[srb]

This has absolutely nothing to do with drphoto's request for a wagon recommendation, certainly not from a cost or economy standpoint ......... but I just like fantasizing about it.
 
The BMW M5 Sportwagon
 
Steve
 

[jackman]

So far the Saab looks like a winner.  Don't know if you could swing one for your price but you should look to see if you can get one (maybe kick in a couple extra bucks).  That BM'er is beatiful but I have trouble with the M series in a station wagon.  Somehow it works in the picture but I'd love to drive one. 

Regarding the Focus, the new one is out of the price range.  I was just commenting on how nice the new model looks. Ford finally got their heads out of their collective behinds and introduced the Euro version, something they should have done years ago. 

Another car you might want to consider is the Nissan Versa.  I believe it's more roomy than the Fit and gets good mileage.  You may find a used one in base model for close to your budget but I'm not sure.  I rented a Euro version a couple years ago and ended up liking it.  PITA driving left handed stick but I got used to it after a while. 

Good luck,

J

[baldrick]

The BMW M5 Sportwagon

Dammit I love hot wagons....

[decal]

1972 Chevrolet Kingswood Estate

[baldrick]

1972 Kingswood Estate:
 

Now THAT's what I call a land yacht.

[Lyndon]

70's Global Warming?
Answer: AMC Pacer Wagon...ordered without A/C

[drphoto]

As long as we're in fantasy mode, I'd love a resto/hot rod '57 Nomad painted to match my '57 Strat! (ala avatar) Heck, in keeping w/ the green theme, instead of the typical souped up small block Chevy motor, install a turbo diesel! Hey Chip Foose...I've got a TV show episode for you! Have your people call my people........

[Lyndon]

 
Better get that T-mobile Eric Clapton Fender phone along with all that, drphoto.
I'd rather opt for the guy he's calling in the ad.  Give me the
polka dot Buddy Guy Chicago blues phone, baby!

[doug s.]

So far the Saab looks like a winner.  Don't know if you could swing one for your price but you should look to see if you can get one (maybe kick in a couple extra bucks).  That BM'er is beatiful but I have trouble with the M series in a station wagon.  Somehow it works in the picture but I'd love to drive one. 

Regarding the Focus, the new one is out of the price range.  I was just commenting on how nice the new model looks. Ford finally got their heads out of their collective behinds and introduced the Euro version, something they should have done years ago. 

Another car you might want to consider is the Nissan Versa.  I believe it's more roomy than the Fit and gets good mileage.  You may find a used one in base model for close to your budget but I'm not sure.  I rented a Euro version a couple years ago and ended up liking it.  PITA driving left handed stick but I got used to it after a while. 

Good luck,

J

yes, the new euro-focus looks much better than prewious offerings.  the nissan wersa was on my short-list, right behind the gen-1 xb, but in the end, i wanted the box look, plenty of room, and a bit better gas mileage.  the handling was an unexpected bonus - the "box" actually is as good as all the press about it.  i admit it - i decided to buy a "box", before i ever drove anything.  i figured that, for what i wanted it for, it didn't matter - a practical commuter, as i have other wehicles for fun.  as it turns out, i got lucky  - all my wehicles are a blast to drive.   

doug s.

[drphoto]

Lyndon, when I was flying RC helicopters a few years ago all of them were painted in the Buddy Guy polka dot scheme. I can post a pic if you want.

Once again, derailing my own thread.

Hey Foose! I'm still waiting for that call! I've got the surf green guitar, I love wagons.....it'll make a great episode for "Rides". I'm telling ya, diesel powered, green and cream Nomad..ohhh, and because I'm the crazy audio nut, I get to have Danny and Gary Dodd do the sound system! Cutting edge cable TV!!

[thunderbrick]

Now HERE'S what you need!


That's genuine contact paper trimmed with beige masking tape, and driven in an SCCA event.   

[srb]

Hey Foose! I'm still waiting for that call! I've got the surf green guitar, I love wagons.....it'll make a great episode for "Rides". I'm telling ya, diesel powered, green and cream Nomad..ohhh, and because I'm the crazy audio nut, I get to have Danny and Gary Dodd do the sound system! Cutting edge cable TV!!

Heres to your fantasy.
 
"My name is Dr. Photo - And I've just been Overhauled"
 
Steve

[JoshK]

I love my '02 Subaru Outback.  150k+ miles and still going, but its having more issues now.  Issues are the fault of a mechanic who didn't know what he was doing.  Subaru's have an uncommon engine ergonomic that means you should only allow someone who is experienced with Subes to do the work. 

For instance, when the fluids are changed, the car needs to be put on an incline of at least 20 degrees with the cap off the radiator and burped for a good 15-20 minutes otherwise they tend to get airbubbles that ultimately push the fluids out of the block and cause overheating and warping of the block.  That is what happened with mine.  It took three long time experienced Sube mechanics to totally figure it all out and fix the problems it caused.

The outbacks are pretty gutless and don't get the highest MPG, but they handle better in snow and ice then any other vehicle I've ever come across.  They are very versatile too.  To me that means they are actually more useful than an SUV.

[James Romeyn]

This has absolutely nothing to do with drphoto's request for a wagon recommendation, certainly not from a cost or economy standpoint ......... but I just like fantasizing about it.
 
The BMW M5 Sportwagon
 
Steve
 

Next door neighbor is a very, um, senior citizen...her son visits occasionally in his '07 M5 sedan, similar color to above.  Does anyone deserve to drive such an exceptional car?  The wagon looks even better.

My '05 Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Wagon loaded to maximum GVWR was pulling hard at an indicated 137mph when the passenger looked at the speedo and said to let off (I didn't say that was a public road).  Road was smooth and the car felt very stable.  A nail was found later in one front tire; don't know if it was there during the speed run. 

BTW, per the president of the BMW Owner's Group "Beemer" is reserved for the 2-wheel rides while Bimmer is for the 4-wheel variety.  One of my fond Bay Area memories is the uphill "wheelie bump" through 13 corners on the Marin Sunday Ride, much fun on a just-shy of 600 lb mandarin-orange '00 R1150GS at high speed (miss it), especially when parallel with another rider doing the same of course.

Has anyone else ever been at high speed on a motorcycle just behind another biker, who suddenly spotted the HP and thence did a breaky at about 90mph?  Suddenly I'm looking at the underside of a CBR929 at speed. The only way this picture made sense was if we had both crashed and were sliding on the pavement heading into the lagoon.  So I'm wondering how well I swim in full leather and hoping we don't collide before hitting the water. When his rear wheel came down shortly thereafter I realized what happened and felt slightly better but still shaken.  Don't let Jamison (last known employment was SF BMW service) ride your bike.

The '11 Ford C-Max (hidden lines for super-roomy rear sliding doors, called Grand C-Max in Europe, larger wagon version of the next-gen Focus) and '11 Chevy Orlando (oversize wagon version of the Cruz) may both be highly successful people movers.  Rumor is the C-Max may get 27-28 city MPG.  I drove the current Equinox; it may have the best 4-cyl gas motor extant (on-center feel is absent).  The just released Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson may be the best such vehicles available.       

[James Romeyn]

...the Saab 9-5, but they're known to be crap...

CU rated circa '00-'04 above average last time I checked.  My '05 was flawless except for software issues during hard up/down manual shifting of the A/T under power.  '05 was first year for the 5-spd A/T; IIRC the earlier 4-spd A/T was very reliable, as are all M/T.  I imagine by now either GM or the aftermarket has fixed the software teething problems. 

They are a little noisy inside but the Aero wagon in graphite silver looks fantastic; a head turner, even by M-B drivers.  Great fuel economy but premium mandatory or looses power. 

[kenreau]

I really liked our 1996 Volvo 850 turbo wagon.  Built like a (reasonable) tank and plenty of turbo power when you needed to stick your foot in it.  Sporty, practical, solid and safe.  Sold it to my sister and she loves it.

We currently have a 2004 Volvo model and they are a pale likeness of the former Volvo greatness.  I actually strongly dislike it (not quiet hate it).  Much lighter, more plastic, rattles, light bulbs burning out, drives like a snow mobile. 

I recently spoke with a guy that runs a local Volvo enthusiast club and he claims none of the members own a Volvo made after year 2000 when Ford bought them.  The build quality started to obviously decline after that.

So, I still highly recommend one, as long as it is older than 1999.

Ciao
Kenreau

[Scott F.]

Since this thread has been completely derailed, I may as well puch it a little further off the tracks 

Enough with all those whimpy little wagons...lets go for the gusto!

..a 1950 Dodge Power Wagon....what a wagon was meant to be 







...now that's a wagon 

[DaveC113]

That's not a wagon... THIS is a wagon:

[Lyndon]

Sweeeet, Scott.
What do you mean, derailed? I don't see any rails on that?
How about a Ford 1930's Glacier National Park touring bus?

[jqp]

Since this thread has been completely derailed, I may as well puch it a little further off the tracks 

Enough with all those whimpy little wagons...lets go for the gusto!

..a 1950 Dodge Power Wagon....what a wagon was meant to be 


[
...now that's a wagon 

If that is a real standard (not custom) vehicle I would have to say that it was an SUV