Last winter I was able to drive a Grand Cherokee my wife had through work. She has relinquished the SUV, and no way my Z4M Coupe will make it everyday this winter. We don't get a ton of snow, but plenty of days where the BMW is a no go. Wife has a Range Rover, but we must drive separately to work.

I wouldn't mind spending 15-20K. AWD/4x4 would be nice. Seating for 4 is adequate. SUV or sedan is cool. Something reasonably reliable, but I won't be driving it a ton.

2003-05 Audi A4, ~2005 Infiniti FX35, some sort of Jeep, etc. These are the things I'm thinking of. Others?

No Subarus, please

 

I was going to suggest a Subaru I have one and very happy with it.

 

saab 92x wagon

 

Ha Ha, kudos for throwing in the Saabaru.

 

i have a 99 grand cherokee limited v8...quadradrive. i would suggest the 8 but if its just for winter, just find a good 6 cyl with 4wd. it will get you through for sure. they are very good. laredo's are very reliable and the 6 is also very good

 

I'm currently purchasing an A4 from that generation for the same reasoning. I'd recommend that, or the FX35. I've had a lot of good experience with that car, too. Neither of my other cars can make it during the winter, and a AWD that can get 31mpgs highway just seems to make sense.

 

Before I got my Forester XT I mentioned that I might be needing a new winter vehicle (after 15 years of the ole trusty Nissan truck) and my mechanic said that "He could think of Nothing better than a Subaru for winter duty."

 

srt-8 jeep which i know is not in your price range.. but ive heard can be picked up for cheap (compared to sticker).. just something else to suggest..

but for a daily, i know you said no subies... but a cheap impreza would be great

 

Seriously though, I can't think of anything other than Subaru for winter duty. If you're looking for something with some room to haul stuff, did you try looking into an Audi Allroad? Those can be built to haul ass...

 

Subaru would be top of my list - why no Subarus?

Barring such great cars as the Legacy and Forester, I'd look at something fun and cheap like a Wrangler - very different from a sports car, fun in a different way, snow capable. You can pick up a slightly used SUV for the price of dirt these days, so maybe a 2007 or so Tahoe or other GM truck.