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We're missing the point here. drphoto stipulated a WAGON (The Mazda3 hatch is not a wagon (just a nice practical small car), and the A3 could barely be called a wagon.) Maximum price of $10,000, so how would an Audi A3 fit into that equation, when the entry fee is $15K+?The Scion XB...well it doesn't have much space behind those back seats either. Hard to find one under $10K either.However, a Ford Focus wagon IS a wagon WITH useful cargo space, and can be had under $10K.I have to go back to my original suggestion, a used (2005 - 2007) Dodge Magnum SXT. It has useful space, decent power with its 3.5L V6, half decent milage, it will last a long time and is dirt cheap to boot. The Magnum was designed using Mercedes E class suspension gear so it handles well and is very smooth.
If you want rail handling in a compact wagon the Audi a3 out preforms the Scion xb and the mazda 3
Can't help it....every time I see that Scion I think..... ......
...the 60/40-split rear seats fold flat, making the Scion xB an ideal cargo hauler with a whopping 70 cubic feet of space.
The first-generation Scion xB went on sale in June 2003 as a 2004 model. Initially it was sold only in California, and Scion gradually rolled it out to other big markets like Florida, New York and Texas. Nationwide sales began for the 2005 model year.Standard equipment was better than average for a low-priced economy car, as every xB came with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, air-conditioning, an MP3-compatible CD player and power windows, mirrors and locks. Fifteen-inch steel wheels with your choice of plastic wheel covers were also standard, but you could get alloy wheels as a low-cost accessory. Side and head curtain airbags were optional.The power source in every first-generation Scion xB was a 1.5-liter, inline-4-cylinder engine. In 2004 and '05, it was rated for 108 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque; however, for the 2006 model year, new SAE certification procedures dropped the rating to 103 hp and 101 lb-ft. The xB's engine and acceleration were unchanged, though. We recommend sticking with the five-speed manual transmission if you can, as it gives this xB respectable point-and-shoot capability in freeway traffic. Acceleration however, could be sluggish with the four-speed automatic.
dodge magnums are fat pigs, imo, they do absolutely nothing for me, except make me wince whenever i see them. they make me think of pimps and mobsters.
I bring up the Mazda3 because Drphoto himself brings up the Mazda3 in his OP. I also don't think you can get an Audi A3 for under $10k without a salvage title. I bring up the xB because it has tremendous utility (no question it destroys the mazda3 in the utility department,) and apparently handles on rails AND has incredible fuel economy.
Maybe consider the Mazda Protege. That car, which the mazda3 replaced, was much lighter, albeit with less power. Nevertheless, the handling was reportedly much more nimble than the 3100-3200lb mazda3.
