I know the difference between AWD and 4WD. They both have horrible gas mileage...
But that isn't what it's about. I live in Iowa and the snow here can be pretty bad at times. I'm not even big into offroading, but my point is that I need something that will get me through the snowy streets of Iowa. My budget is about $3,000. What can I get?
Clarification: How many years and miles do you need it to last you?
A relatively new 2wd Rickshaw.
Used car prices are insane right now, you'd be hard-pressed to find much of anything in good condition for that kind of money. A few years back you could pick up a decent Jeep Cherokee 4x4 with a 4.0 inline six for 2 or 3 grand but not any more.
By the way the distinction between "4WD" and "AWD" 4x4 systems is blurry. For example, the AMC Eagle had a full-time system but had "4-wheel-drive" badges on it, not "all-wheel-drive". Used to be if you could find one of those you could pick it up for a couple of grand or so. (I've owned Eagles.) Forget it now.
For $3000, I don't think you'll find any 4WD or AWD vehicles worth buying to be honest.
best car I've ever driven was an AMC Eagle wagon 4x4. 2nd best was my 88 Jeep Comanche!
Would love to have an Eagle 4x4 again but very few are left and probably at this point even if you found a nice one you wouldn't want to let winter salt eat it up. Also it's a shame Chrysler canceled the Comanche after buying out AMC, very nice trucks. (They didn't want it competing with their own line.)
I plan on keeping the AWD/4WD car for as long as I'm here. Something that'll last for 5-10 years if possible. And after look at some more cars, I can agree. It doesn't look like I can get anything for 3k. I might need to either increase my budget or go with a cheap FWD civic for now.
Look at some older AWD Suburus with manual transmission
