Tips in buying a car in the US (New York / Michigan)

[Horsepower]

A friend will be migrating to the US soon (NY/MI) sometime this year with his family.

He's asking me for tips in buying a car there. So, naturally, I thought of posting a thread here to get some info from our reliable Tsikoteers.

I told him to buy a 4x4 as East coast is known for terrible snow, is that a bright idea? I was thinking Nissan Pathfinder/Subaru SUV. No Toyota/Lexus for now.

Are the xdrive (AWD) BMWs reliable in snow? If not, what sedans are?

How does one get massive crazy discounts? What's the best month / time to buy? lease or own?

Feel free to make suggestions. Thanks!

[guigui]

There are too many "liberal car deals" in the US and Canada. In the East coast, I think getting a 4x4 is plausible due to the snow. BTW, what I meant with the "liberal car deals" is that there are dealers that literally gives a car away by making deals such as 0 down WITH FREE 3 Months of amortization. Meaning sa 4th na ang simula ng bayad. If the buyer knows what car he/she wants, pwedeng in 2 hours, it's a done-deal and you'll be going home with your brand-new car. Please also tell your friend that the car dealers in the US do not have a showroom. Naka-display at exposed sa elements ang mga sasakyan na pagpipilian kahit brand new. Baka po kasi ma-shock iyung friend niyo. Pwede rin pong tumawad sa car agent.

With regards to discounts, dahil bumabawi sila sa recession, car agents/dealers are willing to strip-off the price tag at unbelievable LOW prices.

[sm2by]

For Winter Driving go for the Subaru Forester AWD, its 4WD system is one of the best since its developed from the Subaru Impreza Rally car...
If your looking for a Seven seater get the Subaru Tribeca AWD or a Volvo XC90 AWD...
You could also go Korean; the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe AWD and 2011 Kia Sorento AWD are the best in value for money...
Also check out the Honda Pilot, it is ugly but the leg/cargo room is one of the most spacious...

[Horsepower]

Thanks! I will tell him all your pointers.

[Horsepower]

What's the best insurance in the US? cheap; reliable and easy to claim from? what insurance package is a good buy?

thanks