Sporty wagon?

LightngSVT · 04-19-07, 12:06

What would be a good "sporty" wagon for someone looking at used cars? This would be my DD to replace my SVT Contour, I have my other cars and my bike plus the wife has a new vehicle so Im looking for something on the "cheap". It just seems for hauling the dog (140lbs) and "stuff" a wagon or hatch would make life easier. One vehicle that has always caught my eye is the Mazda Protege5 wagon, I think they made these up through 2003? I definitely want a manual trans and prefer a 6, but a decent 4 would be OK and decent handling is a requirement too. Looking to spend under $15k.

So what would you get?

Danase · 04-19-07, 12:09

Mazda, Subaru, Magnum, Volvo, those are the ones that come to my mind as the ones I like the best.

Accumulator · 04-19-07, 12:11

IMO the no-brainer choices to look at are from VW/Audi and Subaru. I've had all three and they all worked well for dog-hauling. Big thing with the Audi/VW is always having a good service place; big thing with Subies (IMO) is whether you like 'em or not.

[insert usual advice to keep the Contour here

]

backwash · 04-19-07, 12:14

I too like the looks of the Protege5 but with a 2.0 ltr motor with 130 something horsepower it's not exactly a quick car. I've always had a thing for the Audi avants. With a manual, a turbo 4 cylinder, and possibly four wheel drive it would be a fun and practical ride.

Diesel1 · 04-19-07, 12:22

Subie wagon all the way!

velobard · 04-19-07, 12:22

What's your budget and timeline? My first choice would have to be the VW R32. There's a 2004 model and a new one coming out next year. Also look at the Audi S3.

If your budget doesn't allow for these options, bummer. Take a 2004 R32 for a test drive and you'll see for yourself how addictive these cars are.

Edit: Oops! I overlooked where you mentioned your budget. Given your price range I'd recommend a Mk4 VW GTI.

Yal · 04-19-07, 12:28

2005 Subaru Legacy wagon with manual trans is calling your name.

2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Wagon linky

I have an auto.

Arbekav · 04-19-07, 12:33

porn spammer banned

Wetstuff · 04-19-07, 12:41

http://www.audiforums.com/m_510736/tm.htm

This one looks pretty juicy ...and is the right number, eh? Audi wagons have a little panache you don't get with a lot of wagons..

BAKER · 04-19-07, 12:41

I have an Audi A3 and love it, on another note its time to ban the post before me.

blackcaraddict · 04-19-07, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightngSVT

What would be a good "sporty" wagon for someone looking at used cars? This would be my DD to replace my SVT Contour, I have my other cars and my bike plus the wife has a new vehicle so Im looking for something on the "cheap". It just seems for hauling the dog (140lbs) and "stuff" a wagon or hatch would make life easier. One vehicle that has always caught my eye is the Mazda Protege5 wagon, I think they made these up through 2003? I definitely want a manual trans and prefer a 6, but a decent 4 would be OK and decent handling is a requirement too. Looking to spend under $15k.

So what would you get?

There's no such thing as a sporty wagon, but the closest I'd say you could come is the Audi AllRoad.

Mark77 · 04-19-07, 02:00

Well I've had my V50 T5 for over 2 years now, no problems at all, it's fun to drive and very practical also, the paint seems easy to keep looking good (silver metallic in my case). My DD before that was an Audi A4 for 4 years, same thing, not one problem. And before that a Golf for 3 years, no problems there either. VW/Audi, MB, BMW, and Volvo are very reliable. I think the dealerships are the problem most people seem to have with these brands. Why would millions of Taxi drivers rely on MB here in Europe if they don't trust the car?