Limited budget, winter roads, highway miles & safety conscious?

Question

I need to buy a car - I now drive 55 miles to work 3 days a week - i live in northern wisconsin - lots of ice and bad weather conditions for almost half the year! These will be mostly highway miles. I want a safe vehicle - and have been advised to look at toyotas or hondas for my budget, safety, and long drive / winter condition needs. Any ideas which model? Or is there something else out there that's affordable? I was looking at CR-V, Prius, Corolla ... I'm afraid to get something too small because I'm concerned about those huge semis flying by ... thanks for any and all ideas...

Answer 1

A Honda Accord would be a good investment and will do a great job but if you what 4wd then go with CR-V model.....

Update............

Look for a used one owner vehicle you will win both ways going this route and good luck as well.

Answer 2

For safety, look into getting a good set of winter/snow/traction tires, for whatever vehicle you decide upon.

(The stock Goodyear Integrity tires on the Toyota Prius are notorious for poor traction - many owners switch them out early to a better set of "all-season" M+S tires or only use them for summer use while switching out seasonally for a good set of winter tires.)

If you look for a used vehicle, make sure that it has ABS (antilock braking system).  This is now a standard safety feature in the US on new cars.

If buying new (and even if used), also be sure to get ESC or VSC (Enhanced/Vehicle Stability Control) for better safety/handling if you do slip.

Answer 3

If safety is a big concern go with a nice used Volvo XC 70 and put a set of Bridgestone Blizzak or Hakkapelita Snow/Ice tires on it.