Thanks for the suggestion. I live in PA so AWD might be helpful sometime. It is not a necessity I suppose (most people can get by with normal cars), but the option is nice in case I need to get up a slippery driveway. I am not sure about the 2ND gen because I have heard horror stories about oil usage with the 2.4L engine at least in the 2009 model year. Was that just a fluke? The Wikipedia page of the engine also mentions oil consumption. It doesn't seem like there is a huge riot about it like Audi, but I would really prefer not to blow my savings on a car that will blow an engine after I've blown my savings on it.
but I will keep an eye out for newer Vibes and those other suggestions you gave. (also, I was looking at CRVs initially but apparently they have timing chain issues which I would definitely not like to deal with).
Yep, having driven everywhere in PA from Centralia to Erie to Milford, I can say that the twisty, turning hills can be deadly, especially when the sun never reaches the ground through the trees. And when you throw in lots of "hitchhiking" deer and wet leaves collecting on forever wet roads, not to mention a state with an awful history of road repair, you need every advantage you can get.
Some points to counter in your notes: 1: the CRV has had a near bullet proof record. Just because one or two parts has gone astray does not mean the car is not outstanding. I don't know if Honda always offered AWD with the older CRVs, but there is a reason why so many of the older ones are on the road today. 2. the Camry-Vibe ain't the only one with a drinking problem. The Corolla-Vibes also consume oil like a drunk uncle. I have had 3 Corollas and they all drove themselves to the corner bar for a drink every night. While adding 2 quarts of oil in between 5,000 mile oil changes seems excessive, it is still within specifications for all engines. 3. Yes, salt is bad; salt brine is worse. All cars can rust, but the larger issue is all that salt spray and brine getting into your engine compartment, into the brake components, etc. Time is hard enough on a car. Having a corrosive matter constantly attacking exposed components takes a much harder toll on a car.
Since AWD seems to be a priority, I would continue to search for newer high mileage Vibes and Matrix vehicles, along with the CRV. Subarus have never aged very well, although their current lineup of Foresters seems to be holding up well. We'll see how the current one fares when it turns 10. My last piece of advice is to move out of the snow belt like I have. My cars will never see a wintery day again.