Winter Beaters

[Mit_LanZer]

Post your winter beaters all you rich folks

[sonyminidiscman]

real rich folks got no winter beaters

[onecoolloser]

03 Protege - not a beater but the DD

[Bullseye]

I usually buy Tercel's or Corolla's, they've never led me astray, and I've always been able to sell in spring for what I paid in fall. This year I splashed out and got a (cheap) 04 Echo hatch instead.

[sterdeus]

Here's something I never understood.

I understand the aspect of using a beater during the winter because of the salt getting around you car and rusting, and the cold weather causing metal to expand and contract and causing more wear on the engine, etc..

I never understood why you would use an older car with possibly no ABS or loose steering. Shouldnt you use a car that has superior braking and steering technology during the worst conditions?

[Bullseye]

Here's something I never understood.

I understand the aspect of using a beater during the winter because of the salt getting around you car and rusting, and the cold weather causing metal to expand and contract and causing more wear on the engine, etc..

I never understood why you would use an older car with possibly no ABS or loose steering. Shouldnt you use a car that has superior braking and steering technology during the worst conditions?

Logically, that would make sense, yes.

In my case, I drive my beater most days in winter, but if there is snow on the ground, I take my wife's Rav4 instead. That leaves her car-less for the day, but that's not a big deal, she usually doesn't go out in the car during the day anyways.

[new_vr]

I never understood why you would use an older car with possibly no ABS or loose steering. Shouldnt you use a car that has superior braking and steering technology during the worst conditions?

I agree with you, but more for the cars ability to take a hit, rather then miss one. New cars are, generally, a lot safer.

[weedb0y]

I usually buy Tercel's or Corolla's, they've never led me astray, and I've always been able to sell in spring for what I paid in fall. This year I splashed out and got a (cheap) 04 Echo hatch instead.

How much did it run ya?

[Bullseye]

How much did it run ya?

$6700.

[ES_Revenge]

I usually buy Tercel's or Corolla's, they've never led me astray, and I've always been able to sell in spring for what I paid in fall. This year I splashed out and got a (cheap) 04 Echo hatch instead.

So wait you actually have a different winter beater every year? Like you just buy one for the winter and sell it in the spring? Interesting idea!

[Tomy]

Logically, that would make sense, yes.

In my case, I drive my beater most days in winter, but if there is snow on the ground, I take my wife's Rav4 instead. That leaves her car-less for the day, but that's not a big deal, she usually doesn't go out in the car during the day anyways.

gj..

gotta learn from you.

[Bullseye]

So wait you actually have a different winter beater every year? Like you just buy one for the winter and sell it in the spring? Interesting idea!

Yes, that's what I do. My goal is avoid any depreciation cost, which would be impossible if I kept the vehicle. So what I do is use the techniques I've learned over time to pick up a beater for cheap, thern I sell it in spring for at least what I paid for it back in fall. So far, I've never has to sell for less, so I pay no depreciation.

[JAGpilot]

I never understood why people buy a 2nd car for winter. Buy 1 car, rust proof it properly (Krown), wash it every week or two and drive it all year around? Unless you have some kind of really fantastic sports car that you cant drive in winter (Corvette, etc) stay with 1 regular car! We dont do this winter beater crap. We rust proof our cars, wash the salt off and drive the car for 6-7 years without problems.

[VivienM]

Unless you have some kind of really fantastic sports car that you cant drive in winter (Corvette, etc) stay with 1 regular car!

Presumably that's precisely the situation these people are in, though. I doubt anyone whose main vehicle is an Accord/Camry or a minivan gets a winter beater...

[ES_Revenge]

Yes, that's what I do. My goal is avoid any depreciation cost, which would be impossible if I kept the vehicle. So what I do is use the techniques I've learned over time to pick up a beater for cheap, thern I sell it in spring for at least what I paid for it back in fall. So far, I've never has to sell for less, so I pay no depreciation.

Yeah this is definitely a great winter-beater method!

I never understood why people buy a 2nd car for winter. Buy 1 car, rust proof it properly (Krown), wash it every week or two and drive it all year around? Unless you have some kind of really fantastic sports car that you cant drive in winter (Corvette, etc) stay with 1 regular car! We dont do this winter beater crap. We rust proof our cars, wash the salt off and drive the car for 6-7 years without problems.

You have a good point, but at the same time no matter what you do, winter takes it's toll regardless of rust proofing, washing, etc. Just ask people that paint things like brake calipers/drums, have aftermarket wheels or other aftermarket stuff (body kits, etc.) and you'll know the damage that occurs during winter no matter what you do (i.e. unless you use epoxy paints stuff like calipers need repainting every year or two if driven in the winter).

Winter does take it's toll, and it is better to have a winter beater. If you think a Corvette should be saved from winter, why not any other car? Paint processes and materials are largely the same whether you have a Corvette or a Cobalt. (Not entirely the same but largely the same.) So if you save the Vette why not the Cobalt (or Civic or G35 or Fusion or whatever)?

PS: The Corvette probably isn't all that bad in winter given some winter tyres and the rust proofing/washing mentioned However personally I wouldn't drive one in winter.