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I'm in a place with temperate weather, so I'm not an AWD expert, but the VW TDI Sportwagen is a great car. I traded my 2013 with 50k in for $17k, although KBB was a bit less (14 I think). It doesn't come with AWD, so obviously if that's a deal-breaker, then disregard this post
I'm in a place with temperate weather, so I'm not an AWD expert, but the VW TDI Sportwagen is a great car. I traded my 2013 with 50k in for $17k, although KBB was a bit less (14 I think). It doesn't come with AWD, so obviously if that's a deal-breaker, then disregard this post
he said AWD is a requirement, so post disregarded.
if you're getting a wagon, I'd go with the Volvo - much better bang for the buck, plus I think all the BMW/Audi/MB wagons look a bit strange - but just my .02
If you haven't driven a larger Ford lately, you'd be astounded that this is the same company that made that horrid rental Taurus you had 10-15 years ago. They've come a long way in terms of quality, fit, finish, etc.
Go ride in a top of the line Limited, I think you'll find it every bit as luxurious as that Benz wagon, with A TON more room. AWD was optional with the base V6, standard with the much faster Eco-Boost V6. Plus you'll be buying a much newer car that will be more reliable and way cheaper to service than your German options.
They're decent, but to call it luxurious is silly. That's the equivalent of describing a Ford Fusion as a luxury sedan.
I've spent ample time in the Flex and it's definitely better than what Ford made in the past, but it still leaves a lot to be desired when compared to anything European. That being said, a tune and downpipe on this vehicle will make this a very quick wagon. It doesn't take much to make it run 13 second quarter miles.
I know you said you are aware of the Subaru's. There's the Outback 2.5 XT as well in both flavors (auto or manual) the latter having a 50/50 torque split front to rear. Most other AWD systems will be biased according to their root power train.
You guys are probably right that I should get something more recent and more sensible. I don't know what the risks are with a 6-10 year old German car, but there must be many expensive things that can go wrong. I've always leased so never had anything more than 3 years old.
Honda Pilot, Acura MDX (or RDX?), Ford Flex are all probably better ideas than Merc/Audi/BMW. The Flex looks huge - probably bigger than I need. I'm not a fan of how the EX looks, plus I think the trunk is too small for my needs... German wagons look fantastic to me, but of course it's just personal preference. The Magnum went out of production in 2008 (didn't know this until I looked it up), so it would be just as old as the German cars, but probably cheaper to fix, and cheaper to buy too (6-9k or so).
You guys are probably right that I should get something more recent and more sensible. I don't know what the risks are with a 6-10 year old German car, but there must be many expensive things that can go wrong. I've always leased so never had anything more than 3 years old.
Honda Pilot, Acura MDX (or RDX?), Ford Flex are all probably better ideas than Merc/Audi/BMW. The Flex looks huge - probably bigger than I need. I'm not a fan of how the EX looks, plus I think the trunk is too small for my needs... German wagons look fantastic to me, but of course it's just personal preference. The Magnum went out of production in 2008 (didn't know this until I looked it up), so it would be just as old as the German cars, but probably cheaper to fix, and cheaper to buy too (6-9k or so).
Thanks for all the great feedback!
You can always buy from Carmax and get their warranty, which is fairly decent, or find what BMW's extended warranty policy is if you're interested in them.
You guys are probably right that I should get something more recent and more sensible. I don't know what the risks are with a 6-10 year old German car, but there must be many expensive things that can go wrong. I've always leased so never had anything more than 3 years old.
Honda Pilot, Acura MDX (or RDX?), Ford Flex are all probably better ideas than Merc/Audi/BMW. The Flex looks huge - probably bigger than I need. I'm not a fan of how the EX looks, plus I think the trunk is too small for my needs... German wagons look fantastic to me, but of course it's just personal preference. The Magnum went out of production in 2008 (didn't know this until I looked it up), so it would be just as old as the German cars, but probably cheaper to fix, and cheaper to buy too (6-9k or so).
Thanks for all the great feedback!
Japanese is always the best route on a used purchase, especially over 7 years old. I'd take a good look at the MDX. 2007 > are great SUVs that handle like a nice car and there are many good choices under $20K, even under $15K.
Brief update on my car search. I decided I could up my budget to around ~30k, and last weekend I went to look at and test drive a 2011 MB E350 wagon. I loved the styling, the huge trunk with low cargo load height, and the panoramic sunroof. But I really did not like how the thing drove. It felt massively underpowered with ~268 hp, the steering felt loose and disconnected, and the ride felt somehow too heavy and too floaty at the same time. I guess I've been spoiled by my other cars... But this won't work for me.
My next thought was a used Porsche Cayenne. You can get a 2011 (first year of the new body style) for around that price. But the trunk is surprisingly small, and the load height is very high. My dog couldn't jump up - I'd have to lift him up there every time. So that one is probably a no as well.
Current thought is a 2010 535i xDrive. That was the last year of the wagon body style. Cars in good shape cost mid to low 20k range. I'll try to take one for a test drive soon... Hopefully it checks all the boxes and feels a bit better than the Benz.
Brief update on my car search. I decided I could up my budget to around ~30k,
For 30K, you could forget used cars and get a brand-new 2.5L Subaru Outback wagon with standard AWD, though it might take a little more than 30K to get a 3.6R version with six cylinders, unless it was bare-bones and the dealer really discounted it for you.
For 30K, you could forget used cars and get a brand-new 2.5L Subaru Outback wagon with standard AWD, though it might take a little more than 30K to get a 3.6R version with six cylinders, unless it was bare-bones and the dealer really discounted it for you.
Yes, but then he has to worry about significant depreciation. Used cars have already suffered that drop. Like getting a one or two year old CPO Touareg versus a brand new one.
Why not look into a Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Wagon? Offered in AT or MT, 2.5L Turbo, AWD, etc. Can't really beat it, and you don't get all the ricer looks that you get from driving a WRX or STI.
Why not look into a Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Wagon? Offered in AT or MT, 2.5L Turbo, AWD, etc. Can't really beat it, and you don't get all the ricer looks that you get from driving a WRX or STI.
If you read through the thread, you will see it is clear the OP wants something more upscale.
05-11-15, 04:53 PM
