Wagon or small SUV preferences:

[Craig T]

The Volvo V60 T5 premier models (not R-Design) can be found in LA with low mileage for the high teens. There's a few certified ones at dealers for $19K. I think you can install the Polstar software for about $1000. That really wakes em up!

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Craig T

The Volvo V60 T5 premier models (not R-Design) can be found in LA with low mileage for the high teens. There's a few certified ones at dealers for $19K. I think you can install the Polstar software for about $1000. That really wakes em up!

Thanks. I saw some of those on a search for Volvo wagons after your initial post. And of course, we all have a friend in the Volvo business at the dealer level, Steve Carlton. The Volvo V60 definitely ticks several boxes in terms of styling and safety plus certain European quirks that I've always appreciated.

Still, I keep circling back to BMW wagons due to their RWD platform, (even in AWD models), and styling plus performance, especially w sport package. I will not even look at Beemers w/o sport package, no matter how otherwise nice the car is.

Incidentally, I almost started another thread titled, "How to present a car on craigslist", when I saw this one. Not sure I want a red car, (pretty as they can be), and prefer dark/black interiors but holy balls, does this look nice.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/los-angeles-2007-bmw-328it-328i-wagon/6831727208.html

[speeder]

Also, check out the condition of interior, including driver's seat, (leather), on a well cared for 12 y.o. e90 w 120k miles. I'd say that OWP's POS e36 experience does not translate to these cars. Every e90 I've looked at has a perfect interior, even w 200k miles.

[Jim Richards]

Great looking wagon, Denis. Everyone should have a red car in their past. The same goes for redheads.

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by speeder

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/los-angeles-2007-bmw-328it-328i-wagon/6831727208.html

I would do that Bimmer!...but I'm partial to red.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

while perhaps not totally on topic - apparently there is a Ford Explorer ST coming for 2020 - 400+hp!!

I'm sort of excited that Ford has returned to a RWD platform here. I understand the irrationality of wanting vehicles with longitudinal engine mounting too...but that's the way I am. Also, engines should be left-right centered...none of this Audi/Lambo offset non-sense!!

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

Great looking wagon, Denis. Everyone should have a red car in their past. The same goes for redheads.

I have several of those.

[Jim Richards]

Well, there you are. Enjoy!

[edgemar]

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/d/sherman-oaks-2010-cadillac-cts-36-sport/6822267347.html

[SCadaddle]

Originally Posted by Googam

Can't comment on X3's, but I've always owned wagons. Bought a 2016 Toyota RAV4 & didn't like it. It's not a car. Just purchased one of these. 2018 Buick TourX Essence. Check out the specs & options for $30,000. 75% Opel made in Germany with a Japanese 8 speed tranny & GM motor.

I'm curious as to Googam's thoughts on his Buick Regal TourX. I've yet to see one on the road, and searching the usual sites such as cargurus it appears they are having a hard time selling the TourX----to the point of supposedly offering a $10,000 rebate right now. I don't know how you can purchase this one at this price:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/searchresults.action?sourceContext=NewCarsTab&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c27061&distance=500&zip=39042#listing=213844347

[speeder]

Originally Posted by edgemar

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/d/sherman-oaks-2010-cadillac-cts-36-sport/6822267347.html

One of my dad's old buddies had that exact car in MN., I kind of liked it. They are uncommon and a little weird, that gets points w me. I just don't love it enough to live w it day in and out. Look at the styling of the BMW e90 wagon I posted above, inside and out and get back to me. The dashboard alone in the BMW w it's straight across, L>R wood panel absolutely crushes the busy, weird dash on the Cadillac and most other modern cars. It's like the difference between a perfect item of clothing and something you might wear once and then hang in the closet for 20 years. For me, anyways.

The e90 had flawless, perfect styling and was well made. I'm having a hard time finding an alternative.

[speeder]

This:


vs. this:


Zoom in on the controls for the climate and audio in the center of each car. This is always a big deal for me, I just hate the stupid design of so many modern vehicles. The BMWs of this era were sublime in their simplicity and elegance. Look at the gauges. The whole dash looks it was designed by Bang and Olufsen in the '80s.

[Jim Richards]

The Caddy dash sure looks busy, while the BMW interior would be something I could stand to look at for quite a long time. One note: the passenger/front door’s grab handle looks like someone’s been chewing on it for a while. Might turn out to be nothing once it’s seen in person.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

The Caddy dash sure looks busy, while the BMW interior would be something I could stand to look at for quite a long time. One note: the passenger/front door’s grab handle looks like someone’s been chewing on it for a while. Might turn out to be nothing once it’s seen in person.

That looks like wear on the finish, more of a problem w light interiors of older cars and never seen w black interiors. It's the actual dye coming off. Still, the interior has held up pretty well and that could be re-dyed by a pro.

[fred cook]

My son has a Porsche Macan that he likes a lot! I've driven it a couple of times and like the handling as well as the performance! His has the twin turbo V6 that has been chipped up to about 400 hp and it will really fly! I think the back seats fold flat as he occasionally puts a medium size dog crate back there and it has to fit right up against the back of the front seats.

[RWebb]

you said "sporty"

so, I will say: roll center


so, restrict your search...

[edgemar]

I could learn to deal with a CTS wagon with the LSA under the hood...

I could never get over the kidney grill on the 1st gen e90's. BMW fixed it nicely on the 2nd gen.

I still think you can't beat a MBZ e-class wagon...

[Googam]

Responding to SC. There are 3 option levels for the TourX. Basic, Preferred & Essence, which is the top end. They are all the same mechanically (4wd, 250 hp turbo). Each level adds things like leather, Bose sound, blind spot, auto start, adaptive, cruise, auto start...... For some reason Buick doesn't promote these at all. Dealers were really excited @ the 2018 launch & ordered plenty & then nothing happened. The 2019 arrived & they're the same car..exactly. They're stuck with '18's, so they discount & then Buick adds another $5k to help. The fully loaded '19's are $40 & '18 are $30 or less. Check out reviews. There is a lot of plastic & the tranny takes a moment to wake up, but everyone loves every other thing about them. I like mine a lot. The electronics & connectivity are excellent & @ highway speeds, it's as quiet as a tomb. Gets to 75 plenty quick enough for me.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by edgemar

I could learn to deal with a CTS wagon with the LSA under the hood...

I could never get over the kidney grill on the 1st gen e90's. BMW fixed it nicely on the 2nd gen.

I still think you can't beat a MBZ e-class wagon...

If you are talking about a CTS-V, that is a different animal and a cool car. Still has some messed up styling on the interior, IMO.

Not sure what the problem is w the grille on the car in the link I posted but I have no issues w it. It’s a clean design.

I recently had the chance to buy an absolutely immaculate MB w211 wagon in a gorgeous color for pocket change. I passed. They are German Ford Tauruses to me. The next generation has much better style but still dull as dirt, I’ve spent time w one. Not for me.

[Steve Carlton]

Take a look at 2012-2015.5 Volvo XC60 T6s, especially the R-Design. The Rs should have Polestar standard and make 325hp/354 lb/ft of torque, all smooth as glass and right off idle with the 3.0L inline 6-cylinder, ala a MBZ or BMW incline 6. Outside should be 182" long and inside much roomier than a V60, plus they're out there for older model years. The R-Design has a sport suspension and it's a bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Awesome seats, but don't own one without a warranty.

They are available in left hand drive, too!

https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/2014-volvo-xc60-review-first-drive-12700