7 of the Best Used Snow Cars for Under $15,000 in 2023
Driving in snow can be tricky, but it’s a lot easier with a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive car. However, buying a new car outfitted for winter may not be in everyone’s budget. In that case, buying a used car over 10 years old could be a better idea. Check out these seven used cars that are great for driving in the snow and cost less than $15,000.
1. 2009 – 2014 Acura TL SH-AWD
The Acura TL received a lot of bad reviews for its “beak-like” front grille when it was redesigned in 2009. It’s been 14 years since then, and we think it looks OK, but the important part is what lies beneath that beak. Under the TL’s hood is a 3.7-liter V6 engine that pumps out 305 hp and is mated to a Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) that grips well in the snow.
2. 2009 – 2012 Subaru WRX
Subarus have always been known for being good performers in the snow, but the sportiest model you can choose is the WRX. The Subaru WRX has the brand’s Symmetrical AWD system, and we recommend going for at least the 2009 model. Subaru made significant changes to the WRX that year, which included increasing its power output to 265 hp.
That kind of power allows the car to get up to 60 mph from a standstill in only 4.7 seconds, according to Car and Driver. Why drive through the snow when you can tear through it in a WRX?
3. 2008 – 2013 Infiniti G37X
The only unfortunate part about the Infiniti G37x is that the all-wheel drivetrain is only available with an automatic transmission. Otherwise, you can find the G37x in either coupe or sedan form to fit your needs and enjoy the 330 hp it has to offer. That power comes from a 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. With the Infiniti G37, you can get old-school class with great snow capability.
4. 2005 – 2009 Ford Taurus X
The Ford Taurus X is likely not on anyone’s radar, but it’s great for a winter daily driver. The Taurus X may not look like much, but underneath its drab styling, it’s a spacious and comfortable family hauler with room for five. Also, since it’s a wagon, it can fit all their stuff. It also has plenty of power and capability with its 263-hp engine V6, six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drivetrain.
5. 2006 – 2016 Honda CR-V
There should not have been any doubt that the Honda CR-V belongs on this list. For less than $15,000, you can find an older model CR-V with an all-wheel drivetrain and a perky four-cylinder engine. Fair warning – some of the older models may have a lot of miles on the clock.
However, the Honda CR-V has a renowned reputation for being one of the most reliable SUVs in the market. In that case, a couple hundred thousand miles shouldn’t phase it.
6. 1997 – 2005 BMW 325xi
BMWs are great performers in the street, but they do really well in the snow, too. One solid example is the BMW 325xi, which is powered by a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 184 hp. That doesn’t sound like much, but you don’t need much power when trudging through the snow. The most important part is its all-wheel drivetrain, which helps the car grip well when the sky dandruff starts to fall.
7. 2006 – 2011 Honda Civic Si
You don’t technically need an all-wheel drivetrain to get through the snow, as some front-drive cars will do just fine. One front-wheel drive car we would pick is the 2006 to 2011 Honda Civic Si.
We love its 197-hp, high-revving four-cylinder engine and slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. But we also love that it has a limited-slip differential, which makes both front wheels spin, allowing for more grip. Put a set of winter tires on this car, and it will be good to go.
The best-used snow cars for under $15,000 in 2023
There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a winter daily driver. These seven cars can be found for under $15,000 nationwide, and although they are old, they are more than capable of handling most types of snowfall.
