Previous generation Infiniti FX.

 

I sold my 2008 ML320 Blutec (downsized to an E350 Bluetec). A couple of years ago during Washington, DC's "Snowmageddon", it was only me and the plows out for 3 days it seemed like. It was a beast, got over 30 mpg on the highway and has 400 ft/lbs of torque. If I still needed the room of the ML, I would've gotten another. You can pick up an '07 or '08 fairly cheap...

 

Call me cheap, but my winter beater is a 2001 Dodge Durango 5.9 R/T. For about 6 grand or less you can get one also. Cheap to fix, who cares if it gets dented...heated seats and leather. 3rd row seating.

I live in Colorado and keep my winter vehicle practical when I can. It has some umph also...



I don't think it is ugly. Cheap, lots of room, and works good for winter.

 

What a timely topic, I just picked up a new winter "car" for myself this last weekend:




This is what the wife drives (an '08). It's a great car, but the AWD system isn't very good (I come from the Audi world, though, so I'm spoiled).

 

I had a 2009 outback Turbo - awesome car - I have a winter home up in Mammoth - serious snow country - cops didn't even make me put on chains ( yes in CA it is the law and it is stupid but they all have respect for subbies so no problem!)

I got rid of it when the lease was up so I could get my C4S Cab. Now I use my 2001 F150 Supercrew. Indestructible - cheap to fix - and the benefit of doing some offroading when it gets slushy/muddy.

 

I think the only things that really matter in a snow car, besides reliability, are ground clearance, AWD or 4WD, and tires. Me, I'd buy whatever I liked so long as I could save back enough money for the best winter tires I can get.

Our farm is in the snowbelt, and over the years there I've had a Discovery, a Range Rover, a Ford and a Toyota pickup (my current ride). All were fine, though I've come to prefer not having a computer make my driveline decisions for me. But honestly, my wife's MINI kicks *** on its Hakkapeliittas until it runs out of ground clearance. My .02, it's hugely about the tires.

 

A4 Allroad looks good. I have an Avant and love it for winter. The Allroad adds groound clearance for deep snow.