Well, not really.

As most of you know, I'm on my second TSX wagon (the first having been rear-ended by a Mercedes at a stoplight). My wife has been driving Civics for ever and likes them. I generally swap cars every couple of years but really like this thing. My wife keeps her cars until 200k+ miles have gone by.

A year ago we got a German shepherd. She likes my car (Walky barrier in the back) but doesn't like the back seat of the Civic, but my wife drops her off at doggie day care twice a week. My wife's Civic is at about 100k miles (EX-L navi) so she suggested that I get a new car and she takes my wagon.

In principle a great idea, but what to get? I've gone the German route (Audi A6 wagon, S6, BMW 335, GTI, R32) but, aside from the S6, all had the usual reliability issues - especially the BMW. I will never own a BMW outside of Germany ever again.

I don't want an SUV, but a wagon or hatch will do nicely. A Subie would make logical sense, but they are way too boring. From a fun to drive standpoint a Golf Alltrack or R would be nice but both aren't paragons of reliability. I've been spoiled by the TSX which has had only routine maintenance in the 60k miles that I've ha it (aside from dealer screwups). Small would be nice too but it should have all of the toys - a ILX wagon would be great.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

 

If i wanted to get a bigger sedan a Lexus GS F sport would probably it. Other wise a Lexus IS or Audi would be on my list

Edit: Sorry didn't read all the way into your wagon love. Disregard

 

Go check out the 2017 Kia Cadenza if you are not set on a wagon. It's seriously an impressive car, looks amazing IMHO and hs a crap ton of features that are nowhere to be found on Acuras. It also has a nice drivetrain (8 speed auto and 3.3V6 with 290hp).

 

Volvo V90?

Or, and I sort of hate to say it, but the new Buick Regal wagon that is *supposedly* coming ashore soon?

But realistically, maybe the new Civic hatchback?

 

Yeah, Volvo V90, but at that price point I'm close to a E wagon and neither have stellar reliability.

The Civic hatch might work but that thing is uglier than the new TLX. That's where the Europeans shine.

Now that GM no longer owns Opel, how will that affect new Buick models - which was the only thing keeping that brand alive.

 

I was thinking the Jaguar F Pace. That thing is gorgeous and not stupid expensive but then again you said no SUV's.

 

Honestly, I don't know what I'll do when I ditch the TSX wagon either. I went for the TSX because Subies (as you said) were boring and having owned German cars before, there was no way I was going to get into that situation again. That said, the reality is that living in Maine now I need AWD, so Subaru looks appealing again. Volvo seems to be a bit of a crap shoot lately, we bought an MDX as our second car and had looked at Euro options and decided it wasn't worth the trouble (then again, the MDX is at the dealer getting new pistons and rings put in due to the late 2G oil burning issues).

 

Nice looking but it is a Jaguar. Crazy expensive repairs. I owned a XJS V12HE in the UK. I blew a water hose doing 220kmh on the Autobahn between Wuerzburg and Nuernberg. Took out both heads. I also had a XJ12HE VdP. As part of the annual inspection the hand brake was tested. Cable rusted so it needed repair. Since the handbrake had separate brake shoes inboard, the repair involved removing the rear axle - a $2000 repair. The Jag dealer suggested WD-40 and they could get the hand brake to work once. They said they do it all the time but warn the owners not to try the handbrake - but to let the inspection station try it - because it really only works once.

The English have a couple of jokes -
How do you know when your Jag is on fire? All the instruments start working
Why do the English drink warm beer? They have Lucas refrigerators

 

Man I can barely keep a car more than 2yrs. This is my second TSX, had a first gen and I'm already tired after 3months

 

That was me too. My wife recently reminded me that I've had 7 (or 8 if you count the two TSXs) since 2000 (Yukon, A6, S6, GTI, R32, 335, TSX#1, TSX#2)

 

Why not switch cars on occasion and have her take the Wagon to doggie daycare twice a week? That would be the most practical route.

If you have to get another car, why don't you just have her get something with more utility but still practical like a crv or cx5 or forester.

I hear what you're saying though about a car for yourself. Not many cars that peak my interest when you factor upfront cost, reliability, and cost to own. Maybe check out a used rdx or civic hatch.

 

Audi SQ5 or Q5 TDi...

 

Well, why not go German and return to the VW GTI? You've got a German Shepherd already.

Ok, for reliability and good looks, how about a Mazda3 hatch?

Note that a German Shepherd will only grow bigger, so maybe a CUV is in your future. I had an Akita and carried her in the back of an Odyssey. But as she grew older, she just couldn't jump into the back anymore, and she was too old to learn to use a plank. We switched to the Honda Accord which was low enough for her, but you may want to train your German Shepherd now as a pup.

Yes, that's her in my Avatar. She outgrew the Integra.

 

Yeah, an Golf R is kind of calling my name. At 65lbs, she's about as big as she's going to get, but the ramp training is a great idea.

We do swap cars on those days when the mutt goes to day care (mutt being an affectionate term, she is 100% GSD rescue) but I sometimes drive a couple of hundred miles on the same days and I can't say I'm very fond of the Civic - but that's a good point - maybe wifey would be OK with an Accord.

 

Anybody have any experience with the new Subie Impreza hatch? It is getting great reviews.

Any decent Subaru forums out there?

 

I think NASIOC is pretty much the defacto subie group. My coworker has been through something like 11 Subarus and that's the place he lives.

I was originally looking for a '09 Outback when I ended up in the TSX. I'm not a fan of the '10+ bloated Outback. I'd consider the newest Impreza Hatch if I were in the market right now. I saw one the other day and like the subtle changes they've made.

Not that it means anything aside from "old man shouting at clouds" but the Levorg would be the bestest car evar if only they'd bring it over.

 

I fully agree with the bloated Outback - and with the Levorg. I'm thinking that the new Impreza, with vastly better handling, interior and electronics, may be a better choice than the Civic hatch.

 

NAISOC seems to be the most popular Subaru forum. I'm on it daily since I bought a 16 WRX. Tons and tons of aftermarket support compared to Acura but there are 10 times as many trolls over there. 1st time posters get flamed regularly. Ill be honest in that the tech, interior ergonomics, and usable storage are lacking compared to Acura/Honda. (comparing 2010 base TSX to 2016 WRX limited)

 

I'm going to guess that people get flamed for: asking questions that have been asked a million times before, or, just ask stupid questions. In either case, I'm guessing using the search function likely answers 99% of new posts. They get flamed for a reason

 

We were sort of in the same boat: my wife drove a first gen tC and really liked the flexibility of cargo compartment, size, and punchy motor. We ended up replacing it with volvo v60 - check them out, a 2016 R-design CPO is sweet, and can be had with a big discount now.

 

Have Volvos gotten reliable again?

 

CTS-V Wagon if you are OK with a certified preowned.

 

I don't know if the Levorg would be a great money maker in America, but it does so many things well I wish they would bring it over.

 

How about a 2004 Chevy Classic? I hear people who own those are really cool and get all the babes.

 

About industry average, according to consumers report. Ours had zero issues, but it's 2015 with only 24K miles. We shall see.

 

Right. But where to find one in decent shape. Even a CTS wagon would do.

 

Why not just get a 2004 GTO?

 

Yeah cars are expensive AF in the south