If your car is on its last legs, and you’re nervous to even get in it, it is probably not the best idea to continue to hold out. Being stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow in the summer or fall may not be so bad, but once the snow hits, the last thing you want to be doing is sitting in a car on the side of the road freezing. And with winter driving just waiting to sink its claws in, you want to be heading out every day in a car that is reliable and safe.
So what are the best winter cars out there? Here is our list of the top 5 – and why we chose them.
Gold medal winner: Toyota Corolla. Consistently rated as one of the most reliable small cars on the road, the Corolla was a shoe-in for first place. Add some winter tires to the four-cylinder power and front-wheel drive and you’ll be rocking a snow-busting powerhouse on four wheels.
Silver medal winner: Honda Civic. Great for city driving in the winter, this sedan is powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine that makes 140 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. When the snow hits, the Civic feels secure and sure-footed even when dealing with some pretty challenging road conditions. And it is still great on gas!
Bronze medal winner: Acura MDX. If you’re looking for a little more oomph, the MDX is a great SUV for the winter. With room for 7, a punchy V6 engine and handling that leaves little to be desired, you can trust that this baby will get you from point A to point B without any trouble.
Runner ups: the Toyota Venza and the Subaru Outback. Both of these are on the bigger side, which can mean more control and more power in winter conditions. The Venza wins because it handles snow and ice with ease and the Subaru is a natural choice because it contains one of the best AWD systems in the business.
When it comes to the best winter cars, remember, there are a few things you can do on your own, no matter the make or model. Winter tires are always a plus, ensuring windshield washers are in good shape and that fluid is always topped up are both good ideas. The ever-important snowbrush is a must – never leave home without it. And, in the event that something does happen, always keep an extra blanket and an emergency kit in the trunk!
Maintenance is expensive – we get it. Make sure you can trust the dealer. Look for newer model cars with lower kilometers of course, but also make sure that the dealer can deliver when it comes to the information about a car’s history (unknown accidents in a car’s past can mean big bills in the future) and drive clean tests.
Want to find out more about the best winter cars – or upgrade before the storms start arriving in full force? Prudent Value Cars has great cars for the winter, at great prices, with financing to fit every budget and credit type.
Call us today at (416) 223-9300.