Top 10 Best Winter Beater Cars for a Second Car
1. Subaru Impreza / Outback / Forester (1990s – 2000s)
These Subarus are renowned for their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides exceptional traction and stability in snow and on icy roads. The Forester and Outback models also offer practical ground clearance and utility, making them perfect for navigating unplowed streets.
Typical Price Range: $1,000 – $4,000
2. Toyota Camry / Corolla (1990s – 2000s)
The gold standard for reliability, these front-wheel drive cars are simple, durable, and inexpensive to own. With a good set of winter tires, their dependable FWD systems handle most winter conditions with ease, making them a worry-free choice.
Typical Price Range: $1,500 – $3,500
3. Honda Accord / Civic (1990s – 2000s)
The Accord and the Civic are known for their exceptional durability and fuel efficiency, these FWD Hondas are a smart, low-cost option. They are widely available and have a massive aftermarket for cheap and readily available parts, making them easy to maintain and repair.
Typical Price Range: $1,200 – $3,000
4. Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis (1998-2011)
Built on the robust Panther platform, these cars are extremely durable and cheap to buy. Though they are rear-wheel drive, their heavy body-on-frame construction makes them stable, and a little weight in the trunk can give them surprisingly good traction.
Typical Price Range: $2,000 – $5,000
5. Jeep Cherokee (XJ) (1984-2001)
A legendary off-roader, the Cherokee XJ’s rugged 4×4 system and solid axles make it an unstoppable force in deep snow. Its durable 4.0L inline-six engine and excellent ground clearance are perfect for anyone who needs to tackle truly harsh winter conditions.
Typical Price Range: $2,500 – $6,000
6. Ford Ranger / Chevy S-10 (1990s – 2000s)
As small pickup trucks, these are a practical and versatile choice for a winter beater. With some weight in the bed, their rear-wheel drive platform provides great traction, and their simple, rugged design means they can take a beating.
Typical Price Range: $1,800 – $4,500
7. Toyota 4Runner (1990s)
For those seeking an incredibly durable and capable winter beater, the third-generation 4Runner is a top choice. Its legendary reliability, excellent ground clearance, and robust 4×4 system make it a tank in snowy and icy conditions. Toyotas just are the best aren’t they?
Typical Price Range: $3,000 – $7,000
8. Volvo 240 / 740 / 940 (1980s – 1990s)
Engineered in Sweden, these Volvos were literally built for harsh winters. Known for their safety, durability, and simple design, they are a quirky and dependable option for navigating snow and ice with confidence.
Typical Price Range: $1,500 – $4,000
9. Volkswagen Passat / Jetta (B5/B6) (2000s)
These cars offer a refined feel and solid build quality at a low price point. The Passat was also available with a capable 4Motion All-Wheel Drive system, giving it a significant traction advantage over most FWD competitors.
Typical Price Range: $1,500 – $3,500
10. BMW 3-series (1990s – early 2000s)
The BMW E36 and E46 are known for their superb handling and balanced chassis. With a proper set of winter tires, this RWD platform offers an engaging driving experience in the snow. These cars were engineered in Germany with a focus on quality and durability. Their engines and transmissions are generally very robust and can handle high mileage if they have been well-maintained.
While most are RWD, the E46 generation reintroduced an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, known as “xDrive.” A 325xi or 330xi model offers the same great handling with a significant traction advantage in deep snow and on ice.
Typical Price Range: $1 000 – $5,000
What is a “Winter Beater” and Why Do You Need One?
For many car enthusiasts, the onset of winter can be a time of dread. Snow, slush, and—most importantly—road salt are the enemies of a prized vehicle’s paint, undercarriage, and resale value. This is where the concept of a “winter beater” comes in.
A winter beater is a second, low-cost car you use specifically to get through the colder, harsher months. Its purpose is to take the abuse of winter so your main car—be it a classic, a sports car, or a new daily driver—can stay safely tucked away in the garage. Choosing the right one can save you thousands in potential rust repair and devaluation. But even though a winter beater is meant to be a trouble free cheap car, just like all other cars it will also need to be maintained. Here is how to maintain your car.
Alternative situation
A winter beater can be a fun purchase, but if you are not exactly looking for a fun second car and like your daily, then you might also consider investing in some really high quality winter tires for your already owned car to get you through the winter. But do remember, getting a winter beater and keeping your beloved daily away from the now and salt will protect it from rust and keep its condition better for you and when it’s time to sell it, it’s resale value will be better for not seeing any snow.
What Makes a Car a Great Winter Beater?
A great winter beater isn’t just a cheap car; it has a specific set of qualities that make it ideal for the job:
- Cheap to Buy & Own: The whole point is to save money. A good winter beater should have a low purchase price and affordable insurance.
- Reliable: It needs to start in freezing temperatures and get you to your destination without constant breakdowns. You don’t want a project car; you want a workhorse.
- Good in Snow: Features like All-Wheel Drive (AWD), a proven front-wheel drive (FWD) system, and decent ground clearance are key for navigating snowy roads.
- Cheap & Readily Available Parts: When something inevitably breaks, you want a car that’s easy and inexpensive to fix. Parts should be plentiful at your local auto parts store or junkyard.
- Rust Resistance: While all cars can rust, some models and manufacturers have a better reputation for holding up against road salt than others.
Winter beaters, especially those that are rear-wheel-drive, can be extremely fun to drive in the winter. But what if you have a FWD car but want to make your drives a little bit more fun? Read all our tips for that here!
Did you find the right car for you or do you already have a great winter car? Maybe you should consider some mods and accessories for it. Check out our listings for best car mods and accessories, maybe you can find your make and model! For universal car accessories and gadgets click here.
