Wagon or small SUV preferences:

[speeder]

I've been looking at small, sporty wagons recently. It all started because I was thinking about buying one of the "fixed" VW Jetta Tdi Sport Wagons, (JSW), and then started looking around at other similar sized vehicles. My requirements are that the rear seats fold flat, (they do not in the JSW or BMW E90), and otherwise as small as possible in outside dimensions. I like smallish, sporty cars because 98% of my driving is in a crowded city and let's face it, they are more fun.

I was having dinner in Monterey a few weeks ago and while talking to my friend on the sidewalk afterwards, there was a BMW E90 wagon a few feet away. I thought to myself, "self, that is one sweet little package." I'm still looking at them online but one big complaint is that the back seats do not fold down flat! Can't believe it...the seat back only folds down on top of lower cushion making a "ramp" for the final 2' of seat down cargo space. Total BS for me. I want something that will haul large boxes and that I can nap in on long road trips comfortably or car camp. The e90 is marginally too small for that anyway.

My search morphed over to X3s, I've always liked their size and styling. Not sure if seats fold flat but I'm thinking they do. Both of these cars suffer from some of the famous BMW QC and maintenance issues but not too bad, the 328 motor in the e90 is NA and has a timing chain, etc. Still pretty DIY friendly.

Spilling over from the other thread, reliability DOES matter to me but I will sacrifice Toyota level quality for BMW fun up to a point. I'm open to suggestion and want to hear from anyone who has owned a late model X3, (2010 or newer). The other rig I really like is the Ford Escape w eco boost from 2013-up but they seem smaller and they hold their value pretty well...a loaded X3 w low miles is actually cheaper!

Flame away and let's hear some informed opinions, actual experience, etc..

[scottmandue]

I presume you are not a Hyundai fan but they brought out a small sporty crossover called a Kona:

[PorscheGAL]

Pulled up beside an X2 the other day. It is a good small size. Smaller than my Macan. Merc GLA is a great small size also. Can't speak to drive quality on either. Just notice they are smaller than the Macan.

[onewhippedpuppy]

No love for the MB wagons? I would love to have an E55 or E63 wagon, except they are pricey. Have you looked at any of the Volvo wagon options?

I’ve had quite a few of the Escape Ecoboost as rental cars and always been impressed. Interior quality is good, particularly for a Ford, and they are really great to drive. You might also consider the Mazda CX3 or 5, they are typically reviewed as the most fun and sporty compact SUV that money can buy.

One other question, why not a hatchback? It’s a pretty fine line between wagon and hatchback, and there are a lot of really great options for a fun hatchback.

[Dantilla]

I haven't liked any BMW since the Chris Bangle design era.

I'm very happy with my 2007 Mazda CX-7. Rear seats fold flat.
Turbo 4-banger and all-wheel-drive scoots up mountain passes with ease. Out handles about everything else in its class.
Excellent seating position. Truly fun to drive. Japanese reliability.

Current Mazda styling is as silly. I'll keep the clean, simple, purposeful lines of my '07, thankyouverymuch.

[Alan A]

Drove a sport wagon and a Tiguan back to back.
Bought the Tiguan.
Felt like Gulliver in Lilliput in the sport wagon.
The Tiguan was close enough to the Touareg that it replaced that I didn’t get claustrophobic.

Full disclosure - this is the wife’s car.
I bought a rather bigger truck as well.

[BeyGon]

I like the new small Volvo wagon, it may be the 60 series.

[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.

[Baz]

How about a black Audi wagon?

Seriously, I saw a white BMW wagon today that I really liked.

To be honest, if I had my old Volvo 145S I'd be in heaven!

[speeder]

I want the cargo space of a real wagon, even if it is a small one. I did walk past a great looking small Toyota hatchback today, it had X-something on hatch...maybe a holdover Scion model? Too small but great looking and looked sporty.

I appreciate the e55 w211 wagon but no way for a DD. I want something relatively small and sporty that gets decent mpg, new-ish. A 10+ year old E55 would eat you out of house and home as a dd in LA.

I’ll look into the Mazda, not really familiar. Thanks.

[Googam]

Don't want to be a pest, but the MB total cargo capacity is 64 cubic feet & the Buick is 74.

[MRM]

Denis, I get an X3 every time I bring my 535 in for service (at Motorwerks, I highly recommend them). I really don’t like them. I beg to have them give me a 3 series sedan instead, even their plain Jane 328 loaners. It may be just my prejudice, but I find the X3 uncomfortable and rattly and not that great for space. On the other hand, a friend I used to work with has had X3s for a decade or so and loves them. So your milage might vary. I do think you’ll be happier with a real wagon or a larger hatchback that has the same room or more than a compact SUV and has the driving dynamics of a real car.

[SCadaddle]

Can't beat a Subaru Legacy Outback wagon.

[pavulon]

pre cvt ('05-09) Subie outback xt or legacy gt wagon

[RSBob]

Small world. This car fanatic just happens to have a “fixed” 2010 VW TDi Sportwagen with a 6 speed manual, with 60K miles which is available. The car has been way over maintained with oil and filter change every 5K Miles, with the 120K major service already performed. I said it was over maintained. It is immaculate inside and out, detailed twice a year. The car drives flawlessly and handles like a true sports car. The only issue is new rear pads are just about due. It’s grey on grey with HD stereo, Bluetooth, sunroof with drains permanently fixed, fold flat back seats, uprated headlight bulbs, Weathertech Floor mats, and comes with 4 snow tires mounted on alloy rims. Non-smoker and zero accidents or scrapes. Paint is perfect thanks to 3M clear bra treatment for the whole front end, mirrors and door edges. Great snow car with snow tires. Daily tires have 30K miles left. This car has never had any electrical or mechanical issues which makes me wonder while I am selling it. (I know three Euro car shop owners and none of them recommend BMWS, “High price for cheap internals”). All paperwork and invoices. $8K firm.

PM if interested.

Red highlights can be easily be removed and have original chrome grill badge.

[SCadaddle]

Originally Posted by pavulon

pre cvt ('05-09) Subie outback xt or legacy gt wagon

I'd prefer the '11-'14 six cylinder 3.6 variants with the 5 speed automatic pre-cvt.

[Craig T]

Check out the Volvo V60 R-Design. Mine is a 2015 and it's been flawless. 60K miles already and never been in for more than an oil change. The R-Design model is a rocket. Not going to beat an M3, but certainly faster than any non-M.

The seats fold down perfectly flat and I there's just as much space as my old Cayenne. I put my mountain bike back there, and my 150 lbs dog. Best sport seats I've ever sat in.

You can pick up a 2015 for low 20's.

[stomachmonkey]

I’ve got a 15’ Escape that I use as a DD.

Just a hair underpowered but handles like a go cart so I’m generally satisfied.

Had a Nissan Rogue AWD for 4 days.

Hated it.

Thing wandered all over the road and the steering feedback was unnervingly light.

Brake travel / feel was very inconsistent.

[Frog76S]

How about a Toyota Venza wagon? They come in AWD too. Might be a bit bigger than what you’re looking for though. Sounds like you’re already aware of BMW’s reliability and maintenance costs. I would avoid BMW.

[speeder]

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've actually seen one of those Buick wagons on the road the other day and it was sharp, if we're talking about the same model. No way I'm buying a new car, though. I'm a cheap SOB and I want someone else's depreciated wagon. An X3 that cost some poor bastard $45k a few short years ago is now $15k and still looks like new.

Originally Posted by MRM

Denis, I get an X3 every time I bring my 535 in for service (at Motorwerks, I highly recommend them). I really don’t like them. I beg to have them give me a 3 series sedan instead, even their plain Jane 328 loaners. It may be just my prejudice, but I find the X3 uncomfortable and rattly and not that great for space. On the other hand, a friend I used to work with has had X3s for a decade or so and loves them. So your milage might vary. I do think you’ll be happier with a real wagon or a larger hatchback that has the same room or more than a compact SUV and has the driving dynamics of a real car.

I'll have to drive one somehow. As far as driving dynamics goes, it's basically a 3-series w a different body on it. With sport package, it should handle like a kart. One small note is that I don't like any new BMWs, they have turned a weird corner in about 2014/15 wrt overwrought technology and styling changes. Sweet spot is about 2012-14 w the 3.0 or 3.5 turbo and sport package. It would be a rocket. Online research says they are not too bad for crapping the bed if you avoid the turbo 4-cylinder models.

Originally Posted by SCadaddle

Can't beat a Subaru Legacy Outback wagon.

Great utility cars, (my stepdad has had a couple), but not appealing to me at all for a DD. I occasionally drive a new one that belongs to a GF, Ok car but it sucks for me.

Originally Posted by Craig T

Check out the Volvo V60 R-Design. Mine is a 2015 and it's been flawless. 60K miles already and never been in for more than an oil change. The R-Design model is a rocket. Not going to beat an M3, but certainly faster than any non-M.

The seats fold down perfectly flat and I there's just as much space as my old Cayenne. I put my mountain bike back there, and my 150 lbs dog. Best sport seats I've ever sat in.

You can pick up a 2015 for low 20's.

That thing is very appealing. I once owned a V-70R and like Volvos. A little more than I want to spend, I'm thinking teens and something to park anywhere...if it gets a ding, oh well. Nice car, though.