Need an automatic wagon/hatch

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Azeem
Suzuki Forenza might be a decent option preferably 06-08 around 100k miles mark.


Or Daewoo-zuki Reno hatchback.

They are fairly unremarkable cars to drive, but I am surprised at the mileage some of these accumulate. The Holden 2.0 doesn't get very good gas mileage for it's power output but it seems to be pretty durable.

Maybe even an Aerio SX which is a real Suzuki at least with a timing chain

 

[DrDusty86]

steve, I had a brain [censored]. I never even thought about minivans..I would say that a minivan would work great for you.

 

[fdcg27]

That was one of my first thoughts on seeing this thread.
A minivan would be perfect.
Plenty of space, cheap to buy and enough of each on the road that any issues are already well known.
The 22 mpg target should be attainable as well.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Taurus/Sable
PT Cruiser

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Jeep XJ. They are a dime a dozen and easily can run 300,000 if rust doesn't consume the vehicle.

 

[VicVinegar]

A high mileage Mazda 5 might get within striking distance of that price.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Jeep XJ. They are a dime a dozen and easily can run 300,000 if rust doesn't consume the vehicle.


I like the Cherokee XJ but I do not think that it will meet the mpg criteria. Even in 2.5 form

(2.5 automatic?

how slow would that thing be? )

 

[Astro14]

Old RWD Volvo...or the Volvo 850 series...

Almost certainly auto (in the US) and those cars were solid. Condition is everything, but for $3500, you could find a nice mid-90s wagon...and I use mine for hauling stuff from Home Depot, etc...moved an engine hoist, furniture and other bulky items long distance with mine. My 850 got a solid 28 MPG highway...my 2002 T5 gets more like 26, but that's mostly because the turbo is so fun to spool up...

 

[bowlofturtle]

^ which year volvo would be more ideal ? A turbo wagon (if such exist and is relatively trouble free) would be ideal.

Wanted to rule out the idea of a minivan. Just simply not how i like things. Reason why i'm looking for wagon/hatch is because its a way for me to avoid a minivan. I rather go over my budget and buy like the new forester/outback then get a nissan quest or equal.

HHR is another good one, however i hate the PT cruiser. Kinda weird i like an HHR.


So far i cant find a vibe/matrix under $5k or under 200k in my budget.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Jeep XJ. They are a dime a dozen and easily can run 300,000 if rust doesn't consume the vehicle.


I like the Cherokee XJ but I do not think that it will meet the mpg criteria. Even in 2.5 form

(2.5 automatic?

how slow would that thing be? )


The 2.5s got the same mileage as the 4.0 since they had much lower gearing than the 4.0s.

 

[bowlofturtle]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: Spazdog
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Jeep XJ. They are a dime a dozen and easily can run 300,000 if rust doesn't consume the vehicle.


I like the Cherokee XJ but I do not think that it will meet the mpg criteria. Even in 2.5 form

(2.5 automatic?

how slow would that thing be? )


The 2.5s got the same mileage as the 4.0 since they had much lower gearing than the 4.0s.


But neither is going to average much higher then 18mpg EVEN if i baby that thing. Yea it will last and be solid.

 

[tdpark]

What is your issue with a minivan? Image?

 

[surfstar]

Kia Spectra5 - will be a bit smaller than vibe/matrix, though.
Mazda Protege5 (but likely suffering from rust)

Those Kias should be super cheap to find w/ low miles. Has timing belt vs chain, though.

 

[Spazdog]

I like the Spectra5...except for the shifter. Having an automatic cures that.

It's the Elantra's slightly sportier/less dressy sister.

It might be stretching it on the price.

You can definitely get a first generation Rio Cinco.

It's probably the best looking of that particular chassis (Festiva/Aspire) but the build quality isn't that good. It's made out of well designed stuff: Mazda 121 chassis and B-engine. Just not put together as well.


I think the 2005+ Rio5s are the Accent based cars. The Accent based Rios are built well enough but they suffer from the "throwaway car" stigma. They are cheap cars and aren't cared for very well

 

[jrustles]

Volvo V40 wagon, '01-02 vintage?

Why not?!

 

[Astro14]

Originally Posted By: jrustles
Volvo V40 wagon, '01-02 vintage?

Why not?!


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...

 

[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.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

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

 

[bowlofturtle]

Originally Posted By: tdpark
What is your issue with a minivan? Image?


kinda. I'm not a BIG image guy but i just dont like minivans in general especially when I dont have kids or dogs.


This is on my must see list. Low pressure turbo. Timging belt done. If the pictures are true and i can get this for $2200-2500. I;m done.
http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/ctd/3687437127.html



Also how are the XC AWD systems? Or should i stick with FWD.

 

[Astro14]

That is EXACTLY what I had in mind! And in the color of my car too...great looking car, looks like it might be a respray, that paint is impossibly bright for 14 years old. Looks like a nice car overall.

Skip the XC models - the extra drive shafts and joints can wear, but the biggest issues are the angle gear (front differential) that wears out (and it's hard to find used, so you're looking at $1,800) and the viscous coupling (on the rear differential, that provides the slip between front and rear) which also wears out, rendering the car a heavy, thirsty 2WD...unless you want to spend $1K replacing it.