The winter season can be very rough on a car. Most people dislike the thought of exposing their main vehicle to the elements. Not only do icy roads pose a danger, but the constant exposure to salt, sand and other winter road debris can take a heavy toll.
Some people consider buying a winter beater so they can preserve their main vehicle. Finding the best used car for snow involves deciding on the features you value most. Whether you’re after tech features to warm the interior, construction that lets you navigate treacherous roadways or both, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The winter season is a popular time for deals, as many people look for winter beaters. But is this the right decision?
Why buy a winter beater?
The winter is known for treacherous road conditions. It can cause more crashes due to slippery roads and impaired visibility. Buying a winter beater means keeping your primary vehicle safe from these hazards.
Salt can corrode the frame of a vehicle, sand can ding the paint, and both can have a significant impact on the vehicle’s overall appearance. Rather than trying to get their car fixed afterwards, some people opt to drive through the winter in a secondary vehicle so they don’t have to worry as much about damage and reducing the resale value on their daily drive.
Even the cold can be a hazard to vehicles. Frigid winter temperatures can drain batteries, crack hoses, and negatively impact the vehicle even if it is stationary. Sometimes it’s a better idea to store away a primary vehicle until the temperature warms back up.
Pros to buying a winter beater
There are plenty of benefits to buying a winter beater and using it instead of your main vehicle. The first is that you don’t have to worry about the resale value of your main vehicle dropping because it’s been damaged by the many hazards the season brings. Owners can also save by getting a winter beater, as it means they won’t have to worry as much about winterproofing their current car with things like snow tires, protective films, and other components.
Driving a different car in the winter also means reducing the number of kilometres you put on your daily drive, which can really help your asking price when the time comes to sell.
Buying a winter beater doesn’t just mean preserving the condition of your main vehicle – it means ensuring that the main vehicle’s resale value doesn’t diminish. Winter can take a hefty toll on even the best cars, so the best way to reduce the chances of damage is to hold off on using the main vehicle until the season has passed.
Cons to buying a winter beater
No one likes the thought of exposing their primary vehicle to the elements, so a winter beater can be a good choice. However, there are a couple of inconveniences that come with this decision.
Buying a winter beater means drivers will spend a few months piloting a vehicle that lacks the luster of their main vehicle. While a vehicle that is already in less-than-optimal condition has less to lose in the winter season, it still represents another expense.
Buying a winter beater represents a substantial short-term cost, though it can pay off in the long-run. Get the vehicle’s history and a pre-purchase inspection before you buy to help ensure the winter beater you’re thinking of buying is in shape to withstand the season.
When you’re looking to face down the winter season, you may decide to invest in another vehicle. No matter the make or model you choose, having something that is free of nasty surprises will make winter easier to manage. Once you know what a vehicle’s history is like, finding the best used cars for snow will be easier.
