EARTHY CARS SPOTLIGHT: Winter cars

So we've seen out first drops of snow in Vermont this week. This is Vermont – they’ll be a lot more during the next couple months.

During the winter season, it’s nice to have a car with all wheel drive, a rugged exterior, cargo space (if you ski/snowboard), and/or heated seats.

The following vehicles fit the bill:

This Audi sedan comes with a winter package that includes heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

2009 Audi A6 3.0 Premium, Silver, Sedan, 85708 mi, $19,995 $21,995 http://bit.ly/171zL0g Large, 6-spd automatic, MPG = 18/27

The Honda Element has hard, plastic flooring and plenty of cargo space. It’s built for people with pets or those into outdoor activities (including skiers and snowboarders).

2008 Honda Element EX, Tan, SUV, 92537 mi, $14,995 $12,995 http://bit.ly/YT2ZaO 4WD, 5-spd automatic, MPG = 19/24

The Subaru is Vermont’s most popular car for good reason. Every Subaru has an all wheel drive system and a rugged exterior. They’re perfect for rough weather and terrain.

2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i, Blue, Sedan, 89939 mi, $8,995 $9,995 http://bit.ly/13fM2N7 Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/25

2008 Subaru Outback 2.5i, Brown, Station Wagon, 80145 mi, $12,995 http://bit.ly/171Lf3J Mid-size, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

2008 Subaru Outback, Black, Station Wagon, 105734 mi, $11,995 http://bit.ly/GYxtpe Mid-size, 5-spd manual, MPG = 19/26

2010 Subaru Forester 2.5XT, Station Wagon, Black, 26411 mi, $18,995 http://bit.ly/1fzYBHa AWD, Midsize, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26

2005 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Station Wagon, Silver, 109876 mi, $6,995 http://bit.ly/1fzYw6h AWD, Compact, 5-spd manual, MPG = 20/27

2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium, Black, Station Wagon, 72901 mi, $18,995 http://bit.ly/1fzZ0cD AWD, Automatic, Mid-size, MPG = 22/29

The Matrix is a compact car, but has more cargo space than the typical compact car. This particular Matrix has all wheel drive.

2009 Toyota Matrix S, Black, Hatchback, 79540 mi, $11,995 $13,995 http://bit.ly/1cH5ohR AWD, Compact, 4-spd automatic, MPG = 20/26