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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 32,676
Anything German will require maintenance and repairs, especially for under $10k.

Mazda - they made a wagon version of the 6 for a few years, not a bad car. 6 generally got very good reviews. Also consider the Protege5, they're underpowered, but fun to drive with great MPG. I had a 2002, you can find really nice ones for under $10k.

Saab - Easy to find 9-5 wagons for under $10k, if you're lucky you might find an Aero. Early models suffer from engine sludge if the oil wasn't changed frequently enough, and the automatics aren't the most reliable. Also consider a 9-3, NG900SE, or 9000. All are hatchbacks, and have equal room inside to a wagon. You can find a pretty new 9-3 hatchback for under $10k, or pick up a mint NG900SE or 9000 Aero and have money left over. Look for the 4-cylinder turbos, avoid the V6 in the 9-3 and 9-5. I own a 9000 Aero, and previously owned a NG900SE. Both are quick, fun, and reliable cars. My Aero has 225k and is still going strong.

Volvo - V70 wagon is nice, almost all are automatics though. T5 models are very quick, AWD is available. V70R is very fast, but has some reliability issues.

Subaru - You can easily pick up a regular Impreza, Legacy, or Forester wagon in your range. All are reliable and should be AWD. Somewhat boring though. You might find a WRX for a bit more than $10k.
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‘07 Mazda RX8-8
Past: 911T, 911SC, Carrera, 951s, 955, 996s, 987s, 986s, 997s, BMW 5x, C36, C63, XJR, S8, Maserati Coupe, GT500, etc
Old 03-18-2008, 11:30 AM
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