The recent snowstorms that have hammered the east coast are a nagging reminder that winter is still very much upon us. However, consumers in the market for a used car in New York or New Jersey should know that winter driving doesn’t need to be a bore.

The folks at AutoWeek.com recently unveiled their Top 10 Best Snow Cars list, reminding us all that with the right equipment, winter traveling can still be a safe, yet exciting adventure.

One of the cars at the top of that list is the Volkswagen Touareg TDI, the German automaker’s first entry into the sports utility vehicle segment.

The Volkswagen Touareg offers a unique mix of luxury, exceptional road performance and remarkable off-road capability. The 2006 model received a 3.6-liter FSI V6 engine, replacing the 3.2-liter V6 that came standard in the previous year, according to MSN Autos.

Those looking to do some off-road driving in winter conditions may want to check out the Touareg TDI, which is powered by a 5.0-liter V10 twin-turbocharged diesel engine that is capable of delivering 310 horsepower and 533 pound-feet of torque.

All Touaregs are equipped with an all-wheel-drive system that is designed for severe road conditions. Anti-lock brakes and an anti-skid system both come standard on each 2006 model. Also, each seating row includes front and curtain side airbags.

The 2006 Touareg possesses a strong physiology, say Edmunds.com. “Not strong in the old-fashioned, live-axles-at-either-end, give-me-your-worst sense, but strong as in carefully engineered using today’s technology to take on such conditions as rush-hour traffic in the city, steep off-road trails in the mountains and everything in between in an unflappable manner.”

For those car buyers that are looking for a smaller, less expensive used car that can handle the winter roads, the Suzuki SX4 might be the right vehicle for you.

The 2007 Suzuki SX4 replaced the previous year’s larger and more costly Aerio SX. It is equipped with a four-cylinder engine capable of producing 143 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque, making it one of the more powerful subcompacts in its class.

“For those on a tight budget, Suzuki happily points out that the SX4 is the least expensive new car you can buy with all-wheel drive,” said Edmunds in 2007. It also has plenty of interior room, a long powertrain warranty and available stability control.