I think we need another car...
 

So, no one is willing to give up any of their current cars in our household, but it's clear that we need either a wagon or an SUV. One dog was *almost* OK, but two dogs push us firmly into "not OK" territory with baby.

In the "nice, cheap beater that can be left outside," there really isn't much to choose from.

One option is a 6MT X5. This has some real maintenance advantages as I can steal all the FCPEuro warranty covered parts off of the in-law's X5 (that they will never drive again), and it's big enough and cheap. The in-law's X5 is not in good enough condition to consider taking, and it's not clear that it'll escape the Medicaid asset sweep anyway.

E91 LCI wagons are pretty expensive. (And car seats really don't fit well.)

E60 wagons are not something I'm willing to consider.

The out of left-field option is an early 2010s E350 wagon. They're pretty cheap these days, and they were built after MB got their shit together reliability wise. The downside, though, is that I'm not really equipped to service one. And it's automatic.

I'm kind of struggling to come up with any other ideas.

I have friends with a 2010s E350 and it has been very expensive to keep going. But it is still going.

There are some Cayenne sticks, too. out there FWIW.

E39 wagon and do a manual swap?

Audi wagon?

Edit: Another random thought--550i Grand Turismo. Ugly, but comfortable and fast. Also pretty steeply depreciated at this point. Or go with the more reliable engine in the 535...

Edit: Hmmm. https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

What about an e34 wagon that you do your full reclamation or engine swap on. There was an interesting diesel one on BAT the other day. I think you'd be happiest with something you made to your own standards.

Alternately, there are lots of e83 X3 manuals out there. It's a pleasant enough platform.

E39s are pretty trashed at this point. Also, I want AWD.

Unfortunately, the stick shift Cayennes come from before VW figured out reliability. Ditto for any Audi that’s in a price range i’m willing to pay.

There is absolutely no circumstance in which I will consider any V8 BMW. The N62 and N63 make the S65 look reliable. And the problem with the GT is that you can’t put dogs in the back. It’s a stunningly useless car. (I had one as a loaner.)

OK. Good narrowing down info. One owner!

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

Edit: It's a tough ask. What you want is what I wanted last year, and just gave up and bought the Mazda.

Considering this, although they’ll have to come off the price a bit:

https://www.autobarnclassiccars.com/...46/2004-bmw-x5

Pretty low miles for an X5, 6MT. A little bit of reconditioning needed, but nothing I can’t handle.

Looks promising.

Mercedes R class?

Are X5s really that much more reliable than E61s?

Volvo V70?

Don't forget the Cayenne V6 was offered in a stick in the second generation.

There's a new Ford Bronco 7 speed on the lot in Falls Church, which is kind of nuts but honestly may be a better choice than an ancient X5.

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/9Al...nz-230te-wagon

No AWD :lol:

I can't see why I'd do an R-class over an E class wagon.

The E53 is much simpler than the E61, and also drives better IMO.

The V70 is interesting, but a cursory look suggests that sticks are spendy.

And no Ford products. Everything I hear suggests that they are actively trying to find the build quality floor.