Which Wagon?

[StormChaser]

So, still waiting to hear if the HHR is totaled. in the mean time, I've been looking at replacments and determined I want a station wagon with a stick shift. I'd love a B6 Passat or Audi A4 wagon, but I haven't been able to find one in my price range, and I know better than to go with a B5 or B5.5. So, here's what I've found:

1999 Subaru Legacy Outback Limited AWD - $5,981

79,000 miles
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...ost&listType=1

2004 Volvo V70 2.4 (non-turbo)
100,000 miles. At a local dealer and one of our fellow TCL members works there. They got it in as a trade and will wholesale it in a about a week. But I can grab it for $6,000 fully MD inspected. 5-speed stick, nice graphite leather interior, upgraded 16" Thor alloys, automatic climate control, electric sunroof, trip computer, wood trim, cruise, no self-leveling, no roof rails, no luggage net., has winter package. New tires, but they are Coopers. Work that will be done if I get it: CV boots, headlight bulb, front rotors, and right outer tie rod for inspection. It will also get a fresh timing belt job as it will be due in just a couple thousand miles.




2000 BMW 323 iT - $6,800
Mileage: 97,601
Silver/ Black leather, Manual TRANSMISSION, moonroof, xenon headlights, heated seats, cd player, ski bag, 3 keys, NICE 12 year old car, A/C blows COLD, everything in good condition.

Pic is representative, not the actual car.

Or, if none of those, make a suggestion for a station wagon with a manual trans for under $7,500 out the door.

[trigtm]

I love Volvo's but that 2.4 non-turbo is kind of gutless even in 5 speed form. Personally I'd go with the e46.

[bubbagti]

I love Volvo's but that 2.4 non-turbo is kind of gutless even in 5 speed form. Personally I'd go with the e46.

My choice too

[adrew]

http://www.blueknobauto.com/VehicleD...-PA/1783031353

[StormChaser]

I love Volvo's but that 2.4 non-turbo is kind of gutless even in 5 speed form. Personally I'd go with the e46.

Speed isn't an issue...I have/had a base 2008 HHR. . haha! I kinda like the 2.4, known for being reliable and fuel friendly (30mpg highway).

Edit, the correct power levels for the HHR:
Torque: 152 ft-lbs. @ 4200 rpm
Horsepower: 149 hp @ 5600 rpm

[Harv]

If hauling stuff is a priority, then don't go for the E46.

If there's a weakness here, it's cargo capacity. Although this is the biggest 3-series wagon yet, it has the smallest cargo hold of the three Euro players contending in this realm, seats up or folded flat. The Audi and the Volvo offer 62 and 61 cubic feet, respectively, whereas the BMW can only accept 48 cubes of stuff. On the other hand, the double rear hatch (the glass can be opened separately) covers a portal with generous dimensions, making loading and unloading easy, and if you're considering a wagon in this size class, you're probably not planning to use it as a moving van anyway

[Hippieinmyheart]

I like the suby and actually drive the non-outback version from that generation. You get lots of room, pretty easy to work on, can be pretty reliable. But;

-the 2.5 in the outbacks are known to have headgasket issues a lot sooner than the 2.2's in the non-outbacks. If the headgasket hasn't been done I would consider it.

-If you are worried about gas mileage this might not be the best. Mileage seems to vary by quite a bit owner to owner but I average around 25/26 which isn't terrible.

-Finally that price seems a little steep. There are a billion of that gen legacy's around. Yes, low mileage examples are getting harder to find, but I paid 3k for mine with 76,000 miles and all it needed was rear struts. I'm into it mine less than that asking price with full tune-up, new brakes, and new springs and struts.

Just my $0.02

[bigbumpmike]

I chose subaru only bc the state you live in see's some snow. e46 in snow hauling stuff wouldnt be as safe.

[StormChaser]

I don't suppose anyone knows where I can find a sales brochure for a 2004 V70? Or a good online listing of what came with the Premium Package? It looks like this one has the Premium Package, but I'd like to read up on what all came standard and on that package.

[mrothwell]

Buy the Bimmer! I had a 2.4L N/A Volvo with a 5 speed, and while it was reliable and good on gas, there wasn't much that was fun about it. Plus the BMW has xenons, which are awesome, and its a BMW, so it'll be fun to drive. Just do it.

[bzcat]

All three are probably decent choices given your budget but the E46 has added bonus of being a great car to drive. The Outback is close 2nd in my choice but I have never like the compromised handling of the Outback. The goofy 2-tone paint is also looking really silly and dated now. I would probably go for it if it was a Legacy rather than Outback. The non-turbo Volvo is like hitting the snooze button. If you haul a lot of stuff, this is probably a better choice but it doesn't drive like the E46.

[SVTDanny]

Find out whether or not your car is actually totaled before making 3 threads about what to replace it with?

[StormChaser]

Find out whether or not your car is actually totaled before making 3 threads about what to replace it with?

Getting ducks lined up for a fast decision when/if it's totaled out. I'm paying for the rental out of pocket and want to get out of it as soon as possible.

[Harv]

The problem with the 323 is that is was the worst motor that the E46 got.

[cryption]

Have you thought about soemthing like a Matrix XRS?

[Wanganrunner]

ANY E46 wagon with a manual gearbox is a unicorn at this point.

If you find one, buy one, especially for $6800 with under 100k on it. That's just terrific.

Why even make a thread?

[StormChaser]

Because I'm leaning towards the Volvo but wanted others opinions.

[Sir UNBANNED_GERBIL M.B.]

The problem with the 323 is that is was the worst motor that the E46 got.

I thought the 320 did

[spockcat]

In true TCL tradition, why has no one suggested something way out of his budget (that also happens to be a TCL favorite)? Is TCL broken?

[two.twoliter]

I thought the 320 did

No 320 in the US. 323 was the slowest e46, but it's still quicker than than a non-turbo Volvo or an Outback.

[Heffernan]

Outback, just make sure the HG are new and the 100k services has been done. Happy motoring

[FlashRedGLS1.8T]

I almost bought a 323 a few years ago and wish I had.

So, 323.

[Sir UNBANNED_GERBIL M.B.]

No 320 in the US. 323 was the slowest e46, but it's still quicker than than a non-turbo Volvo or an Outback.

We got them in Canada.

[Geechie_Suede]

I vote the Volvo

[PoorHouse]

Subi is overpriced.

The Volvo is priced very well, especially considering the t.belt service - Very Tempting.

With some hesitation I'm voting for the BMW, based on your description, the fact they are near
impossible to find, and it will be the most fun.

[koston.]

Subaru. In the 5 years we've had my Wife's '96 (~80k miles when she got it) we've... um... well the brakes are due for service, bad passenger front wheel bearing, oil temp gauge was broken when we got it.

Has 115k miles on it now. Solid cars. Looked at BMW when I was Forester XT shopping... drives nice, but didn't want to look at the repair bills (tbh, I was looking for XI, and the enthusiasts all swore up and down; 70k mile replacement interval for front arms and bushings... $700 in parts. NO THANKS.)

[StormChaser]

In true TCL tradition, why has no one suggested something way out of his budget (that also happens to be a TCL favorite)? Is TCL broken?

[URL="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E30-M3-Touring-Euro-E36-M3-engine-BBS-Coilovers-Big-Brakes-AC-Schnitzer-/290733068242?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43b10a8fd2"]

I've never had a car payment in my life, but if it comes with HER...I think I might be willing to take out a loan.

[VolodkaVR]

I voted v70 because its bigger than e46. For the money I'd find a manual e39 wagon - 528i can be had for under $5K in decent condition.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...&highlight=e39

[clutchrider]

6MT in Alpine White if you can find it

[StormChaser]

I voted v70 because its bigger than e46. For the money I'd find a manual e39 wagon - 528i can be had for under $5K in decent condition.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...&highlight=e39

Way too many miles on that for me. I'd like to keep it under 100,000 but slightly over is OK.

[goin440]

Subaru. In the 5 years we've had my Wife's '96 (~80k miles when she got it) we've... um... well the brakes are due for service, bad passenger front wheel bearing, oil temp gauge was broken when we got it.

Has 115k miles on it now. Solid cars. Looked at BMW when I was Forester XT shopping... drives nice, but didn't want to look at the repair bills (tbh, I was looking for XI, and the enthusiasts all swore up and down; 70k mile replacement interval for front arms and bushings... $700 in parts. NO THANKS.)

At your wife's pace of 7000mi a yr, $700 in parts in 10yrs (if you even keep it that long) seems reasonable.

Granted, I've experienced Genuine BMW Service/Parts and know of the pain. And also realize the BMW isn't starting at 0 miles.

[.LSinLV.]

you comment on B6's being in your price range is pretty accurate. I was VERY suprised that when we were looking to replace our B6 Variant, we ended up getting 60% of the purchase price 5 years and 55K miles later. they held their value way better than I could have imagined.

[1995Camry]

I cannot believe there hasn't been any lesbian jokes yet

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[Fettes Brot]

You would be crazy to pass on that V70.

[2.0_Mazda]

07+ Mazda 6 Wagon