Here in Warshington State the GM wagons are very rare. I've found 3 Roadmasters, all more than 250 miles away. Did find one in Oregon running 22's, looks cool and the missus said "hmm, I like it".

There are a gazillion Volvos and half a dozen MBs around here so I'll keep looking and checking your suggestions.

As for towing and heavy hauling, I think my '74 F250 Super Cab will do just fine. Last summer I hauled 2 yards of sand home in it. Approximately 2 tons. Never reached the bump stops but I bet the brakes weren’t rated for it.

Why a wagon over a sedan? You can’t bring home a 27” color TV in a sedan the way you can in a wagon. You can stand under the lift gate and change a diaper or have your butt hang out into the rain while doing it in a sedan (sounds a wee bit suggestive).

Plus I like driving around in the giant fish bowl that a 245 Volvo is.


Michael

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Usta haves '69 250/8, '76 280C, 1971 250C 114.023, 1976 450SEL 116.033
Current have, 1983 300SD 126.120

I previously had a Volvo 850 (T5) and I absolutely loved it. However, although it ran fine mechanically, the airbag light came on at about 65000 and it was in the shop for THREE weeks getting some part (O ring? on the airbag). They did do it under warranty even though the car was past the initial warranty but they gave me a 4 cyl Camry to drive meanwhile .

My sister has had two 1988 Volvo 240 wagons. I seem to remember her husband telling me that he wanted a 1988 because that was the last year before the airbags were put into the Volvos...you might look on brickyard or swedishbrick for the airbag info. I do know that some of the 240s have airbags--I looked into getting one several years ago and I only drive cars with airbags, sis prefers cars without.

With Sis's first 240 she hit a deer going about 55 (ish). She was not hurt at all (was wearing seatbelt). The car was relatively unhurt, though the hood was crinked. She sold it to a college kid and got another 240 wagon. It has about 200K on it and runs great. When they first bought it, they did a few mechanical things (changed hoses, oil, shocks, tires, etc) and it has been chugging along for 50K or so.

Also, I had a Subaru for a couple of years, bought new and absolutely hated it nearly from day one. It was uncomfortable, lacked power (4cyl) and just UGH. Loved it's looks, but ditched it soon as I could. It's just my personal preference, but I wouldn't be caught dead driving ANY American car (?reliability, ugly, big, mileage, expensive compared to foreign, poor quality).

From a woman's point of view: I LOVE wagons. There is room for everything you have to lug for the baby (and older child!) and still room for your groceries or Wal-mart and JoAnn's trip I also like being able to bring home certain purchases without having to beg hubby to drive the truck down to pick them up~a Volvo wagon is absolutely cavernous and yet small enough to easily maneuver around the parking lot.

Cathy

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3Diesels
1987 Mercedes 190D 2.5/non turbo/auto
2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins auto
2003 VW Golf TDI 5 speed