Sleep in the back, Snow Friendly Commuter

vonronge

I'm looking for a vehicle 2 peoplecan sleep in the back of, which drives reasonably well in the snow, and is reasonably fuel efficient. I will use it for a snowy 150 mile round trip commute every day, driving in snow, ice rain, and snow. Also snow. Lots and lots of snow. I think its pretty obvious we live in Middle of Nowhere, Canada. We will be using it for long trips, during which we would like to sleep in the back to save on hotels. We dont have much of a budget, so it needs to be pocket friendly.

Priorities: Safety & braking / Ride smoothness / Fuel economy

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Wagon / Minivan / SUV

Car Needs: Daily commuter / Long trips

Need minimum of 2 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 100000
Maximum age: 10 years

Maximum price: US $ 15000

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Sorry for the obvious answer....

2010 or newer Subaru Outback with winter tires or even studded tired

+ 1 sheet of 1/2" plywood, a jig saw and 2 thermarests

And now for the un-obvious answer

Honda Element with a pop top conversation

http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/campers/element-camper.html

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Must agree with colin42. For decent fuel economy, a longish load floor, and AWD the 2010 and up Outback seems the obvious choice.

Various crossovers might also work, but fuel economy won't be as good and they'll either be more expensive, less reliable, or both.

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The Outback seems like a good choice. I don't know if the trunk is tall enough though. The Honda element is an extremely slow car, and I don't think it came with AWD. I would recommend the 2004-2010 Toyota Sienna with AWD. It is really spacious and is good in the snow. It doesn't get the best MPG though being a minivan. The Sienna is know for being the Lexus of minivans, which means it is quiet and the ride is like butter. It's the only minivan with AWD.

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Response from vonronge

10:43 am August 15, 2016

Thanks for the suggestions, lots to think about!

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The Saab 9-5 wagon would fulfill your needs under $15,000 but for less than $10,000. Just throw a set of tires on them for the winter and with some TLC the 10 year old Saab is great in the snow.

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