A few things I needed in a car:

1. Used, 1998+
2. Less than $20k CAD, $14k USD
3. Good traction in snow
4. Low maintanance and insurance costs
5. Auto

The only 2 suggestions I've come up with are:

1998 or 2000 Maxima

OR

1998 + Subaru WRX (or TS or whatever they called it then)

Why would I want a maxima, as opposed the the AWD subaru? What makes it a better car?

 

You can get a good 2000+ Maxima for $14k USD

Maxima's are:

bigger
better
better gas
more reliable

...just get a maxima

 

for 20k cdn, you will easily get a 5th gen. also, stay away from 401 dixie nissan...pack of scamming ***** there.

 

Well look at your subject line. You say you need a family car. My suggestion is to go with the maxima if your pitting it against a WRX. The WRX is way to small for a family. I have a friend that has a 2002 WRX, and he complains trying to fit his family (wife and 2 step-kids) in. There isn't any trunk space etc. The maxima would fulfill your needs much better less the winter traction. Now if you were to pit it against a Suburu Legacy, Then to meet all the above, and have great snow traction, then the suburu might be a better choice so long as it's the bigger car. But if you go with the bigger car, you loose out on the power side too...

It's your call, I hope what I provided you is unbias....as I tend to personally want to get a maxima over anything...well except for a BMW M5 or a Mercedes E55 AMG.

S

 

Loose definition of family. more like daily driver, with SOME space.

is there any drivetrain or power advantages the maxima has over the subaru?

 

Turbo, AWD..... I want one so bad....
FWD sucks. NA sucks. NA convert to turbo is less reliable than a car designed for turbo from the factory.
Maxima is bigger and more comfortable than the WRX.

 

I can get used maxima for 7 K, 1999 versions.

But the Subs are at least 15

 

Go WRX STi. Move your family around FAST.

LEMAR

 

Go WRX STi. Move your family around FAST. J/k, depends on what is more important to you speed or size. The WRX is more athletic of the two, few cheap mods and you can be in 13's. After too much though the WRX tranny becomes pretty hairy.

LEMAR

 

that's what i was going to suggest..the legacy gt -- it will get you around those harsh canadian winters -- tell em paul hogen sent ya!

also consider the audi a4 quattro - very impressive awd system and it's around 15k USD for a 98

 

Subaru legacy wagon

 

AWD is rather tempting.

 

If you get a maxima i'd suggest getting a good set of snow tires. The oem tires suck big time.