Which station wagon with stick-shift

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I am not willing to forgo the stick
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I have a Camry now and no problems with it - too bad they don't make a SW version of it or a Honda or a Nissan basic mid size models.

Also my impression of Volvo is that they handle like American cars? Never drove a V70 but that's what I would expect?

At this point I am inclined to 5-series Bimmers, either RWD or the rare AWD. Of course what's the chance of finding one with stick shift.
 
BMW has had a history of only importing the base trim of it's 3 and 5 series as wagons to the US, from what I remember. May be hard indeed to find a stick ix.
 
Originally Posted By: pacem
I am not willing to forgo the stick
wink.gif


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Originally Posted By: pacem
Also my impression of Volvo is that they handle like American cars? Never drove a V70 but that's what I would expect?

Which American cars?
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Volvos aren't the sportiest cars on the road, but they handle decently and are very well mannered.
 
AWD does not have any more traction than FWD or RWD. Traction is a function of contact patch and weight transfer. AWD does not create traction. It only optimizes it on slippery surfaces like snow, hence its value. It has no more grip than a RWD on dry pavement.

See: http://members.rennlist.org/951_racerx/PhysicsOfRacing07.pdf

Ever notice why rally cars are AWD & race track cars are RWD? There's a reason.

Back to the subject - a Ford Focus wagon with a 5-speed (hard to find) is an excellent car than is pretty cheap, fun, reliable, and easy to work on, plus gets mid-30s for MPG.

A Diesel Jetta TDI is also fun with all the torque, but not sure about reliability outside of the engine, given VW's recent track record.

Mazda 6 wagon - friend has one with a manual. Loves it, but hard to find.
 
There is also the Mazda5 wagon/minivan, I think all it really is, is a taller mazda3 wagon with another row of seating and a bit more space. Also the chevy HHR would be another one, PT cruiser, maybe the early fwd 4 cyl ford escape/tribute came with a manual too?
 
If you arent looking for a particular brand try driving a hyundai elantra touring. Its a small wagon.

The power steering isnt fun, but the stick shift was nicer than the subaru, suzuki and mazdas I test drov.e You could easily snag some snow tires if you didnt like it in the winter.
about 520$ shipped for 4 15" steelies with snow tires.

I ended up buying one. The new elantra's are so much better than the older ones its ridiculous. (elantra touring is the wagon model)

base model 2009 elantra touring -- still has air power everything..stability control, 16" alloy wheels, Ipod/usb hookup on radio, 6 airbags. etc.. about 16k

Its kinda vibe size only bigger. The outside does not look much bigger but there is definitely room for 4 big people and alot of cargo in back. (3 in back is ok if normal sized.)

I'm 6'2" and I adjusted the drivers seat so it was comfortable for me to drive. Then sat behind it on the back seat and had over 2" between my knees and the front seat.

I drove about 15 cars before I got this one.. I didnt just walk in and buy it.

Oh and since this is BITOG the oil change is very easy on it if you do it yourself.
 
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I have a 2000 BMW 528i 5 speed manual sedan with the sports package. I put 4 wheel snow tires on in the winter for traction, steering and to preserve the OE alloy wheels. Winter driving isn't bad except when the snow gets really deep. I occasionally park it when I start pushing snow with the air dam (probably happens a day or two a year).

I previously had a 1986 Volvo 740 Turbo 4 speed manual (with overdrive) sedan. I put 4 wheel snow tires on it too for the same reasons. It had better ground clearance than the BMW so deep snow was never an issue. It was a tough car but it lacked the subtlety of the BMW - which is admittedly a lot newer and a lot more expensive.

I also have a 2007 Honda Accord V6 6MT sedan. I have 4 wheel snow tires on it too. It has a bit better traction in winter than the BMW but in truth it's hardly ever an issue. The Honda does shift a little better than the BMW - but the BMW always stays in gear which is a way better idea.

Ecotourist
 
We just got a Saturn Astra new w/stick for $15k, it has stability control. You probally want something bigger. A new Jetta wagon stripped, a new Rabitt..etc. This site scared me away from used cars.

TT is one of the few used cars I'd consider.
 
Originally Posted By: ffracer
Back to the subject - a Ford Focus wagon with a 5-speed (hard to find) is an excellent car than is pretty cheap, fun, reliable, and easy to work on, plus gets mid-30s for MPG.

"Hard to find" indeed. I tried to buy a new one a few years ago before the wagons were discontinued, but discovered that Ford did not even offer it with a manual transmission. Not sure if they did in previous years or not.
 
Originally Posted By: ffracer
AWD does not have any more traction than FWD or RWD. Traction is a function of contact patch and weight transfer. AWD does not create traction. It only optimizes it on slippery surfaces like snow, hence its value. It has no more grip than a RWD on dry pavement.

That's a good point.

When I said "traction", I was just referring to the traction available to move the car forward.
 
Ford did not offer the 5 spd in the wagons for the first couple of years.... but did later. I have actually seen a couple. looks like a great small but roomy family vehicle.

The 5 spd Wagon was sold in Canada the first year.... they often get stuff we do not. The can also Get Sienna CE's with AWD, in the US you have to buy the LE to get it. Perhaps the Canadians are better shoppers than us!!
 
If I needed AWD I would probably already have a Subaru Impreza or WRX wagon (or Saabaru 9-2X actually). Otherwise my current favorite candidate is the first generation Vibe/Matrix. You should drive both of these before you settle on something.
 
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