Euro Wagon?

[onewhippedpuppy]

You can't get a new one for $20k, a new loaded CX9 AWD is pushing $40k. I've looked at the CX9 exclusively, you can get a 2012-ish CX9 Grand Touring (top model) AWD with around 50k for $20k. That's my price point, so I've been looking in that range. If you don't want loaded model and AWD you can get newer and lower miles, or pay less money.

Just to clarify our liking of the CX9, my wife and I decided we would like to get a second family car that gets better MPG than the truck and allows our kids to better spread out on longer trips. The CX9 has pretty decent seating for 7, the middle seats slide (not flop) forward for access to the third row which means you don't have to remove the already installed car seat, it gets better MPG (16/22 in the AWD model, 17/24 in the FWD model) than the competition, it actually has some space behind the third row seat when it is up, the interior looks like it is out of a much nicer SUV, and it is really nice to drive. Like most Mazdas it drives more like a European car, some of the reviews that I read compared it to the X5. We test drove one about a month ago and both loved it, now we just need to save some money.

My comments are all in regards to the CX9, the CX7 is smaller, doesn't have a third row, and probably cheaper to buy but actually doesn't get any better MPG due to the turbo 4-cylinder. It also needs premium gas, so would be a bit more expensive to fuel. Between the two I would go CX9 all day long, having extra space is hugely important when you have kids. You'll be amazed how much junk comes along with them, particularly when you have more than one. BTW, congrats!

[RWebb]

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/automobiles/autoreviews/that-trail-of-crumbs-ends-at-the-minivan.html?hpw&_r=0

onboard vac system - next year, the updated one will connect each child to the vac system...

[beepbeep]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Your Audi comment is true for some but not others. I have a higher mileage 2002 S8, over the course of one year and 10,000 miles I have replaced an HVAC fan and cooling fan clutch, grand total of maybe $300 in parts. It doesn't get much better than that in a used car.

Saab sludge = moron owners that followed the ridiculous extended oil change intervals. Many other makes had the exact same issue including Toyota. I had a 9000 Aero with 235k, original motor, turbo, transmission, head gasket, etc.

The Fiesta and Focus are about $20k brand new. You get what you pay for, in this case a fun to drive economy car that is as nice or nicer than the competition.

Oh yeah, and Subarus have a propensity to eat head gaskets and weak transmissions. The V70R AWD bevel gear fails and takes out the AWD system. Every car has its issues....

My daily driver is a Audi S4.
SAAB sludge is unfortunately very real. 9000 Aero and 9-5 engine differ. 9-5 engine has thinner piston rings, smaller oil volume, no low-level oil sender and catalyst underneath the sump. Blow-by is much higher on B2x5 than on B2x4 engine. SAAB 9-5 engine is watered down/weak copy of 9000 engine with less oil. An attempt to reuse same old iron duke and lower the fuel consumption with thinner piston rings. It backfired big time and was probably one of the reasons why they went bankrupt.

[porwolf]

I don't have children. Child car seats have been mandatory for quite some time now. I cannot understand why car companies don't have cars with integral child car seats that can be easily switched for adult seats? Adding a child seat to an adult seat seems such a Rube Goldberg contraption to me. Modern cars come with all kinds of gimmicks, why not something really useful?

[RWebb]

does the propensity to eat head gaskets and the weak transmissions apply to all Subarus or just a particular year range (around MY 2000, IIRC)

[jcommin]

I have owned (2) Volvo stations wagons because my wife refused to drive a mini van. I had a 760 wagon that was RWD: She hated it but I liked it. We switched to a FWD wagon and I liked the car. The problem was front end tie rods and trans. I traded it for as FX35 (another story). I like the concept of the wagon. I'm dissapointed with the longivity of the Volvo. I have experienced cost with M/B and I'm sure it isn't BMW isn't far behind. Repair work is pricey. I'm not a big Japanese fan but I would look at a Subi.

BMW's suck for everyone but mechanics.

[Rodsrsr]

Why not consider American? The CTS is an awesome car. And if your really hungry for power it comes in the V version with over 550 hp and will waste most everything on the road...many Porsches included.

[Rodsrsr]

Sorry, I must have skimmed over the $20,000 price point. Disregard.

[LeeH]

CX-7 was discontinued after 2012 and replaced with the CX-5, which has received great reviews.

CX-7 was also available with a NA 4 cylinder that got better MPG (27/20) and the expense of the HP of the turbo (24/18).

Used CX5 is going to be just over the $20K mark. They're selling very well, but few are available used.

My wife really wants a CX5 in blue...

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by beepbeep

My daily driver is a Audi S4.
SAAB sludge is unfortunately very real. 9000 Aero and 9-5 engine differ. 9-5 engine has thinner piston rings, smaller oil volume, no low-level oil sender and catalyst underneath the sump. Blow-by is much higher on B2x5 than on B2x4 engine. SAAB 9-5 engine is watered down/weak copy of 9000 engine with less oil. An attempt to reuse same old iron duke and lower the fuel consumption with thinner piston rings. It backfired big time and was probably one of the reasons why they went bankrupt.

There are a bunch of 9-5 Aeros out there with well over 100k. A PCV update and prudent oil change intervals are the key. Plus let's face facts, Saab died because GM tried to badge engineer them and killed the unique character of the brand. Not saying that the 9000 wasn't a superior car, but the 9-5 can be a good one too.

Originally Posted by porwolf

I don't have children. Child car seats have been mandatory for quite some time now. I cannot understand why car companies don't have cars with integral child car seats that can be easily switched for adult seats? Adding a child seat to an adult seat seems such a Rube Goldberg contraption to me. Modern cars come with all kinds of gimmicks, why not something really useful?

Some of the Volvos have built in child seats, which are clever.

Originally Posted by RWebb

does the propensity to eat head gaskets and the weak transmissions apply to all Subarus or just a particular year range (around MY 2000, IIRC)

I'm not entirely sure, but I know that the turbo and NA flat 4 as found in the WRX, Legacy GT, Forester XT, etc all had issues. A quick Google search uncovered about a million head gasket threads as well as a Subaru recall for a coolant additive and extended head gasket warranty.

[RWebb]

ok, I dunno about other years, or turbos, but there is a definite head gasket problem around the 2000 MY on Sube's


people _say_ it was fixed with the next engine model

I will say that Sube's are pretty boring in general - utilitarian; but work REAL well in snow or mud

Good Luck shopping

[304065]

E91, pre LCI. Next question.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by 304065

E91, pre LCI. Next question.

He said he DOESN'T want a car that will be a PITA.

[JAR0023]

Small wagon? Don't overlook the Acura TSX wagon. 2011's should be close to $20k.

SUV that isn't completely mind numbing to drive. Acura MDX.

I'm biased. In the few hundred thousand miles we have put on Honda products they have been 100%. None of them ever went to the dealer for anything. Basic maintenance was taken care of the the driveway. Acura's aren't bleeding edge or super sporty but you get a lot of car for the money and they don't break. -J

[edgemar]

The TSX wagon would be cool but they are all in the high 20s

How about a 07 XC90 with the six engine?

Matt - Thx so much for your good wishes...

[chrisf]

I went with the e39 wagon. I actually bought two: one for my wife and one for myself (to replace my 944s).

I always wanted to have an e39 wagon, and starting a family was the perfect reason. The cars are both like new, and still drive/feel like new. I am not exagerating this at all. For all the used cars I've had (and there have been many) these are by far the best. Build quality is without question. Very modern and comfortable, and before the idrive and all that other crap. They drive like a sports car. AFter i'm done building my RSR, I will go thru my wagon, and put a performance suspension set up, with bigger brakes.

some pics of my car from last winter:

[edgemar]

Well i picked up a 2012 CPO Acura TSX Sport wagon with 7k miles. A japanese euro sport wagon so to speak...Kinda busted the budget a bit

Nice car with all the bells and whistles. The 4 banger is fairly spunky and it handles well.

Hopefully it will last a long while.

Thx Everyone for your two cents!

[jhynesrockmtn]

I would love to hear more about the TSX as you get to know it better. I have over 120k on my 05 MDX and it's been a great car. I looked at these when I was at the 100k mark and trying to decide whether to get some more expensive services done. Ultimately decided I would keep the MDX as I need a tow vehicle.

[speeder]

Nice choice! Those are among the better looking new wagons, IMO, and Acuras have been pretty bullet-proof in my extended family.

Chrisf, that's a great looking BMW wagon! White with those wheels really works for me.