Advice on another car please...

[Just_Joe_M5]

I'm really enjoying my LCI M5 however I drive to the mountains a lot in the winter and need to deal with snow, ice, etc. I am NOT going to put winter tires on my car. So - basic question is: Which 4 door sedan would you purchase for (mainly) winter driving conditions. I've looked at 335 xDrive, Audi Quatro (which I currently have but in desperate need of update) and MB C350 4matic. I've never owned an MB and not really a big fan of the brand but I will consider for the intended purpose. Also - for many reasons, I do not want or need an SUV.

[73henny]

I guess it depends on what you want from the car. Xdrive would be fine, and probably better than the MB to drive. If you need good AWD, what about a Legacy / Outback? Nothing else has such a capable drive train for snow / mud etc. Way better reliability than any German car too.

[M3PGH]

it depends on how much you want to spend
Subaru outback or Legacy, both will be great for snow. Legacy is more luxury oriented. both are around 30 k.
also for that price you can pick up a lightly used 335 xi, c350, or A4.
or if you want sporty great fun cars that are snow mobiles. Subaru STI or Mitsubishi evo 10. you will sacrifice on luxury, but guaranteed more fun than all of the above
one more choice is Golf R, not as much of a beast but fun car that is AWD

[skypx]

I know you mentioned not wanting a SUV (believe me I dislike them too) but when driving in the mountains with a lot of snow/ice, you may need something with higher clearance.

[mstmng]

definitely not a C class, as new one is coming out and wether u pick up new (current model) or used you will lose a lot in couple of months, once they start selling 14 model

i am not fan of audi either, but a6 looks nice and i like interior more than current 3 series...

if u choosing between a4 and 3 series, then definitely 3 series

[bobblehead]

get a cheapy winter beater .. subie legacy 3.6r

[Rohardi]

WRX STI!

[JUPJAI]

Porsche Macan....it is not really a SUV, base Macan S seems like a bargain.
Crossover and SUV are not the same.

[stealth.pilot]

It's a winter beater. I would get something hardy that you don't worry about, and which has a nicer interior than the 3 series because you are going to be spending some time in it.

I would get the Lexus IS350 F-Sport AWD.

Why?
- C&D says it drives better than the BMW 3 series (while I don't trust C&D, I do believe this means it must at least be in the right ballpark)
- Interior is much nicer and less cheap looking than the F30
- The car is more stylish IMO
- I love the LFA cluster in this car
- The car will mechanically be indestructible. e.g. I never worry about warming up the engine on my lexus, I can floor it while cold, and it still lasts for ever. Do that in a BMW and wait for drivetrain failure warning within months.

[Just_Joe_M5]

Thank everyone. I will look into some of the options and look forward to sunny days!

[quintics]

Audi S4, has the wonderful quattro system, decent interior and has a DCT. not to mention over 300 hp and an 0-60 time in the sub 5's. That would be my choice.

[thebishman]

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Bloody awesome; (except for the fuel economy of course! lol).
Bish