Every year, it's inevitable, winter makes its appearance. Snowstorms, slippery roads, slush, mud, black ice, snowbanks, polar cold, you know, that reality we try to forget for six months a year and that makes us question our life choices from November to April. Why do I live in Quebec? How much does a house in Florida cost?
Fortunately, there are ways to make the cold season less burdensome: having a good coat, good boots, and above all, a good car. At Occasion Beaucage, we are not experts in the Florida real estate market or in clothing, but in automotive advice, we are hard to beat! That's why we have made a list of the best used vehicles for winter according to us. Obviously, not everyone has the same budget or the same needs. Therefore, we have divided the list by price ranges and for three types of needs: vehicles for the family (with a strong emphasis on safety), vehicles for activities (with a strong emphasis on practicality), and finally, winter vehicles for fun, i.e., those that Ken Block would approve of.
The best used vehicles for winter between $10,000 and $20,000
For the family: Nissan Rogue
The second-generation used Nissan Rogue (2015-2019) is the perfect family vehicle for winter if your budget is between $10,000 and $20,000. Available with three rows of seats until 2017, the used Rogue offers all the space and comfort a family needs. Its good ground clearance and all-wheel drive will allow you to face winter without worry, and its "Top Safety Pick" safety rating will keep your family safe in case of an accident.
For activities: Ford F-150/Dodge Ram
What could be more practical than a full-size truck for going on adventures and doing winter activities? Thanks to their huge boxes, this type of vehicle can easily accommodate skis, hockey bags, snowshoes, and suitcases without any problem, provided of course that it is equipped with a cover or "tonneau cover". At Occasion Beaucage, you will find several examples of used Ford F-150s and Dodge Rams from model years 2010 to 2016 under the $20,000 mark. Attention adventurers and sports enthusiasts, with these trucks, you will never lack space and you will never get stuck in the snow. Moreover, with their excellent towing capacity, you can also take your snowmobile to the most beautiful trails in Quebec!
For fun: Subaru Outback/Forester
Subaru is a brand renowned for its achievements in rally car racing. Therefore, it's not surprising that their vehicles offer an incomparable driving pleasure in winter. Their all-wheel drive system is one of the best in the world and will allow you to face each storm with a smile. And the good news is that we have several Subarus under $20,000 in our inventory!
The best used vehicles for winter between $20,000 and $35,000
For the family: Mazda CX-5
The used Mazda CX-5 is one of the most popular vehicles for families. It is spacious, has a luxurious interior, engaging driving dynamics, and its all-wheel drive will allow you to face winter without any trouble. But what makes it the best used winter vehicle for families in our opinion is especially its "Top Safety Pick +" safety rating. In fact, since the IIHS has been conducting new impact tests at higher speeds and with larger masses that mimic an impact with an SUV or a truck, the Mazda CX-5 is the only SUV in its category to have received the highest grade in the side impact test. To keep your family safe in the winter, the used Mazda CX-5 is definitely the best choice if your budget is between $20,000 and $35,000.
For activities: Jeep Wrangler
The used Jeep Wrangler is definitely the quintessential vehicle for your winter activities. Not only is it spacious enough for your skis, but its off-road capabilities are so impressive that it can even serve as a ski lift! It's also powerful enough to tow your snowmobile and even rescue it from the back of the trail! There's no doubt, if you're the adventurous type and your budget is between $20,000 and $35,000, the used Wrangler is the winter vehicle you need. Moreover, it can be an excellent financial decision, as the Jeep Wrangler is the vehicle with the least depreciation in the entire industry!
For fun: Subaru Impreza
For winter driving fun, nothing beats the Subaru Impreza. With its legendary all-wheel drive, manual transmission, and a budget between $20,000 and $35,000, this rally car offers the best winter driving experiences. Owners of Subaru Impreza enjoy a more enjoyable winter than most Quebec drivers. If driving enjoyment is your main criteria in the search for the best used winter vehicle, the Impreza is the perfect choice for you!
The best used vehicles for winter between $35,000 and $50,000.
For families: Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 is definitely at the top of the list of the best used family-oriented vehicles for winter driving! Its interior is spacious and luxurious, offering three rows of seats. Its all-wheel drive system is one of the best on the market and will allow you to tackle the worst winter conditions without ever worrying about getting stuck in the snow. But like the CX-5, what makes the CX-9 one of the best winter vehicles for families is its "Top Safety Pick +" safety rating. It's extremely safe! So, if you're shopping for the best used winter vehicle for sale in the $35,000 to $50,000 range and safety is your top priority, the used Mazda CX-9 is a choice to seriously consider!
For activities: Kia Sorento
Since its redesign, the Kia Sorento is the vehicle par excellence for winter adventures. It is very spacious, offers excellent towing capacity, and its all-wheel drive allows you to tackle the worst winter roads without worry. For the more adventurous, the X-Line version even offers higher ground clearance and an off-road mode for venturing off the beaten path. Furthermore, with its 'Top Safety Pick' safety rating, it will keep you safe in case of an accident. If you're looking for the best used vehicle for your winter activities and your budget is between $35,000 and $50,000, the new Kia Sorento 2021-2022 is definitely what you need!
For fun: Infiniti Q50
From 300 to 400 horsepower depending on the version, all-wheel drive, precise handling, and a luxurious interior - these are the ingredients that make the Q50 the perfect used vehicle for winter fun. With good winter tires, you can tackle every storm in luxury, comfort, and performance. And the good news is, at Occasion Beaucage, we have several used Infiniti Q50 models! If your budget is between $35,000 and $50,000, and you're looking for driving pleasure, come test drive the Q50, you won't be disappointed!
