Wagons

[FC]

Save the comments on my "plans." You don't have to reply if you don't want to.

We're now about a year away from buying some kind of utility car. Because of the crappy roads/winters in Montreal (and in Boston) I was thinking an SUV may be a good choice, but it's really only a couple of times that I feel like I should have one, so wagons are in the mix.

I'm trying to keep this vehicle at 10-12K but may go as high as 15K if it is worth it. AWD is a must as is a slushbox.

As far as used, somewhat-reliable wagons, the main contenders are V70 Volvo's ('98-'00) and Subaru's.

So what do you think? Any suggestions/input?

-V70 XC (same as the AWD except for badges/etc and 1" higher ride height)
-V70 AWD
-V70 R AWD (this one will be about 15K)
-Subaru Legacy/Outback

[nate]

I think that we should bring back mbr129's forum...

[ayn]

I think that we should bring back mbr129's forum...

WERD!

[clyde]

I think that we should bring back mbr129's forum...

I don't understand why it was removed. :scratch:

:luftballon:

[clyde]

Ask a silly question...

[blee]

I think you're headed in the right direction there. I would suggest that you look at some car-based "SUVs," but I'm not sure how many of them are in your price range that you would be willing to own.

FWIW, a friend of mine bought a new Hyundai Santa Fe about two years ago; it's got almost 40k on the odometer today. He's been back to the dealership exactly once for warranty work. It's comfortable, roomy, and reasonably priced. He paid $17k for a loaded model; I'm sure used ones would be in your price range.

[FC]

I think you're headed in the right direction there. I would suggest that you look at some car-based "SUVs," but I'm not sure how many of them are in your price range that you would be willing to own.

FWIW, a friend of mine bought a new Hyundai Santa Fe about two years ago; it's got almost 40k on the odometer today. He's been back to the dealership exactly once for warranty work. It's comfortable, roomy, and reasonably priced. He paid $17k for a loaded model; I'm sure used ones would be in your price range.

Thanks blee.

[TD]

MBR-

Hey, unless I'm mistaken, everyone is just giving you a hard time in jest. Once you get a certain rep, it's hard to shake. Ask me about it.

Take it all for what it's worth, nothing more than some online hazing.

Don't take it so seriously.

[clyde]

MBR-

Hey, unless I'm mistaken, everyone is just giving you a hard time in jest. Once you get a certain rep, it's hard to shake. Ask me about it.

Take it all for what it's worth, nothing more than some online hazing.

Don't take it so seriously.
And deleting and then restoring isn't going to help tear down that wall either. :D

[Rob]

We just got back from a trip in the V70 from San Diego to Sacramento and back. I don't have much experience with the four wheel drive versions, but I can tell you that for what it is, the Volvo is a fine car. It holds an enormous amount of stuff, it gets decent gas mileage (29 mpg on the last tank, 28 mpg average for the trip, all with the AC on), it's comfortable over long distances, the dogs love it and it's not an SUV. Ours has been to the dealer for warranty work twice - once b/c the collapsable gas pipe kept popping out of the rubber neck (they secured it with twist ties) and once b/c it was eating power steering fluid (they replaced a hose clamp).

It's one of two fords that the family has had that I have ever liked. The other was a Jag. I think any of the choices you are looking at would do the job.

[Roadstergal]

-Subaru Legacy/Outback

[wdc330i]

A used 325xiT (they're pretty reasonably priced used). A used 525iT with snow tires.

Both will outhandle any Volvo station wagon. I've driven Volvos extensively. They're very comfortable, the wagons hold a great deal, but they are NO fun to drive. Now I've never driven any R permutations.

Outback drives decently well. But I can't get over how homely it is; and it doesn't haul much more than the 3 series wagon.

[undefined]

Chevy Tahoe

[FC]

We just got back from a trip in the V70 from San Diego to Sacramento and back. I don't have much experience with the four wheel drive versions, but I can tell you that for what it is, the Volvo is a fine car. It holds an enormous amount of stuff, it gets decent gas mileage (29 mpg on the last tank, 28 mpg average for the trip, all with the AC on), it's comfortable over long distances, the dogs love it and it's not an SUV. Ours has been to the dealer for warranty work twice - once b/c the collapsable gas pipe kept popping out of the rubber neck (they secured it with twist ties) and once b/c it was eating power steering fluid (they replaced a hose clamp).

It's one of two fords that the family has had that I have ever liked. The other was a Jag. I think any of the choices you are looking at would do the job.

There is a '98 V70 R wagon. Black on black. I guess it has alcantara-like inserts on the seat. They ask 16K. Seems like a pretty good deal for a comfortable wagon with lots of room and 250hp.

The plain-AWD wagon seems pretty good too since it has the T-5 engine and for soem reason doesn't seem to hold its value as well as the XC version. And those will be in the 12K range come next year.

The outback is a good deal and roomy, but the 2.5L is the only engine available on outbacks at that price and 166hp is just not enough. Torque is also to low at 160@4400, vs the Volvo's 190@1800.

[FC]

A used 325xiT (they're pretty reasonably priced used). A used 525iT with snow tires.

Both will outhandle any Volvo station wagon. I've driven Volvos extensively. They're very comfortable, the wagons hold a great deal, but they are NO fun to drive. Now I've never driven any R permutations.

Outback drives decently well. But I can't get over how homely it is; and it doesn't haul much more than the 3 series wagon.

Like I said above, I don't think the outback is going to cut it, but I agree about the looks thing (though the numbers indicate that it is pretty roomy).

I'd love to get a 325Xi, but I just don't see how I can get one for 15K and it has very little cargo room.

I've thought about a 525 for a while, but repair costs scare me and it is underpowered and doesn't have AWD. I'll have to check on their value.

[ayn]

I bit over your price range, but I love the G500! I saw a silver one yesterday and a black one today, :drool:

[TD]

Any reason you are ignoring the Saab?

[undefined]

I bit over your price range, but I love the G500! I saw a silver one yesterday and a black one today, :drool:

I see a black G55 around town fairly often :eek:

[FC]

I bit over your price range, but I love the G500! I saw a silver one yesterday and a black one today, :drool:

I sat in one at a dealership. There is something cool about it... even though I recognize that it embodies all that is wrong nowadays.

The quality inside seemed top notch. The sound of the door as you close it, etc.

But even with a winning Powerball ticket I wouldn't even come close to buying one.

[ayn]

I have never seen a G55, didn't even know they exist.

Over the last few days I've seen so many AMG cars, SL, CL, CLK, C, all within the last week. Maybe Austin high tech is rolling back up. :thumbup:

[Roadstergal]

5er wagons carry a heck of a lot.

[FC]

5er wagons carry a heck of a lot.

I know. I think I may be willing to put up with the age, repairs, lack of engine power and lack of AWD, but I can't find an E39 even remotely close to 15K.

It looks like a '98-'00 V70 AWD of some sort is the way to go.

[undefined]

I have never seen a G55, didn't even know they exist.

Over the last few days I've seen so many AMG cars, SL, CL, CLK, C, all within the last week. Maybe Austin high tech is rolling back up. :thumbup:
yup, I see lots of AMGers around too.

[elbert]

Any reason you are ignoring the Saab?

Saab wagons are hard to find around here (I really like yours--how long did you have to look?). So are A4 Avants.

[TD]

Any reason you are ignoring the Saab?

Saab wagons are hard to find around here (I really like yours--how long did you have to look?). So are A4 Avants.I actually found two manual Aero wagons within a few weeks, both at the dealer, certified and with low mileage.

[elbert]

I actually found two manual Aero wagons within a few weeks, both at the dealer, certified and with low mileage.

Where, by you? They're not too common around here.

[Roadstergal]

I know. I think I may be willing to put up with the age, repairs, lack of engine power and lack of AWD, but I can't find an E39 even remotely close to 15K.

Ja, 528iTs are going for the mid-to-low $20K. But a friend of mine has one, and let me drive it in a local skills day; I wouldn't call it underpowered and he wouldn't call it unreliable. But a Scooby turbo Forester it isn't. ;)

<img src=http://members.roadfly.com/roadstergal/PA270078.jpg>

[Rob]

Isn't the purpose of this vehicle to get from point a to point b in various weather conditions a few times a year? Who cares how much fun it is to drive? That's whay you have a 330i with the zhp package for.

[lemming]

a 528iT with snow tires and modern traction control would do more than well in these parts.

[FC]

Isn't the purpose of this vehicle to get from point a to point b in various weather conditions a few times a year? Who cares how much fun it is to drive? That's whay you have a 330i with the Performance Package package for.

Right. That said, why not get the cake and eat it too... if possible.

[FC]

a 528iT with snow tires and modern traction control would do more than well in these parts.

I agree. But even at 20K, that is too much. For 20K, I can get a vehicle still under warranty. But it doesn't matter since I'm putting a firm cap on it of 15K, and again, only if it is worth it. I'm trying to stick to 12K.

This is the best one I found. http://www.cars.com/search/used/cc/standard/results/single/ld/detail.jhtml?paId=130615629&aff=national&src=&cid=null

[FC]

Any reason you are ignoring the Saab?

AWD. Although I realize that it will be adequate.

These two look ok.

http://www.cars.com/search/used/cc/standard/results/single/ld/detail.jhtml?paId=143604470&aff=national&src=&cid=

http://www.cars.com/search/used/cc/standard/results/single/ld/detail.jhtml?paId=143891590&aff=national&src=&cid=

[nate]

a 528iT with snow tires and modern traction control would do more than well in these parts.

I agree. But even at 20K, that is too much. For 20K, I can get a vehicle still under warranty. But it doesn't matter since I'm putting a firm cap on it of 15K, and again, only if it is worth it. I'm trying to stick to 12K.

This is the best one I found. http://www.cars.com/search/used/cc/standard/results/single/ld/detail.jhtml?paId=130615629&aff=national&src=&cid=null

When you finally buy one two years from now, they might be $12K :dunno:

The only premium large, enthusiast wagons that I can think of are BMWs, Audis, and Saabs.

You don't want the Saab or BMW, so look for Audis. They will likely be much less reliable and smaller than the BMW or Saab wagons. But, if that is what you want....

You could always go with a Mercedes.

[FC]

a 528iT with snow tires and modern traction control would do more than well in these parts.

I agree. But even at 20K, that is too much. For 20K, I can get a vehicle still under warranty. But it doesn't matter since I'm putting a firm cap on it of 15K, and again, only if it is worth it. I'm trying to stick to 12K.

This is the best one I found. http://www.cars.com/search/used/cc/standard/results/single/ld/detail.jhtml?paId=130615629&aff=national&src=&cid=null

When you finally buy one two years from now, they might be $12K :dunno:

The only premium large, enthusiast wagons that I can think of are BMWs, Audis, and Saabs.

You don't want the Saab or BMW, so look for Audis. They will likely be much less reliable and smaller than the BMW or Saab wagons. But, if that is what you want....

You could always go with a Mercedes.

Everything I've heard about Audi's (A6's) is that they are slow, fat pigs. Mercedes wagons (W210's) are much too expensive.

A 528iT is a long shot. There is a better chance I end up with a Saab 9-5 (V6 or Aero) than the BMW. Simply because of price.

[lemming]

in about a year, you may be able to get a 2002 325xiT for about $15-17k?

[FC]

in about a year, you may be able to get a 2002 325xiT for about $15-17k?

I hope. We'll see. It would be in the (very) high range, but it may happen. For now, those Volvo's fit the bill. I was also thinking of a (current-gen) 2002 A4 Avant.