Help Me Select a Wagon

892 messages, Last post on Jun 29, 2009 at 10:15 AM

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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!

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#885 of 892 - by dudleyr May 26, 2009 (11:41 am)
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. Replies to this message: ateixeira (May 26, 2009 11:52 am)
#886 of 892 Re: - [dudleyr] by ateixeira May 26, 2009 (11:52 am)
Replying to: dudleyr (May 26, 2009 11:41 am) 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 892 Need wagon with plastic cargo area by yumadons Jun 07, 2009 (12:29 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 Replies to this message: ateixeira (Jun 08, 2009 7:07 am) yumadons (Jun 25, 2009 8:48 pm) ateixeira (Jun 29, 2009 10:15 am)
#888 of 892 Re: Need wagon with plastic cargo area [yumadons] by ateixeira Jun 08, 2009 (7:07 am)
Replying to: yumadons (Jun 07, 2009 12:29 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. Replies to this message: yumadons (Jun 25, 2009 8:48 pm) ateixeira (Jun 29, 2009 10:15 am)
#889 of 892 - by dudleyr Jun 10, 2009 (11:24 am)
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.
#890 of 892 Re: Need wagon with plastic cargo area [ateixeira] by yumadons Jun 25, 2009 (8:48 pm)
Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 08, 2009 7:07 am) The solution ended up being a new 2008 Kia Sportage EX. There is not one inch of carpet inside - entirely plastic and leather, a dog person's dream. KIA's sister brand, Hyundai, makes the Tucson which is essentially the same but for some reason is not available in white. Although the manual (LX) Sportage tows 4 wheels down, LX is not available in leather. So for $1500 I can have a pump installed to enable towing my automatic EX behind the RV. 3200# and 17-24 mpg, heated seats, and a back window that opens without having to open the cargo door. Perfect dogmobile Replies to this message: ateixeira (Jun 29, 2009 10:15 am)
#891 of 892 Re: Need wagon with plastic cargo area [yumadons] by ateixeira Jun 29, 2009 (10:15 am)
Replying to: yumadons (Jun 25, 2009 8:48 pm) Congrats. A friend of mine was shopping luxury SUVs for a dog-mobile and ended up with a Range Rover Sport for the same reason - the rear window pops up seperately. His dog can stay inside but get fresh air with the top half open.