Why not buy a good car that will last you 10+ years instead of an econocar that you'll tire of in a few years if it makes it that long? One of the few good things the Nissan has going for it is that it's front wheel drive which is preferable in ice and snowy weather. Add in the snow tires and chains and you should be fine, but that 109HP won't help you get out of snow banks or muddy roads. If he'll be traveling a bit for work as he says, it makes even more sense to invest in a vehicle that he can rely on and be comfortable in. Montana winters in a rolling box of sheet metal will be a pain. Also keep in mind that he'll be in Montana, where he'll be surrounded by a lot of those big trucks.