Wagon Dying - Need replacement

[NeedSpace]

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}.



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



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.



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



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!




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




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

[NeedSpace]

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

[vash]

That dog is awesome.
No clue on the wagon.



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[scottmandue]

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?

[Nostril Cheese]

Volvo or Hyundai.

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

[island911]

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

[porsche4life]

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

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by island911

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

Originally Posted by porsche4life

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.

[Nostril Cheese]

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

[island911]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

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

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.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by island911

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

[island911]

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.

[aschen]

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.

[JAR0023]

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.

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[vash]

Acura TSX wagon?


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[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by island911

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.

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.

[Rtrorkt]

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

[Hydrocket]

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

[island911]

No-cheese

Originally Posted by NeedSpace

...
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!



...

was what I was referencing.

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

[Sarc]

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