Okay it seems like winterizing is the way to go...With some Blizzaks on the stock 17"s for me. I am really like everyone's suggestions as they are all valid and all good points.
I think the best way to "get a beater" is not to actually get a true beater and get a decent car for purpose B. Like the Jeep, any car that fits more people and perhaps AWD will be better for the not so perfect conditions that the FR-S may (or may not) struggle in. I don't think I Have the $$ for a car like that right now, as much as I think a perfect combo would be the FR-S and the EVO for winter mode
So how much should an underbody coating cost? I just switched dealers and am really impressed with the one I'm going to now, but don't want to pay more than I have to so what's reasonable? Any additional options I can look into to make it even more protected?