All-Wheel Drive Cars to Buy and NOT to Buy! Says This Mechanic

A New Buy This, Not That Episode
One of the more useful features of some popular car repair and maintenance videos are the “Buy this, Not that!” recommendations posted by mechanics who share their car repair and maintenance experiences with viewers on a wide range of vehicles many of us are not exposed to …until it’s too late.

Related article: Buy This Not That Sports Cars

As such, here is an interesting and informative BTNT about all-wheel drive vehicles provided by the Car Wizard YouTube channel that highlights snowy weather vehicles that you should consider and those that you should avoid---and why.

Related article: Consumer Reports Car Experts Explain and Compare 2WD vs. AWD vs. 4WD

Here is a brief summary of each vehicle, however it is well worthwhile to watch the just-under 15-minute video for all of the details.

NOT TO BUY AWD VEHICLES

• Any late 90’s early 2000 models of the Land Rover Discover 1 or 2: Major Issues---not reliable, prone to blown head gasket problems and leaking oil.

• Any of the Jeep Patriots or Compasses: Major Issues---Notorious high-failure CVT transmission with an overall noisy buzzy sounding engine.

• Any BMW with the X-Drive AWD system: Major Issues---It will always have a perpetual broken component issue made worse by overly expensive repair costs that causes owners to unload their vehicle early in ownership.

VEHICLES TO BUY

• Any Subaru (except early year models with head gasket issues): Just look at how many Subarus you see in mountainous snowy regions as a testament to their proven reliability. Nuff said.

• Any year Toyota Rav4 AWD: Toyota’s proven reliability history is the main selling point of this model as well as maintenance that can be done on the cheap.

• Any year Honda CRV: Not quite as reliable as a Toyota but comes in a close second for reliability. You will see Honda CRVs in the same regions as your will find Subarus.

The CAR WIZARD shares which All-Wheel Drive cars TO Buy & NOT to Buy!

And finally…

For additional related articles about AWD in vehicles, here are two for your consideration:

• Why the Rivian is the Holy Grail of AWD Systems

• Consumer Reports Shows All-Wheel-Drive Owners How to Save Money on Their SUV Tires

COMING UP NEXT: How to Make $1000 a Day Flipping Cars Explained by a Car Dealer

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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