Here's another beguiling choice for an AWD car, if one is looking for a second daily driver. I see lots of these out in the Pacific Northwest, and there are always several on Autotrader.com. Anyway, it is a "purebred German inline-six autobahn burner" with a reliable AWD system.

From the BMW 325iX Registry: http://home.earthlink.net/~hainesinutah/iX/

"The 325iX was produced from '86 through '91 and imported into the U.S. for model years '88-'91. The iX has a viscous coupling (filled with silicone) in the drivetrain to split torque front to rear and another in the rear differential to provide a limited slip function. Handling in the dry is quite satisfactory in stock form and pretty awesome on slippery surfaces. With with a few modifications (like cutting the front springs to lower the front 1-1/2 inches, adding a stiff rear bar, installing Bilstein or Koni sport shocks and a Dinan chip, upgrading bushings and running Dunlop D40M2's), an iX will run with any E30 on a dry track. On a snowy surface, an iX fitted with a good set of snow tires (particularly with studded Hakkapelitta 10's) will absolutely leave any vehicle in a cloud of snow.*"

"The iX is really in it's glory in inclement weather. Yes, BMW's Traction Control is very effective in preventing spin-outs and in allowing a mind-numb driver to accelerate gradually on a slippery surface. But there is nothing like all four tires clawing at the snow. Even on the most slippery surfaces the iX can accelerate at full throttle after the first several yards. The ABS which includes a special program (not included in the ordinary 325) for low friction surfaces is also very impressive. Jeeps!, Ford Exploders, ExcuseYous, Chevy Blazeers and Subaru Doubtbacks have no idea what left them at the stop light. If you love BMWs and need a car for all seasons, this is your car!"

Hope this helps,

-Sam