Need an automatic wagon/hatch

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
You might want to stretch your price range for a 05-07 Focus wagon. They have the 2.0 duratec with no timing belt, and the rocker panel rust issue is reduced. I just bought an 07 mtx and am quite satisfied with the motor and the car overall so far. I'm hoping for 35+mpg for my 55mph highway commute.
If you plan to haul stuff with the back seats up, take some time to research cargo volumes, many of the "wagons" have half as much as the Focus or HHR or the older Volvo's.


I've been looking on CL for a MTX-75 equipped focus wagon. Can't find one

I guess they are pretty rare, I had to travel a couple hours to get mine. It's too bad kijiji isn't popular in the US, it makes searching for specific cars easy. Even alot of used dealers are using it.

 

[mjk]

At your price point, you can still find some clean Accord or Camry wagons from the mid 90's. They pop up here/there on the Minneapolis CL, and I see them in Chicago as well.

Obviously they will be easy to work on, and parts are cheap.

The last car I'd look at (for your specific purpose) would be an Audi.

 

[mjk]

For example.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/cto/3725216602.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ctd/3730598474.html

Both are barely broken in.

 

[sleddriver]

Originally Posted By: Astro14
To answer you and bowl of turtle - I am not a fan of the V40, they were less reliable than the 850 series, it's not a bad car, but it's cramped inside and has less usable space than the 850 platform.

If you could find a really clean 850 from 1993 to 1997, or a V70 (same car, a few tweaks) from 1998 - 2000, that would be ideal. They're FWD, the 5 cylinder NA/turbo engine is very reliable (need to keep an eye on PCV) and the 4 speed auto is durable as well. Strut suspension is straightforward. They come with all the safety features, ABS, airbags, and that model introduced side airbags.

Condition is everything though - don't be like GHT and get one that has problems. You want one with a clean interior, good mechanicals. Volvos are quite rust resistant, so you should be able to find one that is rust-free. For Volvo issues, see this post: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2754798&page=1 and read through what Volvohead has to say. Look for one with a roof rack as well. With a set of crossbars on mine, I have hauled kayaks, plywood, lumber and other long cargo.

Clearly, I am a wagon fan - and why not? You get car handling, ride and MPG with the ability to haul big things inside. In the case of the T5, with it's 247 HP turbo engine, Bilsteins, poly bushings, upgraded swaybars and big brakes, I get all that and a credible sports car too...