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Help Me Select a Wagon

899 messages,  Last post on Oct 07, 2010 at 10:00 AM

You are in the Wagons Forum.

What is this discussion about? Wagon

Not sure which wagon to buy and looking for feedback on the choices out there? Use this as your starting point to narrow the field a bit!

Messages Page 86 of 90

#850 of 899 Re: Wagon with three rows [pooly] by erics6

Aug 02, 2007 (11:32 am)

Replying to: pooly (Aug 01, 2007 4:42 pm)
Not much else out there that is considered a wagon with 3 rows of seating in that price range. Mazda 5 is a nice mini-minivan. The rest of the vehicles are considered crossovers.
 
I'd take the Ford over the Chrysler. Both vehicles are a good value used since they depreciate so quickly from new.

#851 of 899 Re: Wagon with three rows [erics6] by ateixeira

Aug 02, 2007 (5:10 pm)

Replying to: erics6 (Aug 02, 2007 11:32 am)
You reminded me of the Kia Rondo, also.

#852 of 899 - by dudleyr

Aug 02, 2007 (6:31 pm)

If you are looking for used and inexpensive it is hard to beat the Taurus.
 
Might consider a RAV4 as well.

#853 of 899 Re: Diesels for Audi or Passat? [milammilam] by 68andy

Aug 30, 2007 (11:42 pm)

Replying to: milammilam (Apr 05, 2001 10:03 pm)
Not trying to intrude but I am very new at this. I need some help very badly.
 
I have a family of 6 including myself. I am looking for a mid-size SUV, CUV or Wagon that has the following features:
AWD, seats 6, has good MPG (25+ avg - diesel would be wonderful but I've given up on that) & relatively inexpensive (late model 15+, newer 20)
 
Does ANYBODY have any good ideas? Seriously, I've been looking online and asking for 2 months now with NO real stand-outs.
 
Any real help is greatly appreciated.
 
Sincerely (stumped)
 
Andy

#854 of 899 what about minivan? by krzyss

Aug 31, 2007 (7:55 am)

It should seat 6 and some (Toyota and Chrysler/Dodge) have AWD otion.
 
Krzys
 
PS Nobody replies because car that you specify does not exist.

#855 of 899 Re: Diesels for Audi or Passat? [68andy] by ateixeira

Aug 31, 2007 (8:06 am)

Replying to: 68andy (Aug 30, 2007 11:42 pm)
I think you will have to compromise, either on the AWD feature or the 25mpg.
 
Two classes of vehicle come close.
 
The new crop of "vanlets", the Mazda5, Kia Rondo, and the upcoming Dodge Journey and just-announced Honda Stream all seat 6 and might meet your fuel economy wishes. Mazda offers AWD in Japan but not here. Honda offers AWD but it's not here yet and who knows if they'll bring that model.
 
You can get any of those for $20k new. The Kia, even less. The Mazda5 could be well equipped for that price.
 
Mid-size SUVs and CUVs tend to cost a lot more than $20k new. Even a bargain-basement leftover 2007 Ford Freestyle would run $21-22k, and expecting 25 mpg average may be a little optimistic. Add AWD and the price goes up and the mileage goes down. Still, it's probably closest.
 
Others, like the Highlander, Tribeca, Pilot, Pathfinder, Veracruz, CX9, and Acadia/Outlook/Enclave all cost a bunch more than your budget and also would not meet your fuel economy goals. With some you'd be lucky to average 20mpg.
 
Drive a Rondo, a Mazda5, and a Freestyle, is what I would suggest. I think you're just asking for too much. 3 row SUVs and crossovers are both expensive and inefficient overall.

#856 of 899 Re: what about minivan? [krzyss] by ateixeira

Aug 31, 2007 (8:08 am)

Replying to: krzyss (Aug 31, 2007 7:55 am)
Chrysler discontinued their AWD vans a couple of years ago, though a used one is an option.
 
Toyota does still offer an AWD Sienna, but I'd expect to pay about $27-28k for a new one. Used would be a good option, they made them since 2004.
 
I'm not sure if you'll average 25mpg, but you might come close, maybe low 20s. I have a FWD Sienna and usually average 23-27mpg, with a peak of 30.6mpg on an all highway jaunt.
 
With 6 kids you surely will appreciate all the space, too.

#857 of 899 - by dudleyr

Aug 31, 2007 (9:16 am)

How about using snow tires and going for FWD.
 
A van/wagon with snows will do as well or better in the snow than an AWD without snows (remember AWD does not help you stop).
 
I ran my light and low Integra with snows in SD for 12 years and was not once stopped by the snow. It drove like a snowmobile - a heavier taller vehicle should do even better. Our Sienna is excellent in the snow and ice with FWD and snows (also has traction and stability). Constantly drivng by all the SUV's in the ditch.

#858 of 899 Re: Diesels for Audi or Passat? [68andy] by erics6

Aug 31, 2007 (1:14 pm)

Replying to: 68andy (Aug 30, 2007 11:42 pm)
You're pretty much out of luck. Seating 6 and AWD in that price range is really tough. Mileage with AWD and that size really isn't an option.
 
If you really need AWD...
-used Ford Freestyle
-used Toyota Sienna (AWD LE model might be close to $20k)
-used 01-03 Chrysler AWD van (not super reliable)
-used Chrysler Pacfica
-used Subaru Tribeca (a bit over $20k)
 
If you'd prefer to hit close to the 25mpg figure and can live without AWD (I 2nd the snow tire idea)...
-new Mazda5
-new Kia Rondo
-used mini van with one of the smaller engines

#859 of 899 Re: Diesels for Audi or Passat? [68andy] by altair4

Aug 31, 2007 (1:31 pm)

Replying to: 68andy (Aug 30, 2007 11:42 pm)
Andy, the best I can come up with is a late model Mazda MPV. Buy steelie wheels and winter tires. Seats seven (theoretically) and gets 25 on the highway. Your parameters are impossible to meet in the US market.

Messages Page 86 of 90

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