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BMW 5 Series Sport Wagons

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#5 of 292 Dogman by Dogman Dec 13, 1998 (9:23 pm)
I too will be purchasing a new vehicle within the year.I have a 93 Ford Explorer.There are a few factors to consider when deciding which one to get..what kind of uses will you have or need,purchasing budget,and to some degree fuel consumption.Insurance and operating costs(maintainance and parts)seem to be high for all autos at this end of the scale.The big SUV's(Suburban,Expedition,Navigator and Land Cruiser)use too much gas and just seem to massive.Maybe if your towing or hauling 6 to 8 people everyday.Thats why I like the sport wagons.I need all wheel drive for skiing so I'm considering the Volvo or Audi.How has your experience been with your wagon?Also BMW is coming out with an SUV but I have no details.
#6 of 292 danielm by danielm Dec 14, 1998 (10:09 pm)
jeffrey lowe (a6wag) how slow is the a6? i looked for one in the summer (1995) and could not find many, and the ones i saw where too expensive for my budget. i ended up with the 95 bmw wagon and have been wonderfully pleased with the car. but with winter beckoning and the thought of placing chains, i'm having second thoughts about a awd auto wagon, but i like my engines strong and fast? would you buy a new a6 quattro or perhaps the smaller a4?
#7 of 292 reBMW by reBMW Dec 14, 1998 (10:20 pm)
a6wagon: have you considered the difference in driving characteristics between a land cruiser and a bmw wagon? i would be interested to hear why you would buy the truck instead of the bmw wagon. I believe that when you opt for the bmw wagon you receive an excellant driving experience with a fair dose of utility as well. would you be willing to tell the community at large (us) why you would rather drive the truck than the car? dogman: do you really think all wheel drive is the substitute for chains? my experience says no but i wonder why you think otherwise(if you do)
#8 of 292 cptmcf by cptmcf Dec 16, 1998 (1:32 am)
I have a 99 VW Passat wagon. Like the writer who couldnt understand why the couple bought a Navigator, I cant understand why someone would spend 55K on the BMW when the can get a Passat for half that (also cant understand why the writer mentioned the Audi but not VW{same platform}). They compare it to the Audi which has the same platform to include the engine. I have leather, sunroof and tiptronic transmission and paid 22,700 on the road, Sticker 25,600.
#9 of 292 Passat v. Audi v. BMW by jtrent Dec 16, 1998 (2:55 pm)
If the Passat does indeed have potential for under $25K out the door, the Passat appears to stand alone in the value department for sport wagons. I looked at a new BMW 528i wagon which had a sticker of $47K (on a base price of $41K. To me, this means that in 3 years from now, an off-lease 528i would cost around $32K. The price/performance of the used BMW (with 1 year left on the warranty) would be attractive to me.
#10 of 292 danielm by a6wagon Dec 18, 1998 (6:49 pm)
I would get the A4 avant if space is not a premium concern. The a6 is still way to slow for a "sport" wagon. My wagon goes 0 -60 in forever(11+ secs). If you are really looking for performance and AWD safety, check out the Volvo Products. My wife really loved the Volvo but we already had the Audi. I too looked at the 94 and 95 BWM touring wagons. The v8 was wonderful but the traction for winter was suspect at best. My brother in law has the 530i sedan and says that his car sucks in the snow. The real sleeper in this category is the Subaru Sport Wagon; reasonably priced, very sporty and extremely attractive.
#11 of 292 Dogman by a6wagon Dec 18, 1998 (6:52 pm)
My audi is a great car. my only issue is performance. it has been trouble free since day 1. If performance is the key, then stay focused on the Volvo. the price point is better as well unless roominess is not an issue. if not, then the a4 avant series is excellent. AWD safety and good performance.
#12 of 292 re BMW from a6wagon, why truck vs wagon by a6wagon Dec 18, 1998 (7:07 pm)
reBMW: I have owned several sport utility vehicles in the past. when the grand cherokee first came out, my dad and I were on that band wagon. We then went to Land Rover discos because every one and their grandma had a jeep. I then went to the new Toyota 4Runner in 96. After driving those, I wanted to be different. I got the performance(somewhat) and versatility I was looking for, but the space wasn't there. My wife refurbishes old furniture and has put that on the back burner because many of the pieces she finds can't fit in the back of the wagon. After driving the new land cruiser there is a difference in the experience. First off the cruiser would beat my 97 a6 and the new 99 a6 avant 0-60, hands down. As far as room is concerned, my wife can put her finds in the back without worrying about wagon space constraints. Yes, the gas mileage is worse on the cruiser. Yes there is a longer stopping distance from 60 and yes, it is extremely slow in the slalom; but for overall versatility and utility, not to mention my 2 year old son who likes to climb, i'm in favor of the truck. I also do not like minivans which would be my only other choice. I hope this gives you some insight into why I would pick the truck over the sport wagon. Popular Mechanics summed it up best, "The Land Cruiser is the perfect blending of the qualities of a Lexus GS 400 performance sedan and Ivan Stewart's off-road Toyota race truck. In all situations, on or off road, it is capable, comfortable and solid. We found it the best." Besides, they are not that far apart in cost. A6 avants are hot in the chicago market and no dealers are dealing. most vehicles are coming in fully loaded which puts the sticker at 44K. I can get a land cruiser for 47K on a short sell over the web. You tell me what you would do? Wouldn't you go for more bang(size and utility) for your buck?
#13 of 292 bang bang bang bang by reBMW Dec 18, 1998 (11:04 pm)
how appropriate to use the phrase bang for buck these days. your situation has me intrigued, but i wouldn't choose the truck as my new vehicle. instead i would ask if you have considered getting a used panel van ($$$ can be very reasonable) to support your wife's fledgling antiques business. with that particular need satisfied, you would be free to choose a vehicle with utility yet still very fun to drive. to further my rationalization, you would then not have to worry about large oopsies in your new fancy vehicle when hustling the furniture around. 'course my suspicion is that you enjoy your trucks and really just want a new one
#14 of 292 Dogman by Dogman Dec 21, 1998 (7:36 am)
Why not buy a Winnebago,gut it and drop a semi tractor trailor engine in it? Where will this need for huge SUV's end? I drive by the BMW dealer almost everyday and that wagon sure looks sweet.The price has me hoping I'll win the lottery and it does not have awd but I'm going to include it also when I check out the Volvo and Audi.....I've taken an ice driving course in Colorado and have determined that awd and smart driving(slow down)can be relied on in bad weather.Chains should be used on 2wd vehicles in snow and all vehicles in severe conditions(hills or unplowed roads etc.)Since I only use the 4wd 4-6 times a year on ski trips the BMW will get serious consideration and have the guys chain up for the $20 they charge.

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