96 was the last year for the 2.2 with the non interference engine. 95 was the first year of the newer body style. Besides looking better it just seems like a more refined automobile. Example: automatic seat belts on the 94. Mine have been legacy wagons but I have been looking at imprezas with a mind for next time.

We will be out west this year after Christmas and so will likely grab another 3/4 ton beast when we get there. Might just use the cherokee if time doesn't allow car shopping.

Driving on ice mostly is pretty safe except for when it is wet or refrozen. You can't drive real fast on it but you can drive safely. Road conditions are more dangerous right around 32F, then you have a layer of water on top of the ice. Refreeze is bad too when you get the "sheet ice" or "black ice" or whatever it is called in your area.


The new winter hazard is a result of the chemical sludge that they use to melt the ice and we get three inches of slush. Hydroplaning is bad enough on a wet road but on three inches of slush it really sends them into the ditches.

I'd have to say my 300TD is hands down the best car I have ever driven in the snow.. way better than my dad's VW TDi or my mom's Saab 900 (both FWD).. All with 4 studded snows. I like the RWD much better because when the rear kicks out you still have control over where the car is going, whereas with the FWD once it starts sliding you pretty much lose control. You defenitely have to keep your foot out of it to keep the rear from breaking loose, but all that weight of the wagon body over the rears + my veg tank(s) and all my tools really keeps the traction good... If you guys want to make your RWD benz's good in the snow put a few 50LB bags of sand in the back.. it will also help when/if you get stuck to have some sand for traction. And don't even think about driving without studded snows in the winter.. they make all the difference.

2 winters ago I drove my 300TD about 100miles in 6-8+" of snow from southern NH through southern VT (back roads that weren't plowed yet, lots of hills and curves and narrow bridges). That thing just keeps on going.. It is very important to think about momentum while driving in the snow, i.e. where is your car actually gonna go (because it ain't goin precisely where you tell it), also it helps to drive with only 2 fingers on the steering wheel.

BTW nice job on the Honda.. not bad for $500!!

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99 E300 Turbodiesel 100k

I'll bet a 300TD is a tank in the snow. I will have another wagon someday, I'm just going to wait for the right one, aka no rust!
Yes $500, and I'd say about another $250 in bondo and primer/clear coat, as the black and red were leftovers from another project. Thanks!
After 145 miles I measured 35 mpg with the snows at an unknown pressure (need to check) with my normal around town driving. I've heard these can get 40 mpg highway so I'm happy with the 35 mpg.

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

I wonder what it would get with a 601 in it...maybe 50+ mpg. The only issue would be fitting it so it doesn't poke out the hood

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Dale

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1...MG_2277sig.jpg

1990 300D 2.5 Turbo -155k
2000 E430 - 103k
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel 4x4 - 11k
2014 VW Passat TDI SE - 7k Bro's Diesel
2006 E320 CDI - 128k Pop's Benz

Pre-glow - A moment of silence in honor of Rudolph Diesel

Well I miss the diesel lugability. Will be interesting to drive the Rabbit with its 5 speed someday.

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

May be upgrading the Civic to a 1991 Honda Accord Wagon. Nervous about the kids in the back seat. Measured 2' from the back of their car seat to the back of the hatch back. Not much of a crumple zone. Someday I'll most likely end up with a 300TE.

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

I struggle with the idea of a winter beater. I do have a winter beater which is my 1981 300D. When I bought her the rear quarters were rusted, but the rest is very solid. I feel guilty for exposing her to salt, but at the same time I can not imaging driving anything less than a W123 for the winter. She is great in the snow and ice and does it without any braking or handling technology.

I work 12 hour days as an Automation tech and last year I had to carry an extra battery and jumper cables for the coldest days here in Vermont. This year I feel like taking a break from that as there are times after fixing things all day where I just want to go home and not have to fiddle fart. Plus I have fun buying and selling and like to try out vehicles. I know I'd like a 240D in the winter for everything other that ultra cold starts, all though I do have a plan for that someday as I own a Webasto and the timer for it!

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

If you ever get around to mounting that Webasto, be sure to post
pictures of your project. It`s something I have thought about in
the past. there are times we can`t always be near a plug in for the
block heater.

I can`t justify using studed tires here in Calif. I don`t usually get stuck
or lose traction in the hot sunny days we have. I can`t visualise salt,
cold, snow, ice, rust etc...

I have cables I pack along when going over the Sierra to NV. they are a
pain to put on, so bought a set of Spike Spiders. very convient to use.
any one use them??? I used them last year for the first time. had them
mounted and gone in less that 5 min. drove on them over 30 miles on
pack ice and snow, seemed to work ok.
Only real draw back to them is price and they are bulky in the trunk.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

So, on the day I was going to go look at the Accord Wagon I had to look at Craigs and there was a 1998 Beetle. I know that they don't have the greatest electrical reliability and I'm sure it won't be as reliable as a Honda, and its most likely only marginally safer than the car I have but I couldn't pass. We had a 1978 Super and my daughter loved it. She also loves new Beetles. This will be an Auto so the wife can just jump in. 65K on it, $800. No rust, but the oil pan bottomed out and I can fit my hand in the hole. Odds are the motor is toast, but I have one lined up with 42K on it for $400. Book is $5K and I think this one would be about $4K when done. He atleast its a German car. Oh thats right a Mexican car..... Not a diesel this time. HHmmm, could convert it. easier to repair it, sell it and buy a diesel.
Wish me luck.

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

The Bus is an awsome tow rig! Left at 4 am and was back at noon on Saturday. Got it into my garage, pulled the chunk of aluminum off the pan, cleaned it and roughed up the pan and then put fiberglass onto it. Started the motor and there was a slight ticking of the lifters for about a second and then nice and quiet. I may have lucked out. Swapped my good pan on, changed the filter and oil. Buffed it out. Came out nice. Just ordered the front spoiler stuff. Not sure if it will be red or black. I have the black, and a different shade or red. Its in nice shape actually for a 10 year old car, and the price I paid! Has a Kenwood which sounds great with the 4 speakers in the small car. update...Civic sold for $1,800.
More pictures here http://asnowsquall.smugmug.com/gallery/4167008#P-3-15

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

70K, Wont' start, $900. Automatic. Purchased for the challenge Well...I like the 3 piece rims even though they are only 1/2 refinished.

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Currently driving a very clean 1985 300SD from the West Coast.

You bought a Porsche for $900! Nice! I enjoy the looks I get when I tell folks I bought a Mercedes (Whitey) for $480, but I think that is even more impressive.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 400,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 22,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.

Good thing you got the hippy stickers off that bug.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine