Wagon opinions needed
 

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

Those all don't look like money savers, even DIY. :)

Branch out to other brands. I bought a 2012 Jetta wagon for under 10k with 70k miles, like new. Hasn't needed a thing. Yes, not very exciting, but can't be worse than the MB or Volvo and has a stick at least ...

G

Subaru. 2012 or newer so it has timing chain.. Gets about 30 mpg highway
Or find one with the 6 cylinder. Either one is a solid car.

What about a Ford Focus Wagon.Still handles well, hauls a surprising amount of stuff, and reliable, with cheap parts and labour .I did 249000 miles in mine and then sold it when it needed a new turbo.

I've been wanting a 540iT - but a real Touring, not a badging victim

Me personally...I've always wanted that BMW. And would have it setup exactly as you have pictured. I like the car based on style alone. And would likely be willing to put up with some repairs just because I love the looks. My son has a 2000 528i (the sedan) and really loves it. So far it has proven to be a great car for him...time will tell!

All wheel drive E61 is a nice wagon option (530xi). Sure-footed in the inclement weather. Decent/nice ones can be had for under 10k. Not as sexy as the E39 bust still has the good in-line 6 motor. Put 80k on ours since 2008. Nothing MAJOR, but some minor annoyances for sure. Biggest one was the drain tubes backing up into the spare tire well and getting the electronics wet. Easily moved, but had to do some clean up work after it happened the first time.

Where is Radio Flyer on the list?

I would go with an E320 wagon with some upgrades.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1540499617.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1540499617.jpg

All the above are awesome options, but doubt you'll be saving any $$.
For what its worth department.
Just sold my 2010 2.5 SE Jetta Sportswagen with 165k miles to purchase a newer Golf Sportswagen SEL. Recommend either, but the Golf is above the $10k budget. Had Volvo X70s & V70s for years now prefer the VWs. Yes the VWs are a bit more modest, but they are well built with terrific fit & finish. Both VWs have superb agile handling, turn and stop on a dime, plenty of get up and go & 30-35 mpg regular gas.
Will comfortably do 70 all day with good sound deadening, acoustic glass & multi-adjustable heated seats. Great AC. Fits 10' 2x4s inside!
Only drawback is keeping the pano sunroof drains clear, but if they get cleaned out once in a while not often a problem.
2014 was the last year for the Jetta wagon and with low miles could be had for $10k or under. Also available with a manual! 2.5 engine is robust (170 hp) with good gearing so is quite quick and rarely needs much more than an oil change. The Jetta wagon was one of the most reliable dd cars I ever owned right behind the 05 Mazda 3 Hatch w/5spd; the VW isn't as tinny or tiresome to drive 100-150 miles a day either.
Not a Bimmer nor a Volvo, but a heck more reliable and cheaper to own. Only thing that kept me from buying a Subaru is problematic head gaskets, driving feel and handling and I don't need or want AWD. Besides, it drove like a truck unless we're talking wrx which will be above $10k for a decent one.
Both these pictures were taken a couple weeks before I sold the car with 165k miles. Sure doesn't look like that kind of mileage. Good quality built car. Take a look at one.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1540499197.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1540499385.JPG

I'm OK with the operating costs of the Focus RS, $400/mo gas and $150/mo budgeted for tires/maintenance. Just trying to get rid of the bank payment.

I've had a 2013 VW TDi wagon. Put a set of H&R coil-overs on it. It was a great car for 130k miles. VW bought it back as part of dieselgate. I was looking to branch out a bit from there.

I like Subaru a lot, had an '05 STi that I put 150k miles on. Looking for something bigger than an impreza (or another focus), I'll take a search for Legacy wagons.

You might consider a Subaru Outback XT or Forester XT. If you don't like the high-rider stance you can put STi (I think) springs on them to give them a normal ride height.

Mazda made the first-generation 6 in a nice wagon, which came with the V6 and could be had with a 5-speed. If you're considering German wagons with ~150k, a Mazda with similar mileage will probably be half the price.

I have a 2009 E61 with a 6MT. I really like the car but DIY beyond plugs/coils/vanos solenoids can be difficult. The N54 engine is a great power plant but twin turbo runs hot. I drive mine as a daily but it does need an “enthusiast” owner to pay attention to it.

I have a 2015.5 V60 with Polestar software and LOVE it! I have 52K miles and it's been bulletproof. You can buy a low mileage 2015 for well under $20k.

I daily drive a 2008 Subaru XT Outback that has a few upgrades. Downside for lots of freeway driving is lack of a taller 5th or 6th gear in the manual. Auto may be better but cruising long distances at 70 plus mph has the thing wound up pretty high. Otherwise i love it.

Cadillac CTS-V wagon

Subaru Legacy GT wagon

All I can say: Mentally prepare yourself to be underwhelmed by turning and acceleration in any of those choices after the RS. Could you get an Focus ST for 10K? If so try that. We have one of those in addition to the RS and it has almost 200K miles with no issues. Great car.

What's the gearing like in 6th? My version of "high-strung" is something like 4k at 80mph. If it's at, say, 3200 it's relaxed enough for me.

Acura TSX wagon