Station Wagons
01-17-2007, 09:39 AM
#1
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Station Wagons
So my TL is totaled, I get the check today, and so begins my search for a new ride.
For some reason, I've been thinking about wagons. It'd be nice to have the extra space and all, but really, I'm thinking about how unique they are. Just something out of the ordinary compared to the sedans.
Plus I hear they're cheaper to insure? Any truth to that?
Anyway, I've got to act fast, so I doubt I'll find one of these, but I'm after a IS 300 SportCross or a 325i Touring. I'm not sure why I have a sudden urge to drive these cars but I do.
Obviously considering Legacy and Impreza models too. Gonna get test driving this week.
Any thoughts?
For some reason, I've been thinking about wagons. It'd be nice to have the extra space and all, but really, I'm thinking about how unique they are. Just something out of the ordinary compared to the sedans.
Plus I hear they're cheaper to insure? Any truth to that?
Anyway, I've got to act fast, so I doubt I'll find one of these, but I'm after a IS 300 SportCross or a 325i Touring. I'm not sure why I have a sudden urge to drive these cars but I do.
Obviously considering Legacy and Impreza models too. Gonna get test driving this week.
Any thoughts?
IMO
01-17-2007, 10:15 AM
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I'm trying not to rush, but I want out of this PT Cruiser they put me in for a rental pretty bad.
I'm looking at spending around $25K or thereabouts. Closer to $20K would be better. Preferably used.
I'm looking at spending around $25K or thereabouts. Closer to $20K would be better. Preferably used.
01-17-2007, 10:27 AM
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I agree w/ your thoughts on wagons being different and there are a few that look pretty nice too. I'm looking hard to buy an E500 4matic, black wagon (2005) w/ entertainment pkg, dynamic seats, power tailgate, Keyless go, premium pkg, nav and sunroof. There was one on ebay but I let it slip by dammit all! I'm trying to trim down my vehicles from 3 to 2 by getting rid of my Wrangler and CL-S and replacing it w/ the MBZ. Go for it! Check out the A6 Avant used, 325xi used and C320 4matic
01-17-2007, 10:31 AM
#7
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Trending Topics
01-17-2007, 10:43 AM
#10
Suzuka Master
BMW 528/540iT
'99-up A4 or A6 Avant
97-up Passat Wagon
2000-up Subaru Outbacks or WRX (kinda small though)
Depending how much you can spend, you also have the Dodge Magnum
I am looking for a wagon right now myself, but the one I want is so hard to find. I'm looking for a 1997 Passat VR6 wagon, 5 spd, silver w/black leather.
'99-up A4 or A6 Avant
97-up Passat Wagon
2000-up Subaru Outbacks or WRX (kinda small though)
Depending how much you can spend, you also have the Dodge Magnum
I am looking for a wagon right now myself, but the one I want is so hard to find. I'm looking for a 1997 Passat VR6 wagon, 5 spd, silver w/black leather.
01-17-2007, 11:00 AM
#12
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I'm not feeling the Magnum for some reason.
Since I probably won't be able to find a wagon in time, I'll probably end up with a sedan. Here are the front runners so far:
Acura TSX
Lexus IS 300
Subaru Legacy
Last night I dropped by the Lexus dealer and he showed me an '04 IS 300 "Thundercloud Edition" for something like 23K. I've never heard of this. Supposedly it has special paint, grey leather interior, special 17" wheels. Anyone heard of or have info on this? It's peaked my interest in the IS 300, gonna drive it as soon as the weather clears.
Since I probably won't be able to find a wagon in time, I'll probably end up with a sedan. Here are the front runners so far:
Acura TSX
Lexus IS 300
Subaru Legacy
Last night I dropped by the Lexus dealer and he showed me an '04 IS 300 "Thundercloud Edition" for something like 23K. I've never heard of this. Supposedly it has special paint, grey leather interior, special 17" wheels. Anyone heard of or have info on this? It's peaked my interest in the IS 300, gonna drive it as soon as the weather clears.
01-17-2007, 11:37 AM
#13
Might want to consider the Subaru forester mentioned in this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...1&page=1&pp=25
a 5.3 60 sounds nice
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...1&page=1&pp=25
a 5.3 60 sounds nice
01-17-2007, 11:52 AM
#14
What Would Don Draper Do?
i've never heard of the thundercloud edition either...
but if you're looking into an a3, why not the gti? it's pretty much the same car. and the gti has a 4 door too, which i think looks better than the 2 door. it can be had for around 25k. or how about a speed3?
but if you're looking into an a3, why not the gti? it's pretty much the same car. and the gti has a 4 door too, which i think looks better than the 2 door. it can be had for around 25k. or how about a speed3?
01-17-2007, 12:00 PM
#15
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i don't know if i could drive an old IS now that the new ones are all over the place....a GTI would be cool tho. MS3 would also be nice, or maybe a WRX...there are so many nice cars in your price range, I was shopping in that range last year and ended up going back to mini-trucks. you'll be pounding the pavement for a minute to find a perfect fit.
01-17-2007, 12:34 PM
#17
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Originally Posted by jz-97-c7
i don't know if i could drive an old IS now that the new ones are all over the place....a GTI would be cool tho. MS3 would also be nice, or maybe a WRX...there are so many nice cars in your price range, I was shopping in that range last year and ended up going back to mini-trucks. you'll be pounding the pavement for a minute to find a perfect fit.
Mazda3s and Imprezas are on the list, but farther down.
I thought I could handle a more "simple" car than my TL, you know take a step down. But jeez, after riding in this rental for a week I don't know that I can. It's not even the big things, like the handling, power or leather. It's the stupid little things, like how the windshield wipers automatically wiped when I stepped off the brake, or the steering wheel audio controls. I hate to think I'm the narrow minded snob only looking at Acura/Lexus/etc, but those little things are such a big deal when you don't have them.
01-17-2007, 12:36 PM
#18
You should be able to find one, lightly used for around $23k. The performance is hard to argue with and they come pretty well decked out. Well worth the money, IMO.
01-17-2007, 12:57 PM
#20
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Anyone have a Saab here?
Wonder why we never talk about them. They LOOK pretty nice....
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=19
hot
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=32
Wonder why we never talk about them. They LOOK pretty nice....
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=19
hothttp://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...000&cardist=32
01-17-2007, 01:10 PM
#24
01-17-2007, 01:13 PM
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Never liked Slobs, the interiors are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too cheap looking.
01-17-2007, 01:14 PM
#27
Originally Posted by mrsteve
Totally... and definitely a sleeper since it's the same engine/powertrain as the WRX... all most all the mods work on the Saab as well.
The black/white leather is pimp too.
The black/white leather is pimp too.
01-17-2007, 01:18 PM
#28
The sizzle in the Steak
A3
01-17-2007, 01:18 PM
#29
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Avoid Audi. Very poor reliability and horrenduous resale value. Our A6 Avant lost 70% of its value in 3 years (70K miles).
Our 4Runner lost 70% of its value only after 8 years (90K miles).
At the time we bought the A6 because I felt claustrophobic inside the 325 wagon. Silly me... the 325 cost less.
Our 4Runner lost 70% of its value only after 8 years (90K miles).
At the time we bought the A6 because I felt claustrophobic inside the 325 wagon. Silly me... the 325 cost less.
01-17-2007, 01:23 PM
#30
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Originally Posted by pebecl97
I am looking for a wagon right now myself, but the one I want is so hard to find. I'm looking for a 1997 Passat VR6 wagon, 5 spd, silver w/black leather.
01-17-2007, 01:29 PM
#32
01-17-2007, 01:35 PM
#33
Originally Posted by mrsteve
It has been discontinued correct?
01-17-2007, 01:40 PM
#34
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by slo007
We had a '96 model. It was an awesome car. We got hit (rear ended) at 5 mph, and there was barely a scratch in the rear bumper. The other car had $5K in damages, including a crumpled hood and broken headlights.
01-17-2007, 02:13 PM
#35
Originally Posted by slo007
Avoid Audi. Very poor reliability and horrenduous resale value. Our A6 Avant lost 70% of its value in 3 years (70K miles).
01-17-2007, 03:06 PM
#36
Originally Posted by juniorbean
Actually the A3 and A4 have come a long way in reliability and are recommended by most car mags now. Additionally, they don't suffer from the terrible resale value that the A6 and A8 do...
With a new turbocharged engine, a real hood scoop, and a slick new interior, this is the SUV version of the WRX STi. Almost.
BY JIM McCRAW, August 2003
ACCELERATION (Seconds)
Zero to 30 mph: 1.3
40 mph: 2.6
50 mph: 3.6
60 mph: 5.3
70 mph: 6.9
80 mph: 9.2
90 mph: 11.8
100 mph: 15.0
110 mph: 19.5
120 mph: 26.7
Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.3
Top-gear acceleration, 30-50 mph: 8.4
50-70 mph: 8.1
Standing 1/4-mile: 13.8 sec @ 97 mph
The only negative I see is that it isn't built for towing like a 4-runner, etc. Anyhow I think it has been CR's top rated SUV for the last three years. (The new $30,000 v6 Rav4 might have edged it out this year I can't remember). But it shines on safety and we haven't had one single problem (knock on wood) since October 2003 when we bought this one.
Last edited by Hooksta; 01-17-2007 at 03:09 PM.
01-17-2007, 03:23 PM
#37
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Legacy GT wagon
01-17-2007, 03:23 PM
#38
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The Forester Sports 2.5X starts around 22k, and the Forester 2.5XT Sports around 26k. I love the Sports 2.5XT, and also the fact that they now offer a World Rally Blue for the 2.5 XT Sports. Either one is good. 
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