when I was assigned it, and I'm now up to 53k miles.

[@1notgilty]

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]

No you don't 😄 why you lying on the internet for no reason?

[@1notgilty]

​@@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.

[@motormouth2472]

My mom had an 04 Ford Escape and loved it here on our snowy Upstate NY roads. She traded it in for something with more passenger room and traded that vehicle in for a 2019 Ford Escape. It is just about as good as the old Escape. Not sure for the reliability of the Ford Escapes in general, but we never had any real issues with any of ours. And I see TONS of them up here. Seem to be an overlooked car if you ask me

[@corvuscanis]

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.

[@jimiburns6891]

Subaru’s are actually nice little cars, except for the motor, and except for the transmission, and except for its reliability

[@bvedant]

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

[@OddTimeMan]

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.

[@marshaldowns8957]

Cool video! I've got an '07 CR-V. Excellent little car! Very good in the snow! You should do a video explaining the cool way that the AWD system on these cars works. As I understand, each axle has a small hydraulic pump, when wheels start spinning, the pump on that axle creates more pressure which then actuates the system to send power to the other axle.

[@XGamesJ6]

Friend had a '98 Legacy Wagon slammed to the ground on coil over suspension. He got a set of Dunlop snow tires and we were able to drive everywhere. The car just plowed through the snow. We eventually had to stop and clean the snow out from in front of the radiator so it wouldn't overheat.

[@revilsdr]

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.

[@bobito3861]

because expensive cars arent intended for poor people lmao

[@kennenandersen]

Years ago I got the best car advice I'd heard yet, and it still applies. 1) Japanese 2) 4 cylinders 3) front wheel drive 'nuff said.

[@smtpgirl]

2015 Subaru Crosstrek is awesome in the snow. I have driven it in snow and slush. Got home every time.