I got my low mileage '98 Subaru Legacy last year, from a neighbour, as a winter car. Last year it was amazing in snow, (though there has not been enough snow this year to give it a good test, especially with new snow tires, and rims I got on Kijiji). I drive snows on all three cars in our family (others are Acura and Toyota) and have an extra set of rims, with summers for each car. I am set up to change all three over in the driveway each year. Saves the extra service station costs and hastles, and is easier on the tires.

BTW, I have been told the 99, 2.2 Subaru is the best of the lot, and really easy on gas. The earlier 2.5's are prone to head gasket failure...but even still, are better than the average car.