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Winter is just around the corner and some motorists wonder whether they should put ice and cold on their beloved vehicle. Often the answer is simple: Put on winter tires and go on! But there has always been a not so small group of drivers who simply choose a different car for the winter.
These 7 winter cars for less than 5.000 euros are perfect for 2020/21 to bring you and your family well, cheaply and possibly also a little “original” over the winter.
The typical winter car
A car for the winter usually costs comparatively little. There is no longer any great loss of value and the car is in good condition to get you safely (and comfortably) through the winter. Furthermore, the TÜV and the winter car are not archenemies. In the case of very cheap models (purchase price: less than 1000 euros), this is usually only sufficient to be able to get through ONE winter carefree until spring, while more expensive vehicles (up to 5000 euros) have several years ahead of them as winter cars if necessary.
1. For bargain hunters - revive the 1000s for less than 90 euros
There are enough older VW Polo, Golf, Corsa B, Peugeot 205 or BMW 3 Series (E36 series) on the market for those on a tight budget. For this price you get a vehicle with a few quirks and pitfalls, which, however, with TÜV allows a carefree winter until spring. With an increasing budget over 1000 euros, an offer with comparatively few kilometers (mostly driven by retirees) or very good general condition (and thus a potential TÜV extension without a lot of investments) can be found here and there. You should only spend more than 2000 euros here if you are a fan of these models.
2. Compact space - the Opel Astra J
Do you want sufficient motorization (e.g. with the 115 HP 1.6 liter petrol engine) for the winter and enough modern amenities? Then the Opel Astra J is the perfect choice. Cheap models are usually available between 3000-4000 euros - with TÜV for the winter. However, follow-up costs should be expected here, as these offers usually come up with high mileage. The Astra is considered reliable, inexpensive to maintain and relatively robust. If you want to spend a little more, you can resort to the solid diesel variant for just under 5000 euros. However, urban environmental zones may therefore be taboo for the Astra. Those who value a low mileage and a very good general condition of the vehicle usually have to search longer.
3. The all-wheel-drive king from the 90s - Audi 80 Quattro
Four-wheel drive is almost a must in mountainous regions. Unfortunately, the sellers in the used car market pay dearly for this. A good compromise between all-wheel drive and equipment in this regard continues to be the already quite old Audi 80 Quattro. For less than 5000 euros you can get a solid, well-maintained model with mostly (from the point of view at the time) extensive extras. The processing can still be seen today. Thanks to the completely hot-dip galvanized body, many more winters should not be a problem for the vehicle - provided that it is properly cared for. However, compared to today's vehicles, the consumption values are at most satisfactory. If you only want to bridge one winter in the dry, you can use vehicles for 1000-2000 euros with a few months remaining TÜV.
4. Small but mighty - the Ford Fiesta
The Mk7 series from the years 2008-2017 shines with a good price-performance ratio. A few well-preserved specimens from the last years of construction are available for 5000 euros. Bargain hunters can find what they are looking for at around 3000-4000 euros. Among them there are mostly only mileage monsters or repair backlog vehicles, but with a few months remaining TÜV this can be interesting in individual cases. The quite frequent, small petrol models do not tolerate high mileage, as the small displacement (usually 1-1,25 liters) brings a comparatively large amount of power at high speeds. Overall, the Fiesta is a very good idea if the winter car is to save fuel and be compact. Alternatives would be older Skoda Fabias (until 2014) or Opel Corsas. In comparison, VW Polos are often significantly more expensive with the same mileage.
5. Cross-country - with the Lada Niva
Spartan, robust and very thirsty at the pump - that's the Lada Niva. Models with little rust can be bought for up to 5000 euros without hesitation. Due to the solid but simple technology, nothing should stand in the way of a TÜV extension for numerous more seasons. The Niva is the choice for all those who have to travel off the beaten track in winter for professional or private reasons (e.g. committed by-hunters). Models under 2500 euros are usually much older, but no less robust. As an alternative, the Suzuki lures Jimny. Although this is just as weak on the chest as the Lada, it exudes at least a small touch of driving comfort.
6. Rear-wheel drive in the BMW 3 Series - for those who dare
The E90 series from BMW offers a lot for up to 5000 euros, provided you can handle the rear-wheel drive. Thanks to ESP and other electronic aids, even slippery passages are usually not a problem. Mountain lovers should think twice about buying a winter vehicle. Bargain hunters are even more likely to strike in the cold season and receive a well-equipped vehicle with a reasonable mileage. Friends of the limousine instead of the station wagon version will even find BMWs with powerful engines that are really extended in summer, but have to be moved carefully in winter due to their brute power. Models under 3000 euros have mostly reached the end of their service life and are only suitable as an emergency solution with residual TÜV. If you want to have fun with a rear-wheel drive car in winter, you have to pick up the BMW. All others do without and resort to tried and tested front-wheel drive solutions - e.g. the (then) competing A4 from Audi.
6. The “smart” solution for rear-wheel drive fans: The FORTWO
Spend less than 2000 euros and still have fun with a rear-wheel drive car in winter? This is possible with the Smart FORTWO. The body, which is largely made of plastic, is well prepared against road salt and cold, and thanks to the fairly straightforward motorization (with admittedly low vehicle weight), you never get the feeling of losing control of the vehicle when it is icy. The FORTWO does not manage the best times up the mountain, but if you - within the limits of the StVo, of course - want to "live out" a little rear-wheel drive in winter, you can do this cheaply by car.
7. Make use of the sunny days in winter in style - the Peugeot 206cc
The highlight of the 206cc is the retractable hardtop made of steel. For a good 2000 euros there are very well-maintained models from first hand. So nothing stands in the way of further winter seasons. In addition, the vehicle shines on mild winter days thanks to the retractable hood. Driving a convertible at 12 degrees on a clear day? No problem! Close the top an hour later when you go up into the cold mountains? No problem! Regardless of whether it is snow, a sunny winter day or dull everyday traffic jams to work - the 206cc is always comfortable to drive for little money. Only at the rust you have to look carefully so that the supposed “winter convertible” doesn't turn into a “rust nightmare”. An alternative to the 206cc is the convertible version of the Ford Focus MK II - but at prices of up to 5000 euros or even more (depending on the condition).
Conclusion - winter cars for the cold season
These X winter cars for less than Y euros are perfect for 2020/21 to get the cold days of the year behind you safely in traffic. Due to the technical progress in the last few decades, older vehicles can also be used as winter vehicles. With good care and a little more generous budget, you can also find some pearls for numerous other winter seasons. It is up to you whether pure common sense as with the Ford Fiesta or driving fun in winter as with the BMW 3 Series is the decisive factor for you as a purchase argument.