Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
I'd say it depends how far you are off the beaten path. If plows rarely pass by your road during the winter, I would say a FWD car is out. Those saying a FWD car with snow tires is the best option haven't driven in the snow in the middle of nowhere in VT. In areas where the roads aren't plowed as frequently, if you get a major 12" snow storm, that can mean 12" of snow on the road. You can only push so much snow with a civic, especially up hill. Ground clearance is a must in these situations.
Subarus have head gasket issues, and they are a pain to fix.
The 4Runner is a solid option, but like you said they are getting harder to find without a million miles on them.
I'd look for a Jeep Cherokee 1991-1999 with the 4.0L engine and Automatic. The drivetrain is bullet proof and in Florida they should be rust free. There are a bit more of them around as well compared to the older 4Runners. 2000-2001 Cherokees crack the head, especially when overheated, but I've done 3 head replacements on friend's Jeeps and it is basically like working on a large lawn mower. Very simple and easy to DIY. Parts are also everywhere and easy to find.
Your right. I haven't driven in Vermont however I have driven in almost every Canadian province and if you truly believe Vermont and it's snow is any worse than let's say for example the snow squalls that come because of the lake effect which will dump 2' of snow in a couple if hours around Georgian bay you are dreaming.
I drove a Chrysler mini van,with snow tires,in the grid roads because the highways were closed,hitting 3' snow drifts and not once was I worried about getting stuck.
I drove into the drifts til I got stopped ,backed up then hit it again til I was through.
The belief that a 4wd or awd vehicle is a must have is a joke. I've driven in every possible winter condition and yes a 4wd is nice but I've gotten just as far with a fwd vehicle too,so your Vermont comment is barely relevant to a typical Canadian driver.
That being said not all fwd cars are as capable as others. I've found the 90s era caravan were amazing in deep snow with good rubber of course however the windstar is horrible in comparison.
My dodge omni was fantastic in deep snow too,so a car doesn't need to be high end to be good in snow either.