Sport wagon for less than 10k.

71T Targa · 03-18-2008, 11:22 AM

I am looking for a 'sport wagon' in the 8 to 10k range. Something like an Audi, but without the reliability issues. Thoughts and options?

Passat or Jetta? Seems to have the same issues as the Audi.

Subaru Impreza? Legacy?

Is there a Mazda that fits?

Volvo? What models?

Saab? Also what models?

MB or BMW? Or are they going to cost me $$'s in the long run?

I'm sure there are some I haven't even considered.

speedracing944 · speedracing944's Garage

I am currently on the prowl for a 1991 Audi Quattro 200 wagon.

220 HP turbo charged 20 Valve with a 5 speed.

Sounds fun to me.

Speedy

71T Targa · 03-18-2008, 11:30 AM

Yeah, sounds great until you read all of the horror stories about owning an Audi.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-18-2008, 11:30 AM

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.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-18-2008, 11:34 AM

About the only Audi I would consider is a mid-90s S6 Avant. They had the legendary 20 valve turbo 5-cylinder, and are basically bulletproof. Pretty much the last overbuilt Audis. They hold their value very well, you might be able to find one for $10k. Seriously cool cars.

Dueller · 11:42 AM

I bought a 92 BMW 525 wagon in 98 w/95K on the clock for $8K. I've semi retired it now as a parts getter. But it now has 235K miles with no problems other than a water pump. It could use new struts, but the pneumatic load leveling ones are $600 each for the rear so I'm just driving it as is.

Some of the newer models may not have this system.

Interestingly, I've noticed some of the late 90's BMW wagons with 5 speeds are much cheaper than autos. And 540's are cheaper than the 6 cyl models.

See here:

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/Cars-Trucks___W0QQMake247a0eZBMW1016cQQModel4710b09Z5Se ries617d9f2fQQGeneration890a8538Z19962003a836b649Q Q_flsoZ0QQ_sopZ7?_rkw=wagon

onewhippedpuppy · 03-18-2008, 11:43 AM

Dueller, many people replace the load-levelers with standard struts. I think you can use OE parts off of another model, not sure which one. I know it's pretty common though.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-18-2008, 11:47 AM

S6........I want.

asphaltgambler · 03-18-2008, 11:48 AM

Look at the Subi wagon for low $$ ownership cost

Dueller · 03-18-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Dueller, many people replace the load-levelers with standard struts. I think you can use OE parts off of another model, not sure which one. I know it's pretty common though.

I would think so as well. But the pump for the system is tied in with the PS pump. Info I've heard is that you have to change the complete control arms, springs etc. If you have different info, please let me know.

Thx

71T Targa · 03-18-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

S6........I want.

Is that for sale?

I like the Subi's too. But would like a little more 'sport' and the WRX's are still too high or have been flogged.

Jeremy Cottrell · 03-18-2008, 12:48 PM

You can get an E39 BMW wagon for under 10 if you look. They are great cars.

TGTIW · 03-18-2008, 01:21 PM

I would suggest the Mazda 3. Probably a little less interior room than an Audi or BMW, but the associated costs would be less.

I don't think the Mazdaspeed prices have come down to the 10's yet.

71T Targa · 03-18-2008, 02:00 PM

Tell me about Volvo's. Here is something that is @2hours from me.

YV1VW2557YF476835
77,238 miles
$6,900

71T Targa · 03-18-2008, 02:02 PM

The Mazda 3 is on my list to watch for.

David · David's Garage

My vote: 1999 to 2001 e46 325i wagon.

wcc · 03-18-2008, 04:32 PM

I owned a Subaru WRX and wouldn't own another one.

A friend of mine got a nice BMW wagon for a nice price IMO.

dewolf · 03-18-2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phred68

Tell me about Volvo's. Here is something that is @2hours from me.

YV1VW2557YF476835
77,238 miles
$6,900

Friend has a Volvo V70T5, bloody great car. Not what I thought when he said I bought a Volvo.

berettafan · 03-18-2008, 08:08 PM

would very much like to see more options in the sport wagon market. not at all interested in compact cars like subies and mazdas. i want a wagon because i NEED the space and utility.

tiwebber · 03-18-2008, 08:48 PM

I have a 1990 Merc 300TE. Its a great car to drive (tho under powered) and has not cost lots at all - mainly has had electrical / computer issues and I just buy replacement used parts on ebay for a fraction of the cost for dealer replacements (computer $100 versus $3000 new) and plug them in (I use the dealer for diagnosis).

Its also the most comfortable car I have ever owned. I think its worth about 5-8k now.