MIB on the way and MINIvan at 145K+ miles we realize we will need another family hauler. Thinking about a Mazda 6 sportwaggon. Any thoughts?

 

how many do you need to carry, and how much storage do you need?

i've heard good things about the mazda 6 wagon, i think that i'd consider it

 

Two kids. KidDiff1 (4.75 years) and KidDiff2 (2 years) luggage for 4 day weekend, diaper bags, toys, DVD's, blankets, pillows. There is no way we can get enough groceries and the kids in the MINI at the same time.

 

i love my wife's 06 Subaru Legacy Wagon (non-turbo one) 2.5I Special Edition. it's black on black...feels and drives like a lexus (no joke).

I posted some picts on another thread here in off-topic. i bumped the tread for you.

ps: My wife and i were thinking about a 06 MC, but we went with the LegacyWagon this time for cargo space, AWD. Subaru did a great job on this one. I can't believe how refined it is vs my 02WRX i had.

after i find a new job (i quit my job) im gonna see if i can get a MC CVT for me.

 

my wife and I looked at all the smaller wagons as a work horse for child and gear hauling....

after looking at all, and finding prices to be about 25k for subaru outback, etc...or honda odesy....

we decided to get a volvo wagon off lease, certified pre-owned
price was right at 20,400, 31,000 miles, warranty to 60k, or 3 more years....

better steering or brakes than the subaru... kinda not known as the coolest of choices, but I like the handling, bit bigger hauling capacity, and minimally equiped v70 included leather (easier to clean from kid mess than cloth), heated front seats, 30+ mpg with tourqey 5 cylinder...low cost insurance, low excise tax...

Just some food for though

 

I'm a huge fan of the station wagon as well. For the money, look for something coming off lease, Audi, Volvo, Mercedes, BMW, VW all take monster depreciation hits those first three or so years. I'd look for awd like quattro, a friend of mine has a 2002 VW Passat wagon with the W8 engine, six speed manual tranny and awd, an awesome beastie. I'd give you more info on his Veedub, but I'm first in line for when he wants to sell it.

 

Richard my MA would be shocked if we called him in say 8-10 months and asked if he could locate us a 3 series wagon comming in off lease!

 

If this is the model before ford bought volvo, keep checking the turbo! My mother has a 2000 model year and is on her fourth turbo(factory defect). My suspicion is that oil is not getting to the turbo causing it to seize. ON another note make sure to change your oil every three thousand miles.