Thoughts on Wagons?
 

I've been looking for a wagon. So far I've narrowed it down to a Subaru Outback VDC, Volvo XC70, and Saab 9-5 Aero. In my book they're competitors. The upside to the Subaru is its price. Right around 31k. The Volvo and Saabs run betwen 5-10k more. None of them reach the trim level that MB offers, but I've sworn off doing business with MBUSA indenitely.

The con in the Saab is that it's not AWD, but it has its own version of ESP. They all do. I don't know if I can live the the Volvo's rear styling, and the Saab, although a bit updated, still hints at the old 900.

What do you guys think?

Want are your plans for the new wagon? If it is going to be part truck/kid hauler/grocery store hauler/ dump run car the don't discount a Taurus wagon. Next to my MB wagon it is the biggest around and some have the third seat too. Ford dealers everywhere too. I can't believe I just recommended a Ford!

Fudge man, you know I have a '98 Taurus that has had nothing done but fluid changes. I used to have a same year ML320 which well and truly stunk.

I live in an older house which has a smaller garage. The Taurus measures 197 inches, I need a car 190 inches or shorter, but not too short! :)

Yes, this would be a kid hauler. I also need to fit a canoe or sometimes two, or two bikes and a canoe, bikes and skis, or some combination thereoff on the roof.

If I can live with the Taurus styling I should be able to live with the Volvo no? hmm...

What about a W123 300TD?

You wouldn't have to give MBUSA any $$, and you'll have a car that'll run forever if properly maintained.

:)

Minnesota in the winter might not be the right place for a 20 year old diesel.

Passat wagon (AWD)
Jetta wagon (tdi / 50 mpg)
Audi A4 wagon (AWD)
Audi A6 wagon (AWD)
BMW 5 series wagon

If you don't want to stick with a MB then the field is wide open. I'm kinda hanging loose waiting to check out this soon to be latest offering from Honda:). If it is like all the other Hondas we have owned it should be pretty sweet.

...I didn't know the post office had a need for a mailbox on wheels--who knew?

Kuan, you are a lucky man. All of the vehicles you mentioned are great. I like the interior styling of the Aero, I like the exterior of the Volvo, the Subaru has been given great reviews for being the perfect all around vehicle. I've seen some very old Subarus and Saabs here and in Boston, the Saabs don't seem to hold up as well.

All of the vehicles you mentioned are manufactured by some of the more socially-minded manufacturers. You seem to be a liberal minded, forward-thinking person. Subaru seems to be the most progressive company in terms of social issues. Go with Subaru.

If you can get past the proportions and goofy fog lights, a Forester XT will shave some years off you. A little below your listed options in snob appeal.

If you're a tweaker, you can bring the engine close to WRX STi tune - 300hp/300lbft.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I used to sell Saabs, so I might be biased but, 9-5 reliability has been very good, definetly better than Volvo, which has gone to hell.

I think a used 9-5 is one of the best values out there. I wouldn't buy one new, they depreciate like nothing else.

As for 4wd, unless you live somewhere they don't plow the roads I think its a waste. If you're out in the country it may be worth it but around town, I wouldn't bother.

I have 2 RWD's and an old cherokee I keep around for home depot type stuff. I used the jeep in the snow once last year. (Denver)

Plus the Aero is a rocket.

It's minivan time...
 

I hate to tell you this but it is minivan time.

I have a E-class wagon but since we bought the HiACE Wagon - really a van - the kids love it and we can hold a lot more gear. I resisted for a long time. I keep the Benz for those long highway cruises.

Regards Gary

I would go with the Outback for the AWD for less money.
and look at a TDI jetta wgn for the MPG.

I would not buy a new Saab becouse of the poor resale value.
Anyone know why Saabs don't hold their value?

We`ve got two `96 VW Passat TDI wagons and wouldn`t trade them for anything else available in North America, not even going to be able to let one go when our W124 300TD arrives. If you are considering a used wagon the B4 TDI is the best out there. NA`s will be able to get a new B5 TDI wagon sometime in the next year if VW does what it says it is going to do.

If I had to choose from what is out there now it would be an Audi Allroad.....if only we could get a TDI in one here. :mad:

I don't know if you can get a minivan in the U.S. that is only 190" length. They're not so "mini" these days.

My brother has a 9-5 aero wagon and just loves it. Capacious as all get out, darn fast, delivers 30MPG on the highway. He lives in Michigan and finds the FWD adequate. It's only a year old, but I've not heard of any problems nor issues with it. Should caveat this by saying he's a bit of a Saab nut. (But drives a w140, the Saab is for his wife...)

Friend in California has had an XC70 for perhaps three years. Really likes it, but it has been to visit the dealer on a fairly regular basis the whole time. Not often enough to consider trading it, but perhaps a little too often for happiness. One of the few wagons out there that will swallow a tandem bicycle in back (with the wheels off - my 124 will perform the same feat).

I'd probably go for the Subie, personally. I just can't see paying north of $30K for a vehicle that's going to get used and abused by kids, recreational gear, Home Depot hauling, etc. Guess that's why I put up with the foibles of my 1987 wagon...

- JimY