Looking for a station wagon.....
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
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From: Joppa, Maryland
Never had any problems with the drivetrain. Just integirty problems. You know, all that small stuff that brakes, that isn't supposed to. That generally doesn't happen in the japanese cars. Thats the difference. Whats sickening is that the domestic cars quality is so low, at least from that era, we'll see how the new ones hold up.
edit: But enough about domestic/foreign, this thead is about helping the guy find the best ride for his money!
edit: But enough about domestic/foreign, this thead is about helping the guy find the best ride for his money!
Last edited by captain p4; May 15, 2006 at 11:37 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
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They're older than what your looking for, but with 3K oil/filter and warmups they'll last forever. Mercedes Benz W123 or W124, gas or diesels, tough and reliable with bulletproof engines along with a very good use of internal space. I own a 1981 240D, interior is roomy and well engineered. Also there are the BMW 5 series that are just as well engineered and reliable. I also know that AUDI builds station wagons, don't know to much about them other than they are like the BMW's and Benz in that they are built like tanks.
What about Volkswagon?
What about Volkswagon?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Charleston, WV
Subaru Subaru Subaru Subaru Subaru Subaru Subaru Subaru
My uncle's had several, and I've had one. Only problem either of us have had (that I know of) is that he had a clutch slipping on him in his Impreza. Legacy and Impreza wagons are within the price range you mentioned, they've got tons of space, and you can't go wrong with AWD, especially in a snow belt area.
My uncle's had several, and I've had one. Only problem either of us have had (that I know of) is that he had a clutch slipping on him in his Impreza. Legacy and Impreza wagons are within the price range you mentioned, they've got tons of space, and you can't go wrong with AWD, especially in a snow belt area.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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Little things that brake on american cars, and not on japanese, are you on crack? I sold japanese cars for a year ( TOYOTA/HONDA) and there were plenty of small thing we were allways having to get replaced for our costumers, but that is beside the point, like you say. I don't know personally, but allways heard that volvo made a good wagon, does anyone know? I've seen alot of them on the road over the years, I know thier supost to be save. The only wagons I've owned were pinto's back in the 70's, they were pretty good for the time I guess. I like all cars, I just get tired of one kind being pushed down peoples throats like it's the only kinda cars in the world. I allways liked the little subaru brat, that thing was cool, it wasn't a wagon, but it did have 2 seats in the bed for people to ride, that was a unique concept.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Marion, VA
Since you're buying used, buy something that depreciates fast. You can buy a newer and lower mileage car if it depreciates fast rather than buying a Toyota-Subaru,. etc that holds its value. The later model Escort wagons (and even Cavaliers) are cheap and very dependable. 4X2 SUVs are actually just station wagons and sell much cheaper than the 4X4s. When buying used, don't buy the vehicles that are very expensive to repair. European cars such as Mercedes, Volvo, etc. generally require premium fuel and are very expensive to have serviced and repair. Parts are generally only available from the dealer and much of the repair work is only done at the dealerships. Routine maintenance is really expensive for most of the European vehicles.
Post Fiend
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I forgot about the escape 4x2's, my son just bought one with the duratec 4, he loves it, it's good on gas. He got it for around 17,000 new with rebates, and stuff. They had a couger, but just had thier first baby, needed something bigger with 4-doors, the escape fit the bill perfectly. Even as a 2 wheel drive, he said he did excellent in the snow. I had an 01 escape 4x4 with the v-6, it was the best little suv we ever had as long as you don't want to go rock crawling or something. I am sure the used 4x2 would be selling pretty reasonable, there a great dependable well built family vehicle.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
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European cars aren't expensive, only if you abuse them!
BMW 528e models could use 87 or 89 octane gasoline. Certain Mercedes Benz vehicles do not need 91 octane and are far more reliable than any subaru. Parts do not have to come from the dealer. Maintenance is not an issue if you know how to do it yourself. Like I said, with warmups, clean oil & good overall maintenance they will last longer than ANY japanese or american car could ever dream about lasting. There is a 1976 Mercedes 240D sitting at the Daimler Benz museum with 2.8 MILLION miles on it with only 3 engines! I don't think subaru could say that.
I'd go with a 300TD turbo diesel, just make sure oil is @ 3K not 5K as the manual may state.
BMW 528e models could use 87 or 89 octane gasoline. Certain Mercedes Benz vehicles do not need 91 octane and are far more reliable than any subaru. Parts do not have to come from the dealer. Maintenance is not an issue if you know how to do it yourself. Like I said, with warmups, clean oil & good overall maintenance they will last longer than ANY japanese or american car could ever dream about lasting. There is a 1976 Mercedes 240D sitting at the Daimler Benz museum with 2.8 MILLION miles on it with only 3 engines! I don't think subaru could say that.
I'd go with a 300TD turbo diesel, just make sure oil is @ 3K not 5K as the manual may state.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
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From: Joppa, Maryland
Originally Posted by wendell borror
Little things that brake on american cars, and not on japanese, are you on crack? ...
Now, i've never owned an escort or a focus, but one of my good friends has both, and they have been great to him. They also have an explorer, which has been pretty reliable.
Has anyone mentioned a focus wagon? (newer than '01 of course..) I'm not sure what you're trying to fit in there, but the hatchback looks a lot nicer if its roomy enough.
Last edited by captain p4; May 16, 2006 at 05:52 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Houston
I don't have much experience with European cars because I've only had a couple of them, however, after it took $27 to replace a headlight on my Volvo and the alternator went out on my VW after 33,000 miles I decided that Ford was the only vehicle I was going to buy. Also, my neighbor just had to replace the entire wiring harness on his Mercedes at a cost of $1200 and my co-worker just spent $800 for a water pump on a VW Jetta that's only a few years old. The water pump on my 1995 Bronco was a mere $45. Granted, I did install it but I would bet it wouldn't have cost $755 in labor. I have zero experience with Japanese vehicles so I won't go there.
Considering that there is very little difference between a mini-van and a station wagon, I would keep the mini-van since I know it. I never get rid of a vehicle just because I want something different. I have to have a real need or my old vehicle had to die. What's wrong with the mini-van?
Considering that there is very little difference between a mini-van and a station wagon, I would keep the mini-van since I know it. I never get rid of a vehicle just because I want something different. I have to have a real need or my old vehicle had to die. What's wrong with the mini-van?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Marion, VA
Originally Posted by NA7.3LIDI
European cars aren't expensive, only if you abuse them!
BMW 528e models could use 87 or 89 octane gasoline. Certain Mercedes Benz vehicles do not need 91 octane and are far more reliable than any subaru. Parts do not have to come from the dealer.
BMW 528e models could use 87 or 89 octane gasoline. Certain Mercedes Benz vehicles do not need 91 octane and are far more reliable than any subaru. Parts do not have to come from the dealer.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 690
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From: Northeast of Toronto.
Originally Posted by okst1
I don't have much experience with European cars because I've only had a couple of them, however, after it took $27 to replace a headlight on my Volvo and the alternator went out on my VW after 33,000 miles I decided that Ford was the only vehicle I was going to buy. Also, my neighbor just had to replace the entire wiring harness on his Mercedes at a cost of $1200 and my co-worker just spent $800 for a water pump on a VW Jetta that's only a few years old. The water pump on my 1995 Bronco was a mere $45. Granted, I did install it but I would bet it wouldn't have cost $755 in labor. I have zero experience with Japanese vehicles so I won't go there.
Considering that there is very little difference between a mini-van and a station wagon, I would keep the mini-van since I know it. I never get rid of a vehicle just because I want something different. I have to have a real need or my old vehicle had to die. What's wrong with the mini-van?
Considering that there is very little difference between a mini-van and a station wagon, I would keep the mini-van since I know it. I never get rid of a vehicle just because I want something different. I have to have a real need or my old vehicle had to die. What's wrong with the mini-van?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
Likes: 5
From: Lancaster County PA
Thread hijack alert!!!
How about a 1972 Ford LTD Country Squire with the genuine woodgrain vinyl door boards, leather interior, A/C, power windows, and a 460 with auto transmission?
We rode our family wagon from PA to FLA when I was about 11-12 years old.
My dad got a ticket doing 90 through VA. Said he never realized he was going that fast that big ol' 460 just purred!
We kids sat in the "way back" w/out seat belts-just the back seat folded flat to make a big area covered with blankets.
Funny story: the styrofoam cooler kept creeping over to the wheel well and squeaking.
Dad started out with gentle reminders: "Hey kids, fix that cooler wouldja please?" that got progressively more stern as the hours and miles ticked by and the cooler kept creeping back over against the well and squeaking again.
It culminated with him screaming at the top of his lungs about hours later: "WILL YOU FIX THAT G**D*** COOLER ONCE AND FOR ALL!?!?!?!??"
Mom took the cooler into the front seat between the two of them.
Man that was some car! Seemed like about 8 feet of hood in front of the windshield!
Frame rusted out on the thing in about 5 years and he sold it.
How about a 1972 Ford LTD Country Squire with the genuine woodgrain vinyl door boards, leather interior, A/C, power windows, and a 460 with auto transmission?
We rode our family wagon from PA to FLA when I was about 11-12 years old.
My dad got a ticket doing 90 through VA. Said he never realized he was going that fast that big ol' 460 just purred!
We kids sat in the "way back" w/out seat belts-just the back seat folded flat to make a big area covered with blankets.
Funny story: the styrofoam cooler kept creeping over to the wheel well and squeaking.
Dad started out with gentle reminders: "Hey kids, fix that cooler wouldja please?" that got progressively more stern as the hours and miles ticked by and the cooler kept creeping back over against the well and squeaking again.
It culminated with him screaming at the top of his lungs about hours later: "WILL YOU FIX THAT G**D*** COOLER ONCE AND FOR ALL!?!?!?!??"
Mom took the cooler into the front seat between the two of them.
Man that was some car! Seemed like about 8 feet of hood in front of the windshield!
Frame rusted out on the thing in about 5 years and he sold it.
Last edited by ckal704; May 16, 2006 at 07:45 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 692
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From: Houston
Originally Posted by CowboyPenner
My dad wants something smaller 'cause he wants something better on gas. The Astro van is a pig on gas. He was looking at used Toyota's and a new Matrix, on the internet this afternoon. Supposedly the Toyota gets 40mpg vs 20mpg for the van.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,147
Likes: 1
From: Joppa, Maryland
Hey, he probably just wants something different and to see less of a hurting at the pump, it may not work out that you save money at all, but you do end up with a newer vehicle that doesn't eat up the gas as much.
I haven't heard good things about VW either, okst1.
I haven't heard good things about VW either, okst1.