So I've been doing some thinking...

"Tom McParland" (tommcparland)
03/29/2014 at 11:58 • Filed to: jaloproblems

...and I know this is ridiculous given the time frame but I want Oppo's insight anyway. In 3-4 years I should be at a salary stage where I can afford something I really want. Because I have the same sickness as most of you, I can't stop myself from window shopping now. Here is my dilemma: I really want a wagon (you all are painfully aware of this) by then a CPO V60 or a 328 Touring will be within striking distance. However, I also really enjoy rowing the gears on my commute, it is one of the few things that makes my drive worthwhile. So there is a part of me that is leaning CPO F30 328 or something similar. Yes I know I can sort of have it both ways with the TDI Sportwagen, but as nice as it is, it just doesn't excite me. In 3-4 years I might be over driving stick, in which case wagon it is, but I might not. Have any of you faced a similar dilemma? I've been lusting over wagons forever, but I know I don't really "need" one. If I were to purchase new today, given the choice between the automatic sport-wagon or the manual sport-sedan what would be your verdict for me?

Even the auto-match maker needs a second opinion.

DISCUSSION (46)

jkm7680 > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:01

That's a toughie. If I was given the choice, I would be leaning slightly more towards the Sedan.

Tom McParland > jkm7680
03/29/2014 at 12:02

It also doesn't help that a manual sedan will most likely be easier to find and cheaper than the wagon

jkm7680 > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:04

Yeah, It's really whichever one you are willing to sacrifice for the other.

Brian Silvestro > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:04

Kinja'd!!!

Obvious answer is obvious

Tom McParland > Brian Silvestro
03/29/2014 at 12:05

Damn near impossible to find, with low miles, manual trans, good maintenance history and not way overpriced. And keep in mind 3-4 years down the road will make getting an E91 even more difficult.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:07

I think you should hit up Automatch... He does this for a living I've heard

Flavien Vidal > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:09

Only solution I see for you is to move back somewhere in Europe...

http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/63661…

Tom McParland > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
03/29/2014 at 12:09

Yeah I asked him...he told me to get a V6 Mustang and shut the hell up. Man, that dude is an idiot.

Tom McParland > Flavien Vidal
03/29/2014 at 12:10

The wife does like Europe

twinturbobmw > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:10

Extremely though choice. The 8 speed ZF auto is supposedly really good, but it's not a manual. I think I would take the wagon.

Tom McParland > twinturbobmw
03/29/2014 at 12:11

And then that creates another dilemma...do I go with the more engaging auto-box or the 325hp I6?

Jaloproblems indeed

JR1 > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:13

The best solution is to get a sedan or build a manual wagon yourself.

Tom McParland > JR1
03/29/2014 at 12:14

I haz no build skillz

Brian Silvestro > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:16

You're gonna have to import a manual E30 Touring then.

PS9 > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:16

Kinja'd!!!

Verdict: Move to Europe and telecommute.

davedave1111 > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:16

"If I were to purchase new today, given the choice between the automatic sport-wagon or the manual sport-sedan what would be your verdict for me?"

Emigrate to Europe...

JR1 > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:17

Never to old to learn a new skill!

duurtlang > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:17

You can buy skillz, yo.

N51fanatic > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:18

I tried looking for a 328i or xi touring m/sport with a manual. I was willing to drive up to 4 hours. Over my 6 month search, i found 2. And for all the talk about how no one likes wagons and no one likes manuals and any car with one let alone both would sit on the lot for ages and can't be sold, both dealerships wanted >35K for them. Was ultimately too rich for my blood.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:22

I would get the F30 though, honestly... I had one for a weekend once and I much preferred to the TDI Sportwagen, yes even with the 8spd DCT

Kinja'd!!!

Z_Stig > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:22

Automatic sportwagon, then find a wrecked sports sedan and salvage the parts needed for an auto to manual swap (computer, gearbox, driveshaft, differential) Of course, this would require some mechanical aptitude, or beer for a bunch of buddies to help.

Brian Silvestro > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:24

Also, I've driven a car with the 8spd ZF (M235i), and it was fantastic.

Flat Six > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:31

Buy my Mazda 6 auto sportwagon now, sate your wagonlust, then get the manual sedan you actually want.

I'll take 911 RS for $5000 > Brian Silvestro
03/29/2014 at 12:32

These are wonderful. Absolutely the obvious answer.

Brian Silvestro > I'll take 911 RS for $5000
03/29/2014 at 12:35

I'll also take a 911 RS for $5000.

I'll take 911 RS for $5000 > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:36

LS swap the TDI Sportwagen! LS swap the everything!

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 12:38

I guess the next question would be how much would it cost to take all the parts you want and find a real professional shop to put them all together for you? I say something a la the TV show Count's Customs, if you've ever seen it. You could probably find someone that would give you what amounts to a brand new vehicle from all the stuff that you need to have.

Tom McParland > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits
03/29/2014 at 12:59

If I had the kind of money to make that kind of custom build, I have the kind of money to get both a wagon and a manual sedan

Tom McParland > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
03/29/2014 at 13:08

When you had the F30 with the 8 speed did you miss having a clutch or was it fun enough to run through the gears?

SPNKiX > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 13:14

Get both. You have 4 yrs to think about it.

Coty > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 13:19

You need a Saab 9-5 Wagon with a stick.

Or at least I do :(

My buddy has a sedan that makes 300hp.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 13:36

Now, in my defense, you didn't throw out a number either... Just "afford something I really want" and you didn't specify used or new. But they can get pricey.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 13:37

I didn't miss it at all.

I'm not sure if it's because I still have the yellow beauty on the right.

It shifts very quickly and it's fun to drive regardless. What I hate though is that the engine is VERY LOUD. BMW apparently didn't give a shit about the loudness of the direct injection injectors and it's louder than a diesel from the 1980s... This is in the 2.0T N20B20.

Elsewhere it s very nicely appointed though. Power rear sunshade and manual rear side ones, lots of interior lighting you can change from red to white. The nav is easy to get used to, much more so than early i-drive systems. It s quiet inside and smooth and torquey. Sight lines are adequate and mileage was impressively into the 30s.

I would have one as my sole car for sure.... I wouldn't be wanting for a 335, but that's a consideration only if you want a 4dr. You d be happy with the wagon I'm certain but take a test drive and make sure you maneuver it and check all the shit you normally do with an everyday car...trunk size, ingress ease, sight lines, layout of buttons, amount of room with seats folded, etc

AthomSfere > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 13:45

In my 10 cars... I always want fun, and a manual. Kids also mean 4 doors. A wife who spends money like its her job means I need something cheap.

Car shopping sucks, and I keep getting Hondas. I do love my 8th gen Civic Si Sedan though. If only the Charger came with a manual! Or the Z cars with a back seat at all... (I could fit the kids in a small back seat!)

I can't wait to see what you pick though.

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 14:04

Kinja'd!!!

MINI COUNTRYMAN JCW ALL4.

AWD MANUAL (SOME WHAT WAGON) WITH MINI AWESOMENESS.

YOU CAN RALLY IT TOO (TGUSA PROVED IT)

Tom McParland > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits
03/29/2014 at 14:18

Good point...budget would be 35-40k

Spasoje > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 14:19

By then, the new Golf VII wagon will already be out:

Kinja'd!!!

Another option to consider. Should be more fun to drive than the current one. :)

Tom McParland > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman
03/29/2014 at 14:20

This is very helpful....thank you. When I finally have the cash it will really come down to the test drive

Tom McParland > Spasoje
03/29/2014 at 14:27

Yes, I'm really curious about it. But I would need to mod it in order to get the performance I want and I'm just not sure I want to go that route.

bob and john > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 14:30

*cough cts-v*

Dunnik > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 15:51

Indeed, a tough choice.

Consider the following to make it easier.

You do not need a manual transmission. It is a want. A very strong want, of course, but still a want.

But you may need a wagon. It may provide the utility you need - not want, need - where a saloon won't. Get a saloon and you may find yourself renting a truck or van or SUV just to get things done.

Ergo: wagon > manual

Tom McParland > Dunnik
03/29/2014 at 15:56

Good point but our minivan is really the family car and I rarely have passengers...but good perspective. :)

Dunnik > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 16:10

Then put this off as unsolvable until you're ready to purchase. Your situation may change (maybe even for the better, maybe you'll be able to afford more car than you presently think) and things can change quite a bit in the automotive kingdom in three years: maybe manual wagons will be all the rage. Stranger things have happened.

Just beware of Burdian's Ass . No, it's not what you think: ass as in donkey. As Wiki puts it, " It refers to a hypothetical situation wherein an ass that is equally hungry and thirsty is placed precisely midway between a stack of hay and a pail of water. Since the paradox assumes the ass will always go to whichever is closer, it will die of both hunger and thirst since it cannot make any rational decision to choose one over the other."

This is otherwise known as "falling between two stools" .

P.S. I appreciate the irony of giving you advice on what car to buy, heh.

JasonStern911 > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 22:22

it depends on where I lived. I'd probably go manual sedan, but if I lived in a place with stop-go-stop-go traffic, or if I lived a lifestyle that would take advantage of the additional cargo space, then I might lean auto wagon.

shop-teacher > Tom McParland
03/29/2014 at 23:01

For me personally I like wagons more than I like manuals. As much as this dodges the question, you should get whatever excites you the most when the time comes.

Don't feel bad for shopping 3-4 years ahead of time. I just went and bought a cheap family sedan, so I can keep the miles off my truck, so that when I can afford a new car in 4-5 years. I can get a fun car, instead of needing to buy a new truck. I also apologize for that sentence. I know you're an English teacher, so I probably just hurt your brain. What do you expect from a Shop teacher though?

Two Drink Minimum > Tom McParland
04/23/2014 at 10:55

Wow, I wish I had read this post a month ago. We faced EXACTLY this problem, downsizing our Honda Odyssey battle-van to what I hoped would be a sporty M/T wagon. We were keen on the Sportwagen TDI, but the back seat was way too cramped for my teenage sons (both 6'1" and still growing).

I'm a hatch-and-wagon guy to the end, but there was just NOTHING below the lux Euro-wagons that fit our need. So we ended up with a 2015 Mazda6 Touring M/T sedan. Which I still kind of can't believe.