I was most definitely NOT planning on doing any car shopping any time soon, but now I am forced into it. I had an accident this weekend (slid on black ice on the highway, spun out, and hit the guardrail with the rear end of my car...fortunately no injuries) and the insurance company has informed me that the car is totaled. So, I will be getting a check for the value of the car (2005 Toyota Corolla) and looking at used cars. I'm not in a huge rush because fortunately I have the use of my family's "extra" car until I find something, so I don't have to have a rental. One option would be to look for another Corolla of similar age and mileage, and it is an option I am definitely considering because I really liked that car. However, I feel like I should at least look at some other things as well. I am currently looking for a permanent job as a nurse practitionerr, and my state doesn't seem too interested in new grad NPs (at least in acute care) so I will most likely be relocating in the not too distant future. Current possibilities in the works (for interviews in January) are in Maine and Minnesota--lots of snow, and I can't let weather stop me from getting to work. That makes me think it might be a good idea to look at all-wheel drive options like a Subaru. What are everyone else's thoughts? Does AWD make a huge difference over regular FWD for driving in the snow? Also, if I do get another Corolla or something similar I would look at getting snow tires for the winter (that's what I was thinking of doing with my car if I did get a job in a place with more snow than here)...how much do they improve a car's winter handling?