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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 90 of 90

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

Jun 25, 2009 (9:48 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 08, 2009 8:07 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

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

Jun 29, 2009 (11:15 am)

Replying to: yumadons (Jun 25, 2009 9:48 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.

#893 of 899 buying my first car- which used wagon is best? by amosgoldbaum

Jan 07, 2010 (8:34 pm)

Hey guys,
 
I'm looking to buy a used wagon and could use some help.
 
First of all I'm looking to spend less than 10k, preferably a lot less.
 
I need a wagon because I have a small t-shirt business and need the cargo space for fairs and shows. I live in CA, I'm usually in either SF or LA so I don't have a particular need for AWD.
 
At first I was thinking subaru because of what I've heard of its reliability but if I don't need AWD then I'm not sure if its worth the limited MPG.
 
Then I was thinking volvo, but I know parts can be really pricey and that quality went downhill after 1999.
 
Passat is an option but I've read alot about reliability issues and high maintanence costs.
 
Finally, maybe a large hatchback like an impreza or a matrix might just be enough space for me with the back seats down and get better milage. I'm just not sure.
 
I'm totally overwhelmed! Please help with any insights!

#894 of 899 - by dudleyr

Jan 08, 2010 (10:00 am)

Late model Focus has lots of room good mpg and is inexpensive. Corolla wagon is extremely reliable and cheap, but I think they stopped in the late 90's. Vibe is an excellent choice and since Pontiac is going under they are real cheap - could almost get a new one.
 
Mazda 5 has a ton of room for a wagon gas mileage starts to suffer.
 
I would probably stay from a VW that is old enough to be under 10k.
 
Unfortunately small wagons are shunned in this country despite being the most practical of all body styles. Otherwise something like an Accord Wagon would be a perfect choice, but they have not made those since the mid 90's - might find one in good condition though.

#895 of 899 Re: - [dudleyr] by amosgoldbaum

Jan 08, 2010 (11:17 am)

Replying to: dudleyr (Jan 08, 2010 10:00 am)
thanks for the response!
 
I was just starting to lean towards a small wagon-maybe a matrix or a vibe. ive read horrible things about focus. going to see a matrix in person to make sure the cargo area with the seats down is big enough for me.
 
Anyone know if the matrix/vibe is a reliable car? How many miles is too many?

#896 of 899 Re: - [amosgoldbaum] by ateixeira

Jan 08, 2010 (12:44 pm)

Replying to: amosgoldbaum (Jan 08, 2010 11:17 am)
Should be, they're basically a Corolla hatch.
 
Newer Mazda5s get better mileage, the ones with the 5 speed auto. New they're $17-20k so that might actually work. They have big room for a small wagon and were rated highly by Consumer Reports.
 
Small crossovers might be an alternative. You get more space, but less mileage. I mean a CR-V, RAV4, Forester, etc.
 
Or go small - Honda Fit would be nearly new at that price.
 
What else?
 
The Lancer came as a wagon, the one with the really boxy back end. Saturn L series had a wagon, or Legacy/Outback (AWD). Suzuki Aerio was cheap and had a transferable 7/100 warranty.

#897 of 899 Affordable full size wagons in 2011? by irg

Oct 06, 2010 (4:22 pm)

This thread doesn't seem like it gets much traffic lately, but here goes. I'm considering downsizing from a minivan to a larger wagon, mostly for affordability. Not that the Odyssey I have now is expensive, but if I can save a little more, I might. Lease is due in 5 months. Problem is, there aren't many "affordable" wagons out there now, they are all crossovers, suv variations, etc. I remember when Honda made an Accord wagon, now it has the Crosstour which is like $34k. I have a 2011 Camry which is nice, but the closest thing is the Venza, which again is quite a bit more.
 
So, do I stick with another minivan (I have 3 kids, 2 elementary school 1 in middle schoo), or look for something else in the $25k or under range, that leases well? For example, my Camry LE is $230/month, nothing down. I'd be happy with the equivalent Camry wagon in the same price range. Maybe a Subaru Outback?
 
What else?

#898 of 899 Re: Affordable full size wagons in 2011? [irg] by attiesmom

Oct 06, 2010 (4:41 pm)

Replying to: irg (Oct 06, 2010 4:22 pm)
We have a 1996 Toyota Carolla wagon and we LOVE it. However it has turned 200k and my husband wanted something newer, so just last week he bought the Hyundai Touring wagon. He got the 2010 model.

#899 of 899 Re: Affordable full size wagons in 2011? [irg] by ateixeira

Oct 07, 2010 (10:00 am)

Replying to: irg (Oct 06, 2010 4:22 pm)
Kia dropped the Rondo, but check out a Mazda5. They've improved it a lot since it came out.

Messages Page 90 of 90

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