My current stable of cars; a Mini, Miata, and an Integra - have one flaw, no comfortable way to transport four full sized adults, and/or a load of stuff from Costco, or easily toting a set of wheels around. Since I cant live without the Miata or Mini, the Integra has to go. I've decided that a sports wagon would be an ideal replacement – a fun car that has four doors, and plenty of cargo room with the rear seats folded down. Whatever I buy, I'd like either a new or certified pre-owned car with plenty of miles left on the warranty.

This is my short list:

New: Audi A3, Volvo V50
Used: 2002-2003 BMW 325xi Touring, Audi A4 Avant

My price range is up to $35K. I may check out a WRX or Saabaru wagon, but I'm leaning more towards a 3-series level of plushness and comfort.

I've considered the Mazda 6 and Subaru Legacy, and if time permits I might check them out as well, but I think it's time for something a bit more upscale.

Any thoughts?

 

The one that comes to mind that isn't on that list yet is the Lexus IS Sportback.

 

Well since you are keeping two small really sporty cars why don't you go for something that can really haul alot in comfort. We have the MINI S and a Magnum. Fast fast and faster. And at around 30K a bargin.

 

Mazda 6 is pretty sweet. I also really like there MPV Miata's are an addiction

 

I have an IS300 sportcross and it is a very nice ride. 3 liter inline 6 with RWD. Very few on the road and the wagon handles better than the sedan.

 

Yeah, I may wander over to the Dodge dealership to check out a Magnum.

 

Have you driven a Subaru WRX? Whoa baby.

 

I think I would at least try a test drive of that A3.

Subi's are cool, but has no luxury...well, as a grocery getter at costco,
you don't need luxury, I suppose. :smile:

If only as a grocery getter, how about a Maz3 wagon?

 

Well, grocery getter, transport for in-laws, long road trips, things like that. I need somthing nice, comfortable and fun.


Looking hard at the Saab's now too. VERY nice discounts on the 9-2X's..

 

Do they have that Push-button cash back right now on those 9-2's?
I'd get that if you can get a big savings. They look so much nicer inside
than the impreza wagons, that's for sure!

 

Bear in mind that the AWD BMW's don't drive as well as the RWD versions and are likely to cost more to maintain. Unless you live on top of a Colorado mountain they're not, in my opinion, necessary. My experience in the smowy Midwest is that a full set of decent snow tires will get you most anywhere you need to go (subject only to ground clearance).

Within your price range there's another very good BMW option: the 525iT. We bought a 2003 with 24K miles and lots of remaining warranty for $32K at the end of last year. It's significantly more spacious and more comfortable than the 3 series, and despite the seemingly small engine in a larger car, performance is more than satisfactory. The 5 speed auto is extremely responsive and seems to have a gear ready to go for every occasion.

As a Mini and M3 driver I really surprised myself by liking this wagon so much. It's fine around town, wonderful on the highway, and swallowed 2 new Recaro seats for the M3 in their enormous cartons with aplomb.

But if that's just not enough performance for you there's always the mighty V8 in the 540iT, which would still fit in your price range. I drove a friend's 540iT for a day, and it's really fun to fake out drivers in "sports" cars <evil grin>.

Neil
05 MCS
96 M3
03 525iT
77 MGB

 

I'm with NeilM. the wife and I turned in a one year old 325Ci back to BMW. Over rated car. Damn thing didn't even steer straight and they said it was normal. BS... Only good thing was it only cost us two car payments to get out of the car-held its value well! If it had been the 4 door or Xi, we would have been stuck until the end of the lease.

5 series much nicer.
Since you already have fun cars, one option might be the Lexus RX330. Can be purchased at wholesale. Or pick up a nice, low-mile lease return.

 

It seems you are getting some very good suggestions. To just put in my 1 cent's worth, between those two I'd go with the WRX. I own a Saab 900 series and think it handles like a tank. Even though the hybrid version you mention comes with an extra pouch, when you accelerate they are given to a rough stumbling that seems almost like the whole thing is hopping.

 

For that 35K you could go a bit *gasp* bigger and get a slightly used Infiniti FX35 AWD. They are decently sporty (18 or 20" wheels, 280HP, 270 lb-ft TQ) and ok mileage 16/22 (city/hwy)

 

Personally, I'd recommend either the WRX wagon, or the Legacy GT wagon....the Legacy is very comfortable and both are very quick rides...of course the Outback in all Black is a sweet looking ride, plus it has a turbo as an option as well

Good luck either way though.

Dave.

 

I'd try to find a 2001 Audi S4 Avant 6 spd. for the ultimate sport wagon. Nothing like a twin turbo equipped 2.7 ltr V-6 cranking out 250+ hp. Talk about a smokin' mommy-mobile. Or maybe an older 1995.5 Audi S6 Avant with the turbo 5 cylinder, 5 spd. About 230 hp with the look of old money wealth.

 

have you considered a Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Wagon? my mom just bought the sedan version and loves it. the best way to describe it is a WRX thats gone to charm school. very nice leather interior, nice dash material pieces. she got the auto which is pretty nice. the sport mode is very similar to the sport mode in the CVT. the engine is great tho! 2.5 liter turbo charged Boxer-4 that makes 250hp. the auto has a bit of turbo lag, not sure about the stick tho. they are both 5-spd's i believe. price is right too, fully loaded with NAV isn't much more than 32k

 

I would go with a Dodge Magnum RT. It has a 340 hp V8 but gets 25 mpg on the highway. It's very comfortable and has good manners around town but yet it is exhilarating to drive at speed.

 

There are a few of these in the states

 

Look at the new Audi A3....fastest shifting auto transmission


I also saw an article about a guy who made an M3 wagon happen.

 

Dodge Daytona RT- HEMI

 

I'm sorry but my GF has two Chrysler products (Durango - Pacifica) and both are great designs but the build materials and quality suck

 

I'd look into good deals on 5 series wagons as well as Audi Allroads (after much test driving of course). Might as well not loose a ton in depreciation if you can help it. Subi Legacy wagons have good word of mouth as well. The A3 is very appealing I agree, but I doubt offers the storage room you are looking for.

Bottom line on any brand, IMHO, on top of how you personally like the driving etc is how good your local service is. If your local BMW/Audi/Subi shop stinks you may want to avoid that brand in any case.

Kudos for looking into sport wagons vs SUVs

 

I would second the Audi Allroad recommendation. Just purchased one for 'significant other' after she found her G35 Coupe too small.

It has super well executed interior, AWD, adjustable height suspension - more clearance than a Landrover Discovery at full up, a ton of space if you fold the rear seats down and it's easy to bump the horsepower from 250 to well over 300 on the 2.7 turbo engine.

The price for a '03 or '04 is right where you need it be, Audi offers a 50K full maintenance warranty and it even has a 6 speed manual available. What more do you need?

We looked at the A3, which is nice but won't have AWD available until next year and it is a little small, as is the A4, if you are looking to haul things. The 5 Series wagons are similar in size to the Allroad but no AWD. The other cars recommended lack the luxo factor.

I also second the kudos for looking into sport wagons vs SUV

 

I'd recommend a Volkswagen Passat. My wife and I have a 2003 and it is absolutely fantastic. The ride quality is superb, the build quality is high, the turbo engine moves the car very well, it looks sweet and ours ran us $24,000. We got the 4cyl 1.8T GLS model. They of course have V6 models, all wheel drive models and diesel models.

And can it haul prople and cargo? Hell yeah would be the answer. 4 people very comfortable...even 5 isn't unbearable. Big trunk, both seats fold down (on the non AWD version) and when we moved recently we were amazed at the crap we were able to fit into it.

My 2 cents.