Ok guys and gals I need some input. My parents want to trade in their 2001 minivan and get a station wagon. They've asked me to compile some facts and figures and report back to them. They're looking for a car that is less than 5 years old. They have a budget of about $10, 000. We have a dog and they do lots of road trips to places like Ottawa, down south or the west coast.

Does anyone have a station wagon? Do you like it or hate it? Any particular models to avoid or does it get high marks for comfort, reliability and fuel economy?

Thanks for the help.

 

What's a station wagon?

-Matt

 

Doesn't everyone ?


Aside from Volvo's .....Real Station Wagons in the true essence of the term don't really exist anymore.

Talk them into a Freestyle.That's what I would get

 

Don't forget the Focus station wagon!!!!

 

I bought a vw jetta wagon 2003 TDI 5 spd. I have 2 kids and a wife. There is enough seating in the front for 2, the back is good for 2 and maybe a small dog, or one and a large dog. Has a hatch back. More cargo space than the jetta sedan, and getts 45-48 mpg on average. It is a turbo diesel, goes 10,000 miles between oil changes. You might be able to find a used one for your budget. It doesn't lack power. Will run 70-80 mph all day long. gets about 550 miles to a fill up.

 

Oh ya! Lol! How could I forget about that.

-Matt

 

First mistake...$10,000.00 & 5 years old or less is not the kind of vehicle I'd want to send old folks down the highway in. There's not much chance that you'd find a manufacturers warranty with whatever vehicle fit your search requirements.
Mazda had a commercial on 680 NEWS recently for 0% financing on some models. Other Mfg.'s likely have the same deal.
I suggest that you folks re-think what is affordable. Breaking down in Bam Fork Idaho could get really expensive in a second hand car.
I personally think that a reasonable brand new car will always be more affordable over 10 years than someone elses left-overs.
OK, Good?
AL.
.
P.S. .... Matt, aka Young Pup. A station wagon is a REGULAR car with a whole bunch of extra space in the back. Not something you're used to finding in a Focus, eh?

 

My dad upped his budget to $15,000. He'll never go for a new car. His logic is if you can get something that's nearly new and nicely brokin' in then you can save a few thousand dollars. My dad's all about saving money. My dad is also very handy so a manufacturers warranty isn't something he's too concerned about.

Thanks for you input so far. He was talkin' today about a Toyota Camry wagon.

 

It's been on a million times....National Lampoon's "Vacation" with Chevy Chase....so I'm sure you've seen it. The land yacht they were cruisin' around in that's a station wagon.....LOL.

 

Who could forget the "Family Truckster"

 

Answer: Mr. Y. Pup.
AL.