Didn't Steve McQueen do this?

The E63 does have a certain menace to it. Though I'd still defer to the CTS-V because manual gearbox.

http://images.thecarconnection.com/m...00331381_m.jpg

Throwing a hound around in the back of a CTS V or other performance wagon is animal abuse :)

I promise to be gentle with the pup in the back. :)

OK here is the short list to test drive
1) Cadillac CTS Wagon New or Used
2) Audi Allroad (as a4 no longer available) New or Used
3) Subaru Outback New
4) Older SAAB wagon - I like the idea of being a little different

Second string
1) BMW Used 3 series
2) MB Used eClass - old round headlights early 2000s
3) Volvo Used last 5 years

Do they offer a Legacy GT wagon? I'd be more interested in that than an Outback, personally.

Also can't believe that the only medium wagon Audi is selling is the Allroad. What the deuce.

I currently still have a 2001 Saab 9-5 Sportwagon that I bought new. Very comfortable and fun car to drive. I didn't list it in my earlier post because repairs & parts can be expensive and not very good MPG.

steve's had a V8 likely a ford
that is the common swap for v8's into volvo's

but the old red block will make near v8 power

I like the look of the SAAB, is so it has been reliable?

The only problem I see with this (other than no dealers anymore), is that the only one I know who repairs them nearby is a bit of a swindler. So I would have to drive kind far for repairs.

It is difficult to find a Saab wagon with a manual. You do NOT want the auto.

Just get a Volvo and call it a day. Less headaches.

e39 540i-6spd Wagon.

Done :)

I had a 2005 Legacy GT wagon with some light mods, what a great car. Per the Cobb dyno sheets it should have had about 310 HP and felt it. The 2.5 turbo motor is more or less a detuned STi, I called it an STi for adults. I don't believe they make them any more, the Outback definitely doesn't have the same bias towards sport.

Considering that they never made them for the USA, that might be a challenge.

I know they are very similar powerplants, but from my experience the L GT is far less than a detuned STi. Not knocking them, but going back to back from one friend's 04 STi with a Cobb tune to another friend's 05 L GT with a Cobb tune was night and day. The L GT is good on it's own, but it's not really in the STi conversation. (Though I know they had some hot Spec B model - I don't know if that did anything to power-wise to bring it closer.)

Then again, going back to back with the STi and my B5 S4 felt night and day. The Audi is a much heavier car and feels it (good and bad). In the right gear/load/etc. I could give him a run, but undoubtedly the STi was faster.

That Mazda 6 checks all the right boxes

Diesel
Manual
Torque
Looks
Wagon
Mazda build and reliability.

Why, god, oh WHY can't we get the good cars in the US?

Because just about everyone is fine with buying crap cars :(

It has been. However, since 70k miles I've had to replace the turbo, a wheel bearing and a couple of sensors. It has also suffered from the disappearing pixels on the SID information readout, a common problem that is easy to replace the readout. Currently has about 94k miles.

I would reccomend a mechanic who knows these cars.

So this weekend I drove to Virginia, about 600 miles round trip. I borrowed my parents early 2000's Mercedes E-class wagon. Figure approximately what I would be interested in purchasing.

http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/meris...y/c442245a.jpg

Likes - Nice size (maybe too big), feels solid, fairly comfortable ride, quiet (although for some reason my parents have snow tires on it-yes in july)
Dislikes - Slightly slushy, not very sporty, transmission was indecisive. A little too much luxury not enough sport. Was too big for my taste. Some of the features were really convoluted. Example, I couldn't figure out how to get the 3rd row seat down. Entertainment system GPS isn't great but not surprising given age. The driver window doesn't go all the way down? WTF? the window stays up about 1.5 cm; how are you supposed to ride with your arm resting on the window sill?
Disposition - Overall it was nice, but really not what I am looking for. I would probably suck it up and get another A4 wagon before going for this. Sorry MB.

Here is the list in order of current preference pending test drives:
1) Cadillac CTS Wagon New or Used
2) Volvo v60 Wagon
3) Subaru Outback or legacy New
4) BMW new/Used 3 series - I test drove one of these and overall I liked it, but I didn't like the manual transmission as much as my audi, still at least I HAVE that option on the BMW (no longer on the audi).
5) Audi Allroad (as a4 no longer available) New or Used
6) Older SAAB wagon - I like the idea of being a little different

NO
1) Mazda6 Wagon - Not available New in the USA
2) Mercedes EClass Wagon - Too big, not sporty

I agree on the W211 Benz wagon, I've always found them to be really soggy feeling.

Any thought as to a hatchback? Basically the same functionality as a wagon in a slightly different shape. This would open you up to some really great cars, all which should provide the same or better practicality as your current A4.

Focus ST - simply a fantastic car, I drove one several months ago and still want it. Stick only, great Recaros available, fantastic turbo motor. Put aside everything you think you know about Ford and drive one.
VW GTi - new one is supposed to be great.
Mazda3 - not as sporty as the above, but a great car.
Subaru WRX - the new 2015 isn't available in a hatch, but you can find new 2014 hatchback models still. Probably at a big discount.
Mazdaspeed3 - have to go slightly used on this one, but they are entertaining cars.

Have you thought about the Volvo V60R with a 6-speed? They are a little harder to find and a bit labor intensive, but they are cool.....

Bill

A 2012 or newer Volvo XC70 T6 wagon is a very nice car, perhaps a little big and soft, but still very nice. Fairly rare is the 2008-2011 Volvo V50 T5 R-Design, which was available with a manual transmission. They run up to the low $20Ks. The V60 AWD is very nice, especially the R-Design with the 325hp turbo 6. The 2015.5s are starting to arrive with reconfigured option structures and improved nav, voice activation, and onboard On Call, like GMs OnStar.