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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 89 of 90

#880 of 899 Re: Outback vs. Passat vs. ??? [altair4] by dules

Dec 24, 2007 (6:37 am)

Replying to: altair4 (Dec 12, 2007 3:03 pm)
Thanks so much! We picked up our 08 2.5i Limited Outback with VDC this weekend. A couple of people have asked me what kind of car it is and commented on how good looking it is. Subaru has come a long way, lol.
 
Thanks again for all your help!!!
 
--M

#881 of 899 Re: Outback vs. Passat vs. ??? [dules] by ateixeira

Dec 26, 2007 (12:10 pm)

Replying to: dules (Dec 24, 2007 6:37 am)
Congrats!

#883 of 899 Wagon vs. Minivan vs. ? by dadonine

May 20, 2009 (8:16 am)

Here's my dilemma: my daily driver is a 2001.5 VW Passat 4Motion wagon (a.k.a. variant), which can move 4 passengers. Four of my children (plus myself) race bicycles, and a 5th will be starting soon. I'm quickly running out of room!
 
I've started thinking about selling the VW to buy a more accommodating vehicle that meets the following:
1) Carry up to seven passengers
2) Has a factory-installed roof rack (to attach my 6-place Yakima bike rack)
3) AWD (like my 4Mo) not mandatory
4) Relatively economical and reliable to own
5) Doesn't have to be new
 
What are my options? Any experience(s) and/or guidance would be appreciated!

#884 of 899 Re: Wagon vs. Minivan vs. ? [dadonine] by ateixeira

May 20, 2009 (8:33 am)

Replying to: dadonine (May 20, 2009 8:16 am)
AWD Toyota Sienna minivan will best meet your needs, however if you really want a wagon you may have to step in to the crossover class.
 
Then you've got a lot of choices. Economy may not be part of the equation, though.

#885 of 899 - by dudleyr

May 26, 2009 (12:41 pm)

You could also try a Highlander Hybrid. Do you really need the AWD? FWD will get better mpg and cost less, while offering more options.
 
One niche that is really ignored is a large efficient people mover. I have a Sienna and it is a nice vehicle, but I don't need 4,400 lbs of vehicle. A Camry or Accord wagon with room for a third row would weigh 1,000 lbs less and would do fine with a 4-cyl engine. (I don't count the Venza - crossovers are just too heavy).
 
The old Taurus wagon had three rows and weighed less than 3,400 lbs with a V-6 engine. A modern take on this would be very attractive to me.
 
Gas must still be too cheap.

#886 of 899 Re: - [dudleyr] by ateixeira

May 26, 2009 (12:52 pm)

Replying to: dudleyr (May 26, 2009 12:41 pm)
Venza also doesn't get a 3rd row in the US. I believe it's called the Mark X Zio in other markets, where a 3rd row is offered.
 
Like you I wanted space+efficiency but nothing carries a significant efficiency advantage over the Sienna that isn't a lot smaller, so I got that van.

#887 of 899 Need wagon with plastic cargo area by yumadons

Jun 07, 2009 (1:29 pm)

I'm looking for a new wagon with a plastic cargo area and smooth leather seating (easy to keep clean with dogs). Needs to be towable 4-wheels-down behind an RV without modifications, less than 3200# curb weight, and gas efficient (~30 mpg). Heated seats almost a must, cost no object for a car I love.
 
So far the only prospects I've found are the Pontiac Vibe sport model and Chevy HHR. Don't like the Vibe's leather, it's mixed with perforated material that collects dog hair. The HHR is perfect inside, just don't like they way they look (may buy one anyway). Don't like the Element's looks. Have I missed any candidates? I live in a small town where it's hard to get a look at many models. I truly appreciate any input.
 
Suzanne

#888 of 899 Re: Need wagon with plastic cargo area [yumadons] by ateixeira

Jun 08, 2009 (8:07 am)

Replying to: yumadons (Jun 07, 2009 1:29 pm)
I immediately thought of the Vibe/Matrix as well.
 
It's easy to get a cargo liner for a wagon so you may want to focus on finding smooth leather seats.
 
Some Subaru Foresters are under 3200 lbs, but I'm not sure about models with leather. Cargo liners were standard and are readily available for those.
 
You could also have aftermarket leather installed on just about any car, something like Katskins.

#889 of 899 - by dudleyr

Jun 10, 2009 (12:24 pm)

Jetta TDI gets 40 mpg, is right at 3,200 lbs and has heated leather available - or leatherette if you really want easy to clean. Diesel is also cheaper than regular now. The diesel VW's have also always been more reliable than the gas versions.
 
Hyundai Elantra Touring might also meets the the qualifications, but only gets 31 mpg hwy.

Messages Page 89 of 90

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