I need a vehicle for winter. Accordingly I have been test driving everything I can get my paws on which is new to me. Generally I just sort of stumble into a car like J-Rhymedaddy stumbles into audio gear...that is to say, haphazardly. This time I have given some thought to my likes and dislikes.

Here's some thoughts:

1) While not the ultimate priority winter must be a consideration. I know, at least for smaller vehicles, this means I want to stay away from rear-wheel drive affairs but does this apply to larger sedans as well? I've never had one. Do the special, whopper traction doohickey thangs really make a difference? My current commute could become even more of a nightmare if performed on a slip-and-slide.

2)I've basically had three longterm relationships with cars. They were, in order, with the RX-7 Turbo, Bimmer 3-series, and a Jetta. The Mazda was good on gas, fun to drive, and generally maintenance-free. I suppose an RX-8 would be a nice summer toy but that's not why we're here. The things are murder on the snow. The BMW and the Volks are completely competent automobiles. In six years with the Jetta I replaced a muffler and tires once and got oil changes. That's it. Great car but both the beetle from Bavaria and the Jay are kind of "samey". It's time for something different.

3) Nightflier's gonna jump for joy but between him and my boss I have embraced at least a modicum of concern for the environment. At first I was just gonna grab a Land Rover and be done with it but, with the exception of the Hummer, there is no greater gas hog on the face of this here Earth. In the end I felt too guilty about the whole thing...I need something to soothe my conscience as I'm throwing styrofoam into the woods and letting off cans of Aquanet for no good reason. Moderately decent fuel consumption is a must.

4) I need to be comfortable entering and exiting the vehicle in both suit and tie and ratty Pantera gear with spiked hair...a certain coolness factor is a must. I'm still single. I like sleeping with twenty-two year old girls on the weekends. I'm not driving a Camry.

5) How are Jeeps in the cold? Not the Cherokees but the Saharas or the Wranglers. It seems to me that though they would handle acceptably well they would be particularly uncomfortable on long trips. True?

6) The three most popular vehicles 'round these parts are the Murano, Avalanche and Magnum. No thanks.

7) So far I've driven a variety of vehicles and found some positive attributes in the following: MB S-Class, Audi Quattro, Ford Escape, and Cadillac STS. Wouldn't mind some opinions on the X-Class Jag or Bimmer 7-series (hence, rear wheel drive question).

8) Many moons ago in one of my badboy phases I accumulated 'bout 18 points in 10 minutes. After the subsequent legal entanglements I have trained myself not to speed (too much). I think a hot rod would be wasted on me.


Thoughts? Experiences? Advice? Mockery? All are welcome....