1990 Eagle Talon TSI
Turbo, AWD, 150,000 miles, original owner.

Probably about $2k. It'll cost me half that just to fix my ABS/Traction, so this would
be my winter driver.

Thoughts?

RUN, DON'T WALK. Get yourself something like a used 4runner. You can pick up a good 1989 or 1990 for about that kind of money to get you through the winter

lol second vehicle? dont you have like 9 already?
as for a winter beated.. get a nice 94ish 2door yukon, 4x4 auto... and those full size chevys thoughout the 90s were always good winter vehicles, they could keep the warmth in, good snow and ice abilitys. you could probably get one for 3k. I see your in Oragon so in the summer you can turn it into a sweet little sand buggy (too bad the newish ones dont have a removable top).

I have a buddy with the same year etc., he lives in Vancouver so the climate is simillar to yours. He loves his Talon and tells me all the time. Runs blizzaks in the winter and says with the awd hes never had a problem with snow or ice on the drive up to Whistler.
For $2k cant lose anyway, with your 'magical' touch im sure by spring you'll resell for maybe $4k?

Sounds like a good beater car Bill.....

I'd stay the HELL away from that Talon... poor reliability on those things; general problems, crankwalk like a bitch (esp. the turbo models), and problems everywhere

I second the motion for an old 4-Runner, either four or six cylinder, the four (known at Toyota as the 22R-E) is a 2.4L, a bit weak, the truck'll be slow, but it'll more than get you through the winter. The 22R-E is a maaaaaad reliable motor too

my college roommate had a 90 Eagle Talon AWD(turbo), needless to say I drove him around everywhere.

I agree that DSM'* are not the most reliable car. Winter beater? Sure it would be good, but I'd rather get something a little bigger. I'd want to come out of a wreck so I could be identified without dental records.

Oh, fer cryin' out loud, go to the dentist already.....

That turbo awd talon would be a fun car for the track. If running good it can be just as fast as your bonnie, and faster with some mods. But it'* got too much power for winter. Go find some subaru.