TLDR: Help me choose a daily driver wagon that is comfortable, semi-fun, reliable, about $10k.
Background: I’m looking to upgrade my house by moving to a better one, and part of that means ditching the car payment I have on the my Focus RS (a superb little car that I love,
for sale here).
I'm looking for a wagon to daily drive, approx 90mi/day. that good on the freeway, handles California's terrible roads, is safe, and looks/feels good.
I’ve been looking at the following, and to me, each has its own pro’s and con’s. I’d like the Pelican Brain Trust’s opinion in case I’m missing something:
BMW e39 wagon (525/528/540)iT
- Pros: Strong reputation, beautiful styling, comfortable, decent handling, well appointed, rear wheel drive, available in standard shift
- Cons: BMW gremlins in the cooling system, sensors, gaskets, electronics, guibo. They’re older, so most have a ton of miles, and cost of entry has gotten cheap enough most have been neglected/abused.
- Most the issues can be fixed at not a crazy price, but is it something worth having to worry about in a daily driver?
Volvo v70 (2008-newer)
- Pros: good looking, comfortable, modern features
- Cons: I’ve heard they’re unreliable with no specifics
Mercedes E350 (2010-2013)wagon
- Pros: good looking front, comfortable, modern features
- Cons: frumpy back end, price exceeds budget