Wagon Dying - Need replacement
 

I have been driving my 2004 Audi A4 wagon now for 11 years and been quite happy with it (previous was also an A4 wagon). Now at 178,000, I was hoping to take it on through 200k miles. Alas, it looks like it may be on its last legs. {sigh}.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1340122994.jpg

I want some recommendations on a new wagon. Here are the requirements:
1) Under $50k
2) MUST be a wagon, no suvs or crossovers
3) Prefer manual transmissions although in the US not a lot of options here
4) Prefer AWD, bigger requirement than Manual tranny. We get some snow up here in NJ
5) No Toyota's, Honda's, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia crap
6) Want a luxury vehicle
7) can be used or new but must be reliable.

Some options
Cadillac CTS wagon - This can be had in manual but really hard to find in in my price range

http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/..._A.565x377.jpg

Audi Allroad - cannot get in manual anymore :( I have been driving an audi wagon since 1998 so part of me is thinking of getting something different.

http://betterparts.org/images/audi-a...quattro-01.jpg

2015 VW Sportswagon - I like the idea of this one, not sure my car will last until this comes in.

http://images.thecarconnection.com/m...00420747_m.jpg

Mercedes 300TD - I know, probably not the best idea to get a 30 year old car, but I've always loved these. Plus it does violate all my requirements with the exception of price!

http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/...ale_resize.jpg


Other options
Wait for 2015 Cadillac CTS Wagon - again, can I wait that long

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lGQd35yjW...TS-Sedan-5.jpg


Wait for Alfa Romeo to bring Giulia to US - love to but again, timing when will this come in...and if they will produce it

http://alfaromeogiulia.info/wp-conte...s-1280x782.jpg

Oh, one note, wayback must fit a pretty big dog. A little larger than a golden retriever

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1344654738.jpg

That dog is awesome.
No clue on the wagon.



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So looking at your list, are you saying no Asian automobiles and only considering German and American?

Because I was going to suggest Subaru... or how about Volvo?

Volvo or Hyundai.

Better than the stuff you have listed. Cheaper too..

With that line-up I would go with the MBz. - no question.

Why not a 3 series xdrive wagon? AWd and you can get a stick...

As someone who has the occasional misfortune of working on these cars, I respectfully disagree.

However, if you have large amounts of disposable income, go for it.

Oh and btw, you might want to see how JD Power rates South Korean built cars over German ones.

the W123 has got to be the easiest car to work on of the last 30 years. They are designed with accessibility/serviceability in mind. Cars of today have, for example, timing belt (bla - belts) squirreled away behind layers of CAD space-optimized plastic and metal.

I got two words for you...

Volvo 240DL

:D okay, I'll give you credit for that. But have ever taken a window roller handle off a W123? -snap, slip - off. (no screw-driver needed - no little parts falling off.) Love those cars.

CTS V in 6mt is the most fun choice, there is that AMG super wagon if you are brave enough to own one without a warrantee


Outback with the 3.6 is a pretty nice car. You could lower it to wagon stance with a decent set of aftermarket struts.

My wife is currently very happy with her issue and worry free 2011 M-B E350(W212). They can be had in a wagon with 4matic. No manual trans though.

Older
http://www.benzinsider.com/wp-conten...s-wagon-us.jpg

Newest
http://media.caranddriver.com/images...s-1280x782.jpg

Acura TSX wagon?


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The W123 (and the 190 in the OP's picture) are from a different era, when MBZ was focused on quality instead of profit.

Newer Mercedes? Good if you want to look rich until the lease is up, I suppose.

will sell you a lightly used 328i Touring. 70K miles, well cared for.

Yea...bummer some Japanese models are out the conversation without even trying them. Some are very good indeed.

No-cheese was what I was referencing.

Hard-wearing cars. - yeah they were focused on quality. Electronic Gadget count is the focus of today. :-/

Man I would love one of those...but entry is a lot of cabbage for something that has the pace of a turtle.