by "MylesD" (mylesd)
Published 06/23/2017 at 13:47
by "MylesD" (mylesd)
Published 06/23/2017 at 13:47
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STARS: 1
Have you ever researched, test drove, and then *bought* a car only to find out that...you don’t like it?
I sold my cream puff ‘12 GTI Autobahn because I wasn’t driving it as much, didn’t want to worry about it being street parked in the city, and honestly just needed more room. Bought a Certified ‘12 XC90 after flirting with the idea of an LR3. Man, what the hell was I thinking?
The XC90 isn’t even bad! It’s just...not great. It’s super comfortable for long drives, but it’s so damn vanilla and floaty. The extra space has been great, but I really need to get back into a manual trans lifestyle and to be driving something that I feel a connection with.
Anyway, what should I buy? I need to keep this thing probably until the end of the year, but I’m thinking I’m going to hunt for a unicorn - manual trans wagon!
What do you say Oppos? I could go back to GTI, but I do like this additional space.
Something like this 3 Series?
"I have another burner, try to guess it!" (ihaveanotherburner)
06/23/2017 at 13:54, STARS: 0
Sheeeesh! For Sweden might hear you!
"cmill189 - sans Volvo" (cmill189)
06/23/2017 at 13:55, STARS: 0
I did the first three but it turned out I love the car. My post is super helpful. :D
"EL_ULY" (uly)
06/23/2017 at 13:56, STARS: 2
Per OPPO tradition:
At least 3 used PPV Panther platform cars and tune one to be a hot rod, one into a JDM beast and the last into a rallycross beast.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
06/23/2017 at 14:04, STARS: 0
I’ve had 2 E46 manual wagons now, back to back starting in 2009. I can’t speak as much to the E9x generation but it is a nice size, enough room for hauling crap around but still not a big car to drive daily. Bigger than a GTI for sure; still fun to drive.
That’s my 2 cents.
And we just bought a ‘12 XC70 as our third car - my wife has a manual X3 - it’s great but neither my wife nor I will choose it every day over our other cars. But when the whole family is going somewhere together? The Volvo is wonderful.
"MylesD" (mylesd)
06/23/2017 at 14:07, STARS: 1
I hear ya. It’s weird...we don’t actively dislike the Volvo and its great to move people, we both just had this moment of....why make payments on something we’re kinda meh about. XC70 probably drives a little better than the 90.
"diplodicus" (diplodicus)
06/23/2017 at 14:07, STARS: 0
I’m not a fan of that interior color scheme.
"gawdzillla" (gawdzillla)
06/23/2017 at 14:08, STARS: 1
subaru outback, turbo
"Bytemite" (bytemite)
06/23/2017 at 14:11, STARS: 0
Choose your size. Never worry about parking dings or unexpected repairs. Maintenance will cost you the spare change from your couch cushions though.
Camry wagon
corolla wagon
tercel wagon
"Master Cylinder" (mastercylinder28)
06/23/2017 at 14:13, STARS: 0
Yeah, I ended up with my current Legacy GT auto sedan because it popped up with super low miles, but I really wanted the manual wagon version. It’s a good car but I really regret not sticking it out to find exactly what I wanted. I’ll probably sell it on before too long.
"Audistein" (Audistein)
06/23/2017 at 14:19, STARS: 0
If you want a manual wagon I don’t think you have that many options.
VW will sell you a 2017 Golf Sportwagon or Golf Alltrak new as a manual. Not the sportiest cars though
BMW E91 manual, but some people are asking big money for these on the used market for some reason.
A BMW 535xi wagon manual. This is probably the biggest manual wagon you can find.
Last-gen Subaru Impreza hatch I guess, not really a wagon but certainly an alternative to the GTI. Interiors of these suck though.
Old Subaru Impreza wagon, though I think these are only a little bigger than the new hatchback. Also they’re not the most reliable.
Focus ST hatch, again not a wagon and the interior isn’t great but it’s okay.
You could get another GTI or even a used Golf R. The oldest Golf R’s are missing some basic stuff like auto headlights which is kind of annoying though.
Maybe some sort of Saab? I’ve definitely seen manual Saab wagons for sale which are less than 10 years old.
"TDIGuy" (owenrosier)
06/23/2017 at 14:24, STARS: 0
I ran into a similar situation. Sold back my TDI Jetta, bought a new Passat and was convinced it was the right thing. Few months later bought a house and the space for hauling because increasingly neccesary and I just wasn’t in love with the Passat like I was with the Jetta. So I traded in the Passat on a TDI Golf Wagon. Best thing I have ever done. Only had the Passat for 8 months, didn’t take too bad of a hit though
"MylesD" (mylesd)
06/23/2017 at 14:37, STARS: 1
Aww naww, you brought up Saab. My attainable dream car = 88 Saab 900 SPG in Edwardian Grey. One day...One day. Actually considering a tattoo (would be my first) of an outline of that car.
"Nibbles" (nibbles)
06/23/2017 at 14:42, STARS: 0
You need to just get the SPG. They’re stupid cheap and any year (save 1989 and 1990) are feckin’ great
I picked my ‘87 up for $1500. Best $1500 I’ve ever spent, by far, bar none.
"Audistein" (Audistein)
06/23/2017 at 14:46, STARS: 0
Well if you have space to park two cars you could get a Saab and then just keep the XC90. That might be your cheapest option too.
"FoilyDoily" (foilydoily)
06/23/2017 at 14:46, STARS: 0
I love our Jetta sport wagon. We tuned it and it is fun and quick. And pretty spacious.
"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll)
06/23/2017 at 14:51, STARS: 1
Did they sell them with a manual in the US?
"MylesD" (mylesd)
06/23/2017 at 14:56, STARS: 0
True story - my wife says a few days ago “Maybe we just get the Saab and we pay for a garage spot so you don’t worry about it.”
I momentarily blacked out, said something about responsible decisions, and...something lame. Guess I’m scared to meet my heroes.
Please keep convincing me that it’s going to be easy and the joy will outweigh the terror of owning a car that’s as old as me.
"MylesD" (mylesd)
06/23/2017 at 14:58, STARS: 0
In central location in Seattle. Space is what I don’t have w/o a garage spot. nearly $300 in my building. I hear that’s not terrible for the area, but...shiiiiiiit, I don’t want another payment like that. We’ll definitely be 1 car only.
++ for your well thought replies.
"MylesD" (mylesd)
06/23/2017 at 15:01, STARS: 0
Yes. Super hard to find. Next level unicorn status. I think e60 was last US gen for manual with them? I’ve seen you post yours before and, allow me to say, she’s a beaut.
"Nibbles" (nibbles)
06/23/2017 at 15:18, STARS: 0
Do it. 3 grand will get you a rather well sorted example
Also, terror? What terror? C900s are nigh bulletproof; all you really have to worry about is vacuum lines and changing the alternator/ps pump. Most maintenance jobs are cake. The clutch is a two hour job. If you buy one, you can have my Bentley manual - I don’t think I’m getting another C900 (next Saab is either a 95/96 or a Sonett).
I drove that $1500 SPG for two months before it was totaled in a hit-n-run. Its parts went to a donor T16 (so it lived on) which I dd’d for, what, 3 years? I had 348k on the odo before I blew the original head gasket and other associated bits.
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
06/23/2017 at 15:23, STARS: 0
I think the easiest to find manual trans wagon would be a legacy GT.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
06/23/2017 at 15:28, STARS: 0
Keep the XC90 and save up for a fun car that you wouldn’t be able to own if it were a DD.
"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll)
06/23/2017 at 15:44, STARS: 0
Thanks! She’s also an auto. I’m fine with that as I mainly bought it as a long distance Autobahn weapon, but there are days when I think “What if....” Add a little curb weight and a higher center of gravity and I can totally understand your XC 90 conundrum.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
06/23/2017 at 15:52, STARS: 0
In addition to what Audistein mentioned, other wagon/wagonish vehicles with manual transmissions are:
2000-2007 Ford Focus Wagon,
Hyundai Elantra Touring
Cadillac CTS wagon
Kia Rio
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Chevy HHR
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Fiat 500L
Mini Clubman/Countryman
Scion xB
Older Ford Escape
Jeep Compass/Patriot/Wrangler
Mazda 6 wagon
Mazda 3 hatchback
One of the previous gen Subaru Foresters or Outbacks.
Toyota Matrix/Scion iM/Corolla iM
Volvo V70
VW Golf/Jetta wagon
As for which of these you should try or might feel a connection with... Since you liked the VW GTI in the past, I suggest starting with the Golf/Jetta wagon.
If you want something wild, get a Cadillac CTS-V wagon.
If you want something cheap, fast and practical, get a turbocharged HHR, PT Cruiser or Mazdaspeed3.
If you want a great AWD system in a fast package, look at a WRX hatchback or wagon... or a Forester XT.
If you want something that feels like a Go-Kart, look at a Mini Clubman/Countryman.
If you want something that is cheap to buy/own/run, get the Focus Wagon, Elantra Touring, Kia Rio/Soul, Jeep Compatriot, Nissan Cube, Scion xB.
"MylesD" (mylesd)
06/23/2017 at 15:55, STARS: 0
I saw a pristine old Corolla wagon out here the other day that I’ve been meaning to post. Thank you for your inadvertent reminder.
"nermal" (nermal)
06/23/2017 at 16:18, STARS: 1
Bad news, the only cure for GTI withdrawal is another GTI. I’m sure there is an MK7 out there with your name on it.
Get a roof rack and a box for those times you need extra storage.
"JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!" (jqj213)
06/23/2017 at 16:37, STARS: 0
Should’ve gone for a V8 XC90!
I’m actually looking to get rid of my V6 Accord for an XC90 because for the exact reasons you don’t like it.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
06/23/2017 at 18:11, STARS: 0
There’s also Audi wagons and the Legacy wagon