Snow car/van/SUV suggestions? (vehicle, minivan, fuel, AWD)

[Terry_]

Ok I need some help.

I'm looking for a vehicle that is great in snow and can easily transport two kids and two adults. Would like flexibility to carry 2 more kids (friends, cousins, etc).

It needs to have a 5 star crash rating and at least AWD.

No expensive vehicles ($25,000 limit) this is a third car that will essentially be a kid shuttle and the nanny will be driving it too.

I'm thinking Certified Pre Owned Subaru Outback, Toyota Sienna AWD. What else should I consider?

This is for NYC suburbs.

[Seafood Junky]

cant go wrong with a Sub.

[robrobrob]

Unless the new one is different, the Outback is only two rows. So, you need to look at 3 row SUVs or minivans.

Are you open to used or just new?

[Terry_]

Originally Posted by robrobrob

Unless the new one is different, the Outback is only two rows. So, you need to look at 3 row SUVs or minivans.

Are you open to used or just new?

Completely open to used, this vehicle will have multiple drivers.

[Seafood Junky]

Right Outback wagon has two rows. Remember the old jump seats in station wagons. they could not have been very safe, but fun to ride in..

[wankel7]

Isnt the are you will be driving flat?

If so awd is a waste of funds. Get a front wheel drive car and put snow tires on it.

[Badfish740]

Originally Posted by wankel7

If so awd is a waste of funds. Get a front wheel drive car and put snow tires on it.

I have to disagree-having AWD is like carrying a firearm-better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. We also live in the NYC Metro area and we're looking at Toyota Sienna AWD with the plan to swap out the all seasons for snow tires during the winter months.

[wankel7]

Originally Posted by Badfish740

I have to disagree-having AWD is like carrying a firearm-better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. We also live in the NYC Metro area and we're looking at Toyota Sienna AWD with the plan to swap out the all seasons for snow tires during the winter months.

True but there are disadvantages to awd. Initial cost, weight, reduced fuel efficiency, more stuff to break, and more difficult to work on if you turn your own wrenches. Besides fwd and awd are equal when you are going sideways

Disadvantages to concealed carry? I will post back when I can think of one

[NHDave]

Cars aren't good or bad in snow, driver ability is far more important. No car will make up for poor driving skills.

[jackmccullough]

No matter what, there is always so additional feature or expenditure that can add incrementally to your safety under certain circumstances. Nevertheless, AWD in an area that rarely has snow covering the roads is a needless expenditure of money and reduced fuel economy.

If you plan on carrying six people frequently you're probably in minivan territory (way more practical than an SUV), and limiting yourself to AWD is too restrictive.