Feedback on Wagon Choices <$8K for the Wife

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2011 10:29 am

One thing I hadn't thought about was looking for a lower mileage '95-'96 Accord Wagon. While they are not huge, they are dead nuts reliable, safe and get good mileage. Even at 100k they are holding together nicely. Air conditioning seems to be the only issues with that car as the evaporator goes south north of 100k. That said, it really is the only weakness in the car. They will easily go 225k or better. They are sought after and you may pay a premium for one, but it's a complete appliance, which is good. - AB

Andrew Jonell · **Joined:** Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:43 pm **Posts:** 1350

Doesn't that generation of Accord have ridiculous in-board brakes or some crap?

clinehall · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2011 6:42 pm

Les Davis wrote:

clinehall wrote:

Ok, at the risk of having rocks thrown at me, everytime I see a Dodge Magnum go by I wonder about it. I think it is from being 8 years old and my dad taking me to a Dodge dealer to see some drag racer. They are big and cheap I would think. Anybody know about them.

I've had one for about a year now, its a fun car for what it is as long as you can live with the slushbox which is pretty good for a slushbox. It, like the other Chrysler LX platform cars are basically a poor mans MB E-Class under the skin with a cheaper Chrysler interior and Chrysler engines. The chassis, suspension, transmission, rear-end all are shared with the Mercedes. The transmissions in the V6 models are from Chrysler, and not surprisingly, they have some issues. However, the MB units seem to be pretty solid. Mercedes too has had some reliability issues, but those seem to be coming mostly from the multitude of electronics systems that the Dodge doesn't have. The HEMI engines also seem to be pretty solid reliability wise and are pretty sweet IMO, though the fuel mileage is nothing too spectacular. It does okay on a highway trip but around town it sucks. The car has a good suspension design that handles the 2+ ton car much better than one my expect. I've put the SRT model suspension bits on mine to sharpen it up a bit, you do lose a fair amount of ride quality. The interior is plain, but comfortable and doesn't appear to be cheaply made. The rear cargo space is downright cavernous with the seats folded, and pretty darn decent with the seats up.

Mine hasn't given me any trouble so far, of course I've only put 8 of the 43K miles on the odo so my experience is limited.

I forgot you had one, that settles it, if it is cool enough for Les it is cool enough for me!

Kevin Allen · **Joined:** Thu Aug 28, 2003 6:42 pm **Posts:** 3479

Didn't read the thread, so sorry if I missed something that disqualifies it, but I have a 2002 WRX wagon for sale, 6500 obo. pm if interested.

Aaron Buckley · **Posted:** Mon Mar 07, 2011 10:49 pm

If a manual is a possibility, this one is more than just a strong contender. I would pick this up myself if I wanted another wagon... it's a beauty. You will need to scroll down to find the pictures.

http://www.tehsandbox.com/showthread.ph ... post871888

- AB

Chris Halweg · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:02 pm

MikeWhitney wrote:

I'm going to be a bit of a naysayer here...

IMO you should re-evaluate your priorities. If I have this straight you:

- Want to buy a cheap wagon
- All of your choices appear to be potential maintenance pits
- You already own one of your potential choices

Grass is not always greener... Option 1 - You already have the Volvo, fix it up. At $8k for any of the options on the list you'll be looking at several thousand to get it up to snuff. Just do so with what you already have.

Option 2 is to spend more, or shop for "cheaper" (less sporty or desireable) vehicles. I recently went through the same process for a wagon for my wife, we went the "cheaper" route and got a PT cruiser with 48k miles for $5k. Hasn't had a single problem in 1.5 years, it stays out of my garage which is great for me.

Well of course I want it all!

Actually, I welcome a smack in the face to keep things realistic. Cheap is somewhat relative. The '94 Volvo I picked up for $900 and put about $1000 into it including tires to keep it in drivable condition. I bought it when I needed and automatic for a short time since I had knee surgery. Then we had our son, so it was useful for that. I could spend easily two more thousand getting it completely back to snuff (suspension, AC, emissions, various electrical gremlins). So for me I guess I am looking for more reliable or at the very least fewer things wrong all at once. We are not against continuing to drive the Volvo until we have to replace it.

The other side of the story is that my wife had a real job when she bought her BMW in 2000. She worked hard to afford it, but now as a stay at home mom, obviously a newer one is not realistic. In general, she is very low maintenance, but when it comes to cars she wants something uncommon/sport/comforting I guess. I've suggested Accord wagons and PT Cruisers but they just don't do it for her. She is spoiled in that respect. Until it becomes necessary for function over form, she will choose form.

Chris Halweg · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:04 pm

clinehall wrote:

Les Davis wrote:

clinehall wrote:

Ok, at the risk of having rocks thrown at me, everytime I see a Dodge Magnum go by I wonder about it. I think it is from being 8 years old and my dad taking me to a Dodge dealer to see some drag racer. They are big and cheap I would think. Anybody know about them.

I've had one for about a year now, its a fun car for what it is as long as you can live with the slushbox which is pretty good for a slushbox. It, like the other Chrysler LX platform cars are basically a poor mans MB E-Class under the skin with a cheaper Chrysler interior and Chrysler engines. The chassis, suspension, transmission, rear-end all are shared with the Mercedes. The transmissions in the V6 models are from Chrysler, and not surprisingly, they have some issues. However, the MB units seem to be pretty solid. Mercedes too has had some reliability issues, but those seem to be coming mostly from the multitude of electronics systems that the Dodge doesn't have. The HEMI engines also seem to be pretty solid reliability wise and are pretty sweet IMO, though the fuel mileage is nothing too spectacular. It does okay on a highway trip but around town it sucks. The car has a good suspension design that handles the 2+ ton car much better than one my expect. I've put the SRT model suspension bits on mine to sharpen it up a bit, you do lose a fair amount of ride quality. The interior is plain, but comfortable and doesn't appear to be cheaply made. The rear cargo space is downright cavernous with the seats folded, and pretty darn decent with the seats up.

Mine hasn't given me any trouble so far, of course I've only put 8 of the 43K miles on the odo so my experience is limited.

I forgot you had one, that settles it, if it is cool enough for Les it is cool enough for me!

The V8 is just outside of my price range or I would at least consider it. It sounds like the V6 may not be a good choice even if it is in my price range.

Chris Halweg · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:38 pm

Aaron Buckley wrote:

If a manual is a possibility, this one is more than just a strong contender. I would pick this up myself if I wanted another wagon... it's a beauty. You will need to scroll down to find the pictures.

http://www.tehsandbox.com/showthread.ph ... post871888

- AB

A manual is a possibility and for the BMW wagons in our price range it looks like I should avoid automatics for the most part. Manual wagons don't appear to be very common. That car looks sexy for sure. I'm assuming it's drivable with a faulty steering positioning sensor? Miles are also high. Hmmm....

Quote:

FS: 2000 BMW 528iT 5sp.
Stats:

6k or OBO.

Sienna Red
5sp manual
150,000 miles (Approx. being used as my wife's DD)
M Sport package
Heated Seats
VA State Legal Tint all around (courtesy Little Mike Synder)
Comes with extra set of Headlights, and OEM CD player with adapter cabling
All 4 Bilstein HDs, under 50k miles
ALL rear subframe bushings have been replaced in the last year (gets find of the e39 wagon shake)
VANOS Seal kit done along with valve cover gasket
3 Brand new power steering lines with fluid flush
Comes with 4 15" Snow tires and 5 17" matching Rail Salernos

The bad...
It needs a steering position sensor ($600 @ the dealer) and a small exhaust leak fixed.

Only reason for selling is that we need more room. Looking at getting a new or CPO Suburban.

Car is located 20mins west of Dulles Airport and 20mins from Summit Point.

It is currently sitting on the snow tires and looks somewhat funny with that much sidewall.

~Ryan

clinehall · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:40 pm

So it's not a car issue, it is a "Mom isn't happy issue". Not condeming just clarifing, we all have those situations. Try buying her a new had bag, my wife is a sucker for Dooney & Bourke-kept me from having to get her a z4 last year. $100 and some dollars at belk and never have had to have it serviced! :evil:

Chris Halweg · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 4:53 pm

clinehall wrote:

So it's not a car issue, it is a "Mom isn't happy issue". Not condeming just clarifing, we all have those situations. Try buying her a new had bag, my wife is a sucker for Dooney & Bourke-kept me from having to get her a z4 last year. $100 and some dollars at belk and never have had to have it serviced! :evil:

Bingo and she is driving the 'worst' of our three cars for which she does most of errands etc, so it does not make a lot of sense.

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 5:47 pm

Chris Halweg wrote:

clinehall wrote:

So it's not a car issue, it is a "Mom isn't happy issue". Not condeming just clarifing, we all have those situations. Try buying her a new had bag, my wife is a sucker for Dooney & Bourke-kept me from having to get her a z4 last year. $100 and some dollars at belk and never have had to have it serviced! :evil:

Bingo and she is driving the 'worst' of our three cars for which she does most of errands etc, so it does not make a lot of sense.

Watching this thread intently as this is my exact situation as well.... also wagon shopping.

BretLuter · **Posted:** Tue Mar 08, 2011 7:32 pm

That 5 speed 528iT looks like a pretty good deal.

I'd want to know more about the steering angle sensor diagnosis, as these cars are famous for having problems with wierd electrical issues that cause people to replace things that don't need to be replaced.

I'm sure it can be driven like it is, but the abs and/or ASC (traction control) lights are probably on and the system(s) not working because of the error.

KendtEklund · **Joined:** Tue Mar 27, 2007 7:29 pm **Posts:** 1204

Ryan Holton wrote:

I know its not the advice you asked for but...

at least look at the Mazda 5, we had one before #3 arrived and it ruled.

Reliable
Not Monsterous
Decent Gas Mileage
Sporty'ish
Reliable
Van Doors

Its basically a 3 stretched just a tad. Drives like a 3, not a mini van.

Yep - rented one this past weekend and was really surprised.

Pete Guthrie · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:17 pm

subaru wrx wagon

Chris Halweg · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2011 9:59 pm

Aaron Buckley wrote:

If a manual is a possibility, this one is more than just a strong contender. I would pick this up myself if I wanted another wagon... it's a beauty. You will need to scroll down to find the pictures.

http://www.tehsandbox.com/showthread.ph ... post871888

- AB

Thanks for the heads up! Took the plunge yesterday. The wife loved her 3 series coupe, so this seemed the best way to go for now. I'm sure when I need to buy $1,000 worth of parts I will think twice about our decision. Right now it's on snow tires, but it came with an extra set of rims I'm going to get all seasons put on here shortly. The previous owner was fairly meticulous about maintenance etc. It also came with four boxes of spare parts/filters/belts/Bentley Manuals etc. The manual makes it more fun to drive than the slushbox we tested earlier. I'm so used the exhaust note from my Nissan to tell me when to shift, that I actually redlined it on the test drive without realizing it for a split second. It seems as though 5 series with manual transmissions are not that common, probably wagons are less so. It's fun to drive so far and the car seat fits nicely, so far so good.

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