I wish I could say that we are interested in the Mini Traveller since we have been playing with the idea of a little larger wagony/hatchy more then 2 door type car at some point, but a bigger front wheel drive Mini isn't sounding all that thrilling.

Looked at some A3s this past weekend and, although we are not writing it off, were unimpressed with the materials/plastics in it for the price - the 3.2 is up there but even the 2.0 gets high in price (and besides, don't really want FWD). The S4 Avant was better of course but, beyond the price and size, which were both rather much to say the least, the mpg was ridiculously low. Also, the Audi packages are funky, they bundle things together like the nav and cd changer - who wants a CD changer anymore? - it reminds me of why I liked the Mini options so much, I had forgotten how bad the manufacturers are about grouping options (check out Lexus too, I went to build an IS out of curiousity - man I'd love to have Lexus service for a change - and was amazed at how they layer options).

Anyway, excluding the above and any BMWs, are there any really fun cool cars coming out that might fit the bill? Most reasonable priced options out there seem so boorrring. This is why I have always had coupes in the past, many more engaging options...

 

What about the Saab/Subaru 9-2?

 

My baby brother has a 9-2x. I think its pretty cool.

I'm a huge fan of Mazda 3s. I just love the looks of them. The Mazdaspeed3 is coming soon in wagon form. If it was awd, I'd buy one in a second.

The lease on my Audi A4 is ending soon and I want something less 'luxury', more.. um.. rugged? I'm considering small SUVs and perhaps wagons as well. I think the WRX Wagon is worth a look.

All those options are at a much lower price point than Audi/BMW though, so I'm not sure they'd interest you.

 

I sat in the Audi A3 wagon and thought the interior was attractive enough, but it felt very cramped to me, especially headroom-wise. I suggest waiting to see what exactly the Traveller ends up looking like before completely writing it off. I like the BMW 3-series wagon, but have no idea about its mileage or price point.

 

I don't think they bring the RS4 and RS6 Avants to US, which are far beyond cool....

9-2X is on the cheaper end is a good choice. I like the looks of the new WRX STW too.

5 series wagen is pretty nice, especially with the 3.0lt I6 and all wheel drive.

 

What about a Volvo V50?

 

$72k! Yikes! There was a TT hatchback prototype, don't know what's happened with it.
The Saab Sport-Combis looked nice, but the "Born from Jet" adds have me down on them.
Give it a few more years. High gas will make more small cars a better idea. And we'll see them here.

Matt

 

MINIotaple - Haven't tried the Saabarus yet; the SO had a WRX wagon a couple of years ago and while it was pretty cool and useful it did get awful gas mileage (no better then the M3 believe it or not). The interior and quality was only okay, but at least the price point matched it. Guess I haven't considered it based on looks/exciting factor but I suppose we can give the new versions a try.

Edit: Hmm, maybe Volvos have become more exciting of late, they certainly do look better then they used to

ImaVunDerBrah - Hmm, hadn't considered Mazda, I didn't think they came in RWD or AWD and were really in the fun to drive category? Are they cool?

MINIclo: The A3 interior is attractive in design, what struck us though was what it felt like. The dash, seating, etc seemed less then stellar for the price - the plastics were not what we thought they'd be based on the marque and cost if you know what I mean. Funny, I'm pretty short so I didn't notice any headroom issues; I kind of prefer being ensconced like the M Coupe cockpit thing anyhow, big interiors seem so impersonal/disconnected to me

ScuderiaMini: I'll have to look into the Saabs and Scoobies, on top of the car itself the service is a big issue for me. That is why I'm not looking at BMW this time around, after over 6 years of BMW service I'm pretty tired of it and would like the best dealer to be closer. I'd never be able to go with the current 5er wagon anyway, too big and, not to offend anyone, but I think it is hideous.

DrObnxs: Yeah, I thought about the Audi Shooting Brake (or something like that), its right up my alley.. but I have to ask myself, will anything based on the TT be really practical? Prob not moreso then the M Coupe (which can hold a lot really, that 'breadvan' shape is super handy). Plus I think a backseat/more doors may be in order.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, keep 'em coming if you can Anything all new on the horizon? I haven't been on top of the future models this year.

 

none really screamed at me! (well, a few screamed Ugh! or Blah!)

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...ttribute=wagon

Matt

 

the latest LegacyWagon get's my vote. (the GT Limited Editions for those
that are looking for more power).

 

alfa romeo is coming to the U.S. next year and they have some nice wagons.

 

Wanna bet, *****?

 

kenchan, somehow I'd knew you'd mention that So, is it fun to drive? Ever take it in the backroads/twisties?

And willymcd, Alpha huh? I have a weak spot for anything Italian, I wonder how the cars and service will be..... Ooo, factory delivery would be awesome

 

I like the A3 and am not sure what the complaints are about? IT IS an entry level Audi afterall and the interior seems more tighter and clean than the MINI ... it is about the same price as a loaded S ...

Great car me thinks ... will test drive a bunch of Audi's this weekend at an Audi challenge.

 

Well, I guess since I had what people called an entry level bimmer (E46) I thought the materials would be up to that and they are not IMHO. Really, feel the dash and stuff, not very quality. Beyond that though, it is the price for what you get quality wise- my MCS is loaded and is not the same price as an A3 with options (and remember, the fwd 2.0 is not really what we'd want - if we have two cars we would not want them both front wheel drive just for variety/fun factor).

The DSG may be a big factor in the end though- but it all depends. Maybe I shoud start finding out how the local service is before anything.

 

By the way, the delivery fee on an Audi is over $700 Wonder why its more then some other euro cars?

 

sorry for the hi-jack but is this for real? If yes, looks like i will be getting an Italian car under $200,000.00 next year

 

Well...if there are any Audi TT fans, there is the "Shooting Brake", I guess you can call it wagon. Its more of a "coupe" though...

 

A good friend of mine has a WRX wagon, and it's pretty sweet. I really love the engine... it's a decent machine. I'm not all that impressed with the interior, but it's a really fun ride.

I know you said that you aren't interested in a Bimmer, but I saw a new 3 series wagon autocrossing this weekend, and I was really impressed. The handling on that car looked outstanding.

 

Yeah, honestly between not really liking the looks/lines on the latest BMWs and wanting a break from the service I am not keen on going that way again right now. The dilemma is that the best service brands I know of do not seem to have anything exciting in what we might be looking for.

*sigh* its hard to be an enthusiast, there is just so much one wants from a car, looks that please and make you turn back and check out the car, performance the excites and meets the demands, handling that responds and engages, a tight driver's environment inside, good service that will take care of the car and treat you well, not to mention the extra time it takes to park carefully, never valet, hand wash, and the money you dump in customizing and tweaking for no real reason Must be so much easier to be an average driver and just use and abuse the car from point A to point B

 

haha yes... i recently made the transition from the so called "daily driver" to one that is much more concerned with the well-being/condition/and specs of all vehicles, and I agree... it's tough... and even worse for me, expensive!

oh well... i enjoy my Mini too much to be all the concerned about it, but you are in a tougher position. I think wagons are really cool, but its tough to find one. I mean, I really like the WRX and the new 3 series like I said, but I don't think enough to purchase one.

Good luck though!

 

Isn't the new GTI coming here as a 4 door? That seems like it'd have a bit more headroom than the A3. I have a Forester XT...a tall wagon that I like very much.

 

this isnt european...and im not sure it counts as a wagon, but its pretty pimp and has as much space as a wagon.

honda fit
I think you could have a LOT of fun with mods since its cheap, $14,000

 

You are opening the can of worms GTI is the forbidden name, it is a sin, shall not be mentioned in NAM community On the other side, if i am not mistaking he asked about the wagons, neither the A3 nor the GTI are wagons.

Anything exciting on the Volvo side?

 

Akkkk! my wife's is the non-turbo for fuel economy... she only uses it
for the commute and shopping! but i think the GT's should be fun to
drive with the turbo. considering how well the wagon's balanced and
super smooth to drive, i think you'll enjoy it. (more for adults).