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Best AWD Performance Wagon under $40k

38 messages,  Last post on Jul 12, 2010 at 3:33 PM

You are in the Wagons Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volvo V50, BMW 3 Series, Audi A3, Wagon

Messages Page 3 of 4

#19 of 38 Re: Best AWD Performance Wagon under $40k [bristol2] by ronsteve

Jun 04, 2007 (4:47 pm)

Replying to: bristol2 (Jun 01, 2007 12:11 pm)
Good question.
 
Now I can see the argument that the WRX might not be big or luxurious enough for this discussion, but if the Vibe is in the mix then surely the Rex should be.
  
I would definitely suggest the Outback XT, which you can get into around $30K with little difficulty, especially with a manual (tho finding them can be a trick). If a manual was easier to find, I'd probably be in one now. The power and torque numbers suggest that the 2.5 turbo H4 would have a nicer power band than the H6, which can't be had with a manual.
 
Instead, I ended up getting a 2006 Volvo V70 2.5T... it's a bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing and leans a bit more practical than performance, but I like it a lot. AWD was a bit easy to sacrifice here on the coast of North Carolina. I don't pine for a manual like I would with an Outback, because the Volvo turbo is so well-suited to the auto-tranny.

#20 of 38 '08 gets interesting by kurtamaxxxguy

Jun 24, 2007 (10:42 am)

AWD performance wagon seekers get more choices; revamped Subaru Impreza, Saturn Vue, Saab 9-3 combi, and (possibly) the Chevrolet Equinox SS.
Saturn's opting for Euro calibration of its suspension. The Saab is essentially an Opel in disguise.

#21 of 38 AWD Performance by theericharris1

Jun 03, 2008 (7:22 am)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (Jun 24, 2007 10:42 am)
I know this is a way old thread, but I don't understand why no one mentioned the Dodge Magnum R/T. I have this vehicle (2006 Magnum R/T AWD) and I love it! MSRP for fully loaded R/T with all the goodies can be had for well under $40K. It comes stock with a 5.7L HEMI with 340HP and 390LB/FT. Most magazines had it doing 0-60 in under 6 seconds and the 1/4 in mid 14's at over 100mph. Also plenty of aftermarket to make it faster if you want.
 
It shuts off 4 cyclinders to save fuel, so you will get acceptable gas mileage when not flogging it.
 
I live in Colorado, where AWD vehicles are popular, and I had to drive 200 miles to find my AWD R/T. So they are hard to find, since most Magnum R/Ts tend to be RWD.
 
My advise, buy used since they depreciate quite a bit, but makes a great bargain if you don't have to have new. I got my 2006 with 12000 miles a few months ago for $18,000. Has everything including Navigation/Sirius/Rear DVD.

#22 of 38 Re: AWD Performance [theericharris1] by paisan

Jun 03, 2008 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: theericharris1 (Jun 03, 2008 7:22 am)
I'm no fan of the Dodges, however, I've always had a soft spot for the AWD Magnum RT. Great car!
 
-mike

#23 of 38 The problem with Dodges by andres3

Jul 10, 2008 (9:29 pm)

is that most need 4 to $5K in repair costs by the time you hit 65K miles. More expensive to maintain and repair than the worst and most expensive cars.

#24 of 38 tiguan's new kid on block by kurtamaxxxguy

Aug 24, 2008 (4:25 pm)

The reviews of VW's 4-motion version of its Tiguan have generally been very good and it easily fits into this price range.
 
Still, I wonder how the Tiguan's AWD compares to the Audi A3, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester XT

#26 of 38 Where's the car I want??? by doc_kent

Apr 03, 2010 (8:14 am)

WHY is it so hard to find the car I want? I'm currently driving an Audi A6 Avant wagon. Bought it 2nd hand for about $25K with 40K miles on it. Now has 180K miles and I'm thinking about replacing it. I've grown to love the convenience of a wagon and I love the room and luxury of the Audi. What don't I like? MPG (about 20) and repair frequency/cost.
I NEED AWD and a big back seat. I WANT good gas mileage and some luxury. I would not be caught dead in an SUV or "crossover."
Are Europeans the only ones who like wagons? I see Honda will be selling a wagon next year as the Accord TSX but no AWD. BMW is unreliable. Mercedes is too expensive. I test drove a Volvo XC when I bought the Audi (I'd had 5 Volvos) but it handled like a hippo on rollerskates. The "perfect" car for me would probably be a VW Passat wagon with AWD and a turbodiesel but that doesn't exist. I'll probably end up with another used Audi A6 but why can't they build one with better gas mileage (or diesel)?? And if there were a good American station wagon with AWD and decent MPG & reliability I'd jump on it.
Anyone know of a nice roomy AWD wagon that's not a fuel pig?

#27 of 38 Re: Where's the car I want??? [doc_kent] by andres3

Apr 03, 2010 (8:39 am)

Replying to: doc_kent (Apr 03, 2010 8:14 am)
I think you need Audi to bring you a brand new A4 avant over again. The new A4 is quite a bit larger than the last generation. Convince them to bring back the Avant to the A4 and you'll be happy.

#28 of 38 Re: Where's the car I want??? [doc_kent] by kcram HOST

Apr 03, 2010 (8:41 pm)

Replying to: doc_kent (Apr 03, 2010 8:14 am)
Chrysler makes what you want... they just don't sell it in the U.S.
 
Remember the Dodge Magnum wagon? Well, in Europe, it's the Chrysler 300 Touring (300 front clip and interior, Magnum outer body), offers AWD and a 3.0L V6 diesel (215 hp/375 lb-ft torque).
 
Tell Chrysler you'll buy one tomorrow if they certify it for North America.
 
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host

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