Serious question time

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch) 01/08/2016 at 16:24 • Filed to: None

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I’m thinking about taking a buyout if they offer one for the Nox Box

Its my wife’s car and she likes the Germanness of the car and its general shape and utility as well as how it drives nicely. I have been floating a few ideas in my head, ranging from a TSX wagon to a new V60 or even a sedan. I would prefer not a sedan, and we have no need for awd...not really since we’ve got the Land Cruiser for that biz. So I’m soliciting opinions to see if you guys have thought of something I haven’t.

Requirements:

decent economy

wagon preferable

stick preferable

lots of back seat room for kiddos. MINTA - Miata Is Not The Answer

reliable

Wont do:

Subaru Outback (she hates them)

something with a lot of miles (60k would probably be a cutoff)

Toyota’s. Sigh...not sure why but she wont drive a Toyota.

Domestics are...okay...but not high on the list

My personal preference is Japanese and NOT German but she wants European so...

Budget: I could stretch the budget up to ~$35,000 for new and probably $25k for used.

Thoughts?

Ash78, voting early and often > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:30

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You sound almost like me, shopping for something new for myself (in an imaginary world where I have money). A couple that have intrigued me lately:

1-2 year old Golf Sportwagen 1.8t, save some money for a chip

3-4 year old Volvo XC60.

Wildcard: 5-10 year old 5-series or E-class wagon, with extended warranty of course. Danger: There might be no going back once she gets into one of these.

Super Wildcard: Dodge Durango 2011+. It’s a unibody vehicle, drives like a big car, RWD, good materials, fast depreciation, distant Mercedes cousin.

HammerheadFistpunch > Ash78, voting early and often 01/08/2016 at 16:32

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I really don’t want another VW...but...I could be convinved to get another sportwagen if i could get it with a stick. The new ones are DSG only with the 2.ot. The E-Class would be too big, our garage...she is not so big...and the land cruiser hogs much of that space.

TractorPillow > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:33

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Huge fan of the new Mazda3. I used to have a mazdaspeed 3 and wouldn’t recommend that to anyone, but the new 3 hatchback looks great and not overpowered. I was going to buy one for my wife, but then she said “well I’m not having a baby for a few years. I want an evora.”

Ash78, voting early and often > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:35

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How about ~5 year old Outback? You know, before they started pretending it was an SUV. Good looking, doesn’t have the awkwardness of the Forester, available in stick, and usually lots of them available in snowy climates.

HammerheadFistpunch > TractorPillow 01/08/2016 at 16:36

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I like the 3 generally except they are just a little too small. The JSW was a great car because it was all the things a golf was...but as a wagon. The 3 is just a hatch.

Jcarr > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:37

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?

HammerheadFistpunch > Ash78, voting early and often 01/08/2016 at 16:37

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She wont drive an Outback. Hates them, not sure why but she wont do it.

jkm7680 > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:37

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B7 A4 Avant.

The 2.0t was really reliable, but check for piston rings.

Brian, The Life of > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:37

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Used Flex? New CX-5? Used CTS wagon?

HammerheadFistpunch > Jcarr 01/08/2016 at 16:38

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Too much car. we only have 2 kids with none more planned. plus it has to share tight sleeping quarters with my cruisers fat ass.

HammerheadFistpunch > jkm7680 01/08/2016 at 16:39

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Nope nope nope nope. Trying to avoid VAG...but I will look at them in all seriousness.

Jcarr > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:39

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Shame, I love the way these things look.

On my short list for next non-4WD vehicle.

HammerheadFistpunch > Brian, The Life of 01/08/2016 at 16:39

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CS-5 was on my list. CTS wagon? wildcard but I like it.

Saracen > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:40

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? DSG only with 2.0T? There is no 2.0T sportwagen.

The 1.8T Sportwagen is available with a manual, but only in the lowest (“S”) trim level. SE and SEL are tiptronic, not DSG.

all GSW TDI’s are available with a stick (mine’s an SEL)

jkm7680 > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:40

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A 2008 A4 was the most reliable car my family ever owned. 70,000 trouble free miles.

Brian, The Life of > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:41

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I’ve driven the 2.oT ... obamanotbad.jpg

Saracen > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:41

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I think the buyout would only be for a fraction of the msrp, so you have to factor that in to what you could afford.

My GSW is only 8 months old. I wouldn’t consider a buyout unless it’s at or close to full price...though I don’t think they will need one, AdBlue cars will only need a software fix.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:42

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Honestly, I’ve been talking with the parents about it too. I’m hoping they do give us a decent amount of money (80+% of MSRP would be nice...) so I can get a decent car.

I was thinking 12+ GLI originally, but I’m starting to lean toward new FiST/Used Regal GS/Sonic RS/ etc.

HammerheadFistpunch > Saracen 01/08/2016 at 16:42

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Sorry, I mean there is no 6 speed manual with the new 1.8T. You can get the 5 speed but that Gsw is poverty pack and frankly I don’t really like the new interiors.

HammerheadFistpunch > jkm7680 01/08/2016 at 16:43

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given that its an 8 model year old vehicle at this point, we would be lucky to find a low mile example and its my experience that all the bad stuff starts in the 60-70k range with VW.

HammerheadFistpunch > Brian, The Life of 01/08/2016 at 16:44

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The 2.0T....CTS wagon? or CX-5, I thought it was either an na 2.0 or na 2.5 and that the cts wagon was 3.6 only.

Saracen > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:44

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Yep. it’s a 5-speed. I *may* have been interested in a 1.8T SEL if it had a 6-speed stick.

I really like the SEL interior. much nicer than S/SE. The little touches make a big difference. I feel like overall it’s a step up from my MK6 R.

HammerheadFistpunch > Saracen 01/08/2016 at 16:45

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Im figuring about 15k

jkm7680 > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:45

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Then B8 A4 Avant.

Brian, The Life of > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:46

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Yes, CTS 2.0T ... but I drove the sedan. was it not in the wagon? I just assumed it was.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Jcarr 01/08/2016 at 16:46

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but it CAN be an almost 4x4.

AWD + Ecoboost = vanity plate that reads SHO-BOX

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:48

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I would either go with a newer used E Class wagon (if you want lots and lots of space), or possibly a used Mazda5 (If you can do with less space than the Merc).

Otherwise you are looking at something like a Ford Escape. Bonus points if you tell her it’s actually the European Ford Kuga.

EDIT: The Mazda5 can be had with a manual, if you can find one...

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ash78, voting early and often 01/08/2016 at 16:48

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I actually like your super wildcard

Drove a brand new (like 400 miles on it) Durango over thanksgiving. Was really nice even with the V6, it was the limited with RWD

Textured Soy Protein > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:48

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The Volvo V50 T5 had a manual transmission available up to 2010. Not sure if that’s new enough. They’re pretty rare.

You could always tell her the TSX is the Euro-market Honda Accord to give it more Euro sheen.

HammerheadFistpunch > jkm7680 01/08/2016 at 16:48

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It would satisfy many of her requirements, I will have to look-see what I can find. I still would rather not have another VAG, but its not my car so...

PowderHound > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:49

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The tsx wagon is a great looking car, one of the sales reps has one but I have never driven in it or anything so that's all I got!

HammerheadFistpunch > Brian, The Life of 01/08/2016 at 16:50

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I thought the 2.0t was newer than the wagon, but I haven’t dug into it.

Ash78, voting early and often > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/08/2016 at 16:50

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300hp is nothing to sneeze at. It’s no Hemi, but it’s also not as thirsty. They’re also fairly rare in my area, so it’s gone some novelty to it.

Tripper > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 16:50

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How bout a forrester? A little higher up that your average wagon, but you can get one new with a stick

HammerheadFistpunch > Textured Soy Protein 01/08/2016 at 16:50

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I would love a tsx wagon (cept for the auto only...sad face)

HammerheadFistpunch > Tripper 01/08/2016 at 16:55

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I liked mine, but I’m not sure if she would go for it. She liked it too, and if we went SH or SJ 2.5i instead of the fuel hog SG XT it might make it worth it. Damn that SG XT was fast but I think the best MPG I got was 25.

nermal > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:15

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~$25k for an Italian Jeep with the Turbo / Manuel option. May be a smidgen tight on room though.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Textured Soy Protein 01/08/2016 at 17:18

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I was eyeballing one of these early last year, I just couldn’t swing what they wanted for it and it was kind of high mileage. It was a manual, though.

HammerheadFistpunch > nermal 01/08/2016 at 17:18

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Love these...would NEVER buy. I know enough about the quality of these to stay away...plus that are a little small for us.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:25

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So, how much do you think Volkswagen is actually going to buy these cars for? I want it to be a decent chunk of change. :)

Future next gen S2000 owner > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:26

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For you consideration, in no particular order:

CTS wagon.

WRX wagon.

A donkey.

Focus ST hatch.

A jet pack.

E92M3 > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:28

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Not to be the party pooper, but VW won’t be buying back any cars.

HammerheadFistpunch > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 01/08/2016 at 17:29

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NADA private party + 25% up to 80, MAYBE 90% msrp.

HammerheadFistpunch > Future next gen S2000 owner 01/08/2016 at 17:30

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cts wagon is on my list now

wrx wagon is not due to a distaste for monster

We have a strict “one ass” policy that I am currently fulfilling

FiST is...not really her speed. Too small, too silly.

NOW WERE TALKING!

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:31

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Prices before the scandal? Or MSRP when new? I would love to get anything above $16k... I really want one of these .

HammerheadFistpunch > E92M3 01/08/2016 at 17:33

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Based on...

Last I hear they were talking about buying out cars they are having hard time coming up with a good fix for, basically the CJAA engines like mine.

HammerheadFistpunch > Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen 01/08/2016 at 17:34

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Im guessing pre-scandal which would be about 15k for mine. Even though we both know thats bull since the private party value on these things pre-scandal was amazingly high.

Sportwägen, Driver Of The Red Sportwagen > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:37

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I know pre-scandal my car was worth about 11k in fair condition (at 99k miles now...) so IDK what it would be worth :/ if they offer less than $15k we’re keeping it. Yay no emissions testing!

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:44

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Seems you and I are at the same point, except mine isn’t paid off yet (2013) so that complicates the buyout process as there isn’t anything VW makes right now that I currently want, unless the GSW TDI is amazing and is able to be sold.

HammerheadFistpunch > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 01/08/2016 at 17:47

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I still have about a year left on mine but my father in law is the bank and the only reason we don’t just pay it off early is because its basically interest free.

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:50

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Used 328xI (or I) with stick? (see if you can find a CPO).

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/3+Series…

this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:55

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What about a legacy GT wagon with a stick and a WRX motor?

Oh wait

Fuel economy

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:55

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Ah I have mine through VW since they gave me like 1.something%. If they paid off my loan and gave me the difference to walk away I’d likely pick up a Forester. That said does your wife hate those too?

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 17:55

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XVCross trek? I know awd isn’t high in the priorities buy they’re comfortable, have good rear leg room (I’m 6'2" and fit comfortably) and good storage capacity.

HammerheadFistpunch > this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata 01/08/2016 at 17:58

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yup. I’ve been down the EJ road already.

HammerheadFistpunch > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 01/08/2016 at 18:00

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It’s on the list, though they are so under-powered that it bums me and my 5000 feet elevation out.

HammerheadFistpunch > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 01/08/2016 at 18:00

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no, I used to have one she liked. a current or previous gen 2.5i would be a candidate.

jkm7680 > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 18:05

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ACTUALLY.

CPO Allroad! Those are fucking excellent. I almost bought one last year after getting one as a dealership loaner.

http://www.audisaltlakecity.com/certified/Audi…

AM3R shamefully returns > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 18:07

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Look for a rare stick shift E91 (previous gen) facelift (2009+) 328i wagon. The inline six in them is pretty reliable, I'm at 83k on my sedan and just now had my first repair (I bought it with about 50k on it) and it was the rear main seal leaking. Very fun to drive, especially if you get one with the sport suspension.

vicali > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 18:13

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I’m not much help, my suggestions as I read your post..

1)Outback, nope

2)4runner TE, nope

3)I’m not reading the rest because I googled 55 series cruisers..

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 18:14

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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-…

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrysler-T…

HammerheadFistpunch > vicali 01/08/2016 at 18:15

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I like where that ended up. Im sure I could convince her to get a 40 year old toyota...

HammerheadFistpunch > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 01/08/2016 at 18:16

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reasonable economy...this has not it.

BringBackTheCommodore > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 18:18

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Here’s an M-Class, 60K miles, $24K.

The R-Class has plenty of room for children.

LOTS of room, and yeah, it’s a little big.

Mileage is 73K, but this is neat to look at anyway.

You could always go British/German.

One out of left field, but has room for kiddos.

4-door, 6.0L Pontiac.

A Benz as old as I am with a diesel, in MINT condition. 36K miles.

I know it’s a Cherokee, but it’s in near-new condition.

4 doors, LT1. 10K miles.

W12 PHAETON W12 PHAETON W12 PHAETON 48K MILES. Double U Twelve Phaeton. 444 hp. W. 12.

You want room for the kiddos, fun to drive, powerful, sleek, powerful, luxurious, powerful, did I mention it has 444 hp? I’d go with the Phaeton.

HammerheadFistpunch > BringBackTheCommodore 01/08/2016 at 18:20

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I likes your creativity, but im seeing a lot of money holes and things that wont fit in my garage.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 18:25

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Powerworks fine for us but we’re at like 300 ft so elevation isn’t an issue.

vicali > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 18:26

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Try telling her it’s like an investment, haha

BringBackTheCommodore > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 18:37

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Fair enough, the only remotely serious suggestions were the Mini and the R-Class. The Phaeton would be interesting, but again, the garage space bit.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 18:52

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Yes! Get the TSX wagon. You must avenge my income!

Tom McParland > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 19:13

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Late to the party, but this is a fun one. Not easy, but fun. V60 is probably going too tight. I was not thrilled with the backseat space nor the trunk space when I drove it. I came real close to getting a V60 R-design, but it just didn’t do it for me.

Have a look at some lightly used XC70's...they are essentially fancy Outbacks but they ride really nice and Volvo’s CPO program is excellent. 7rs/100k comprehensive!

How about a CPO BMW F31 with a diesel...might be hard to find, but they are out there under 35k.

Audi Allroad is another possibility.

I’m meh on the TSX wagon...I love the idea of it, but it’s a) slow, b) automatic only, c) FWD and d) not great MPGs for all those sacrifices.

Juice_13 > Tom McParland 01/08/2016 at 20:20

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I so wanted to love the TSX wagon, but that 5 speed auto was dreadful with the extra wagon weight. (I seriously researched a 6 speed swap). We decided on the newly redesigned RDX AWD in 2013. 50k on it now and would recommend for a family hauler (tons of room for baby seats). Great for road trips.

Juice_13 > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 20:31

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I’ll recommend a CPO Acura RDX (2013 or later if you want the vastly improved NVH but vastly simpler AWD system). We have put 50k on ours it is great for hauling one booster seat kid and one still-rear-facing toddler. Not a dynamic handling vehicle, but well suited for what we need it for. The RDX just made more sense than the TSX wagon that we really wanted.

And honestly, sometimes you just want something that is dead-nuts reliable and are willing to sacrifice some fun.

HammerheadFistpunch > Tom McParland 01/08/2016 at 21:16

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She likes the xc70 a lot. I’ll have to look into seeing if I can’t get a clean cpo in budget

Tom McParland > HammerheadFistpunch 01/08/2016 at 21:41

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Send me an email with your ZIP, I’ll see what I can find.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Ash78, voting early and often 01/09/2016 at 10:40

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Yeah, I felt it was pretty good at getting moving. Its rather skinny too for his garage space issues.

vicali > HammerheadFistpunch 01/11/2016 at 15:50

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Funny thing, Friday night after these posts we were getting out of the Tacoma in the Costco parking lot and my wife came around saying, ‘I really like that car beside us..’ I look over and it’s a NoxBox-clone-car..

Really? To be fair back when we had a vw fleet she was pretty close to getting an A3.. But you couldn’t really pick a worse time to start liking them right?

Up here they are called Golf Wagon..

vicariousILive > HammerheadFistpunch 01/12/2016 at 16:55

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Your wife has a lot of irrational hatred for automobiles

TSX wagon is my vote or a 2006 mazda6 wagon if you can find one with low mileage

HammerheadFistpunch > vicariousILive 01/12/2016 at 16:57

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Yes she does...yes she does.