diablo1

Hi all. I am looking to pay cash for a used wagon somewhere in the $15k-$20k price range. It needs to be AWD, automatic, and have enough room in the back for a ~70 lb. dog. For example, I think the BMW X1 and 3-series wagon would be too small, but the old 5-series wagon would be ok. Similarly with Audis, the A4 Avant might be too small but A6 should work. So far I have come up with the following list:

2006-2009 Mercedes E350 or E500 4MATIC wagon
2006-2008 BMW 530 or 535 xi or xiT wagon
2006-2008 Audi A6 Avant quattro

My whole family are Subaru fans, so that would be another option, but I prefer something like the above, which is a little more on the luxurious side. Just wanted to see if the members had any other recommendations or obvious choices that I was overlooking.

I am about halfway through the 3-year lease on my Maserati Ghibli S Q4. I left my job a while ago and recently decided to start a business with a friend of mine, which means a big cash commitment and no salary for the foreseeable future. Also, as I mentioned, my dog is getting huge and can't comfortably ride in the Maserati anymore. So I'm looking to get out of that lease as well, and into something more convenient for him. I'll probably post on Swapalease unless anyone here has a better idea!

Thanks for reading.

mmarshall

In the 15-20K price range, you could get a somewhat newer (probably around 2010) Volvo V70 or AWD XC70 Cross-Country wagon than those 2006-2009 Germans you are looking at.

Aron9000

Does it have to be AWD? You can get an AMG Benz wagon in your price range, send your dog right through the rear glass when you put the hammer down. Even going almost 10 years, on they are seriously fast cars.

S2000toIS350

What about a thrifty Subaru Legacy wagon (leaving more dough to build you biz)?

mmarshall

He said in the OP that he is aware of the Subies (which would also have been one of my recommendations), but prefers something more upscale. The Legacy wagon was also dropped in the U.S. as of 2007....not many were sold here, and it would probably be difficult to find one as a used car.

diablo1

Thanks guys. The Volvo is another good option to consider, somewhere between the Germans and the Subarus in terms of luxury, and it is not a bad looking car, though not super exciting to drive either. The only car that's not a Subaru owned by anyone in my family is my dad's XC70, so I know it pretty well.

It does have to be AWD unfortunately - ski trips and winter drives in New England make it a must. Too bad the AMGs only went AWD in the last few years. I know they depreciate pretty fast so in a few more years they could be a good value.

Not too many Legacy wagons floating around but if I search for AWD wagons in my area under $15k, over half of the results are Subarus, and nearly all of those are the Outback.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions!

S2000toIS350

Next idea

Caddy CTS Wagon. The 3.6 is a nice motor and you can have AWD with a RWD platform.

Here is one with under 60K miles offered for under $19K (says it has a 3 L so I am confused on that detail)

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...2169/overview/

And another with 63K miles offered for under $20K

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...5790/overview/

-J-P-L-

Just be prepared for a maintenance/repair budget for such a car. A 7-10 year old European car isn't cheap to keep.

diablo1

Thanks S2000. That car was not on my radar at all and it definitely fits my needs! I'll add it to the list.

JPL - do you have a rough idea of the maintenance costs for a German car that's 6-9 years old? I definitely would be concerned about owning one of these models out of warranty... Some places do offer 1-2 year warranties on their used cars, which could be a good idea.

tex2670

Based on your cash situation, I have to say, I'd suck it up and go with a 3-4 year old CRV until your business starts throwing off some income. Who knows what you are going to face with any 9 year old car, especially the ones you listed.

evident

I think the Caddy CTS wagon is a very classy looking vehicle, along with the Merc E class.

mmarshall

Yes, the CTS wagon is as sharp-looking as they come, but might not be easy to find, as comparatively few of them were sold. That's why it was dropped rom the U.S. market a couple of years ago.

ssigs4

If back seat room is not important the EX35 is pretty much a G wagon

chikoo

First Gen Honda Pilot or Acura MDX

Aron9000

BAM!!!!



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.