Help me choose a new wagon for the family (and me)

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#1218942 21-Jan-2015 11:36

joker97:

- Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord Euro
- Problem is, all those cars have very little rear room and boot room. Apart from maybe the Camry.

I don't think there's been a Camry wagon for quite some time - for at least the last couple of models - so perhaps may not meet the OP's requirements for a wagon? Agree the Camry boot is enormous, but there's still no ability to fill to the roofline like there is with a wagon. Also, if the OP wants a fun ride I don't think the Camry is it - even the current model is a wallower in the corners.

The earlier version of the Avensis - the wagon Toyota brought in to fill the absence of one in the Camry range - is not much chop; the 2l engine just isn't grunty enough to make it an enjoyable ride. It's also bland (as is the Camry - typical Toyota not taking risks and producing cars with aesthics that won't 'offend'). The current Avensis is far better looking, but not sure if it's improved in the power stakes (it's also more affordable - the previous model was a rip-off, I guess due to it being sourced from Europe).

Disrespective

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#1218951 21-Jan-2015 11:42

I've never been a big fan of Subaru vehicles. The ones i've been in, newer and older, seem to have worn very quickly and feel cheap. That might have changed but we can't afford to put more money into the budget for a newer model.

I don't need a ~200+bhp engine just because that's what I have now. I just don't want a <2L heifer that can't tow a trailer.

I've not looked at the Holden options because the only ones I like are the 2014+ models.

At this point (without test driving) I'm leaning towards looking at: Honda Accord Euro, Mazda 6, Audi A4, Volvo V70, BMW 525i all of which we can afford prior to about 2007 and engines vary in size. None of the alternatives really appeal visually or monetarily.

I'll be heading out to have a look at some places on Saturday so will update with any conclusions.

Talkiet

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#1218952 21-Jan-2015 11:43

RAV4. (2008+)

Spacious, drives pretty much like a car. Reliable++

Cheers -N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

MikeB4

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#1218953 21-Jan-2015 11:44

As for SUV's if you need a 3rd row of seats they are OK but there are better alternatives, if you are looking for additional cargo space SUV's are not good for this. Of the SUV's I have owned, they are Suzuki Grand Vitara (5 Door), Toyota Prado x2, Mitsubishi Challenger, Toyota Surf , the Mitsubishi Challenger offered the best additional cargo as the seats all folder flat giving a completely unhindered cargo space, the Surf cam second.

kiwitrc

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#1218960 21-Jan-2015 11:49

Of the wagons you mention, I would opt for the Honda Accord Euro. As a previous Subaru Wagon owner (both bought new) I wouldn't go near them after they have a few k's on the clock, and was told by a mechanic mate get rid of them after 100,000K.

Jeeves

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#1218961 21-Jan-2015 11:51

Honda Odyssey? Particularly the Absolutes.

Leather seats - Tick
Enough back seat leg room for two rear facing car seats in the back. - Tick
More boot space than a hatch back, hence the wagon and not a sedan. - Tick
Reasonably fun to drive and not look like a spaceship... - tick?

We have a 2002 and there is loads of room as they are quite a long car (7 seater). They don't have sliding doors and have a really low roofline for a 7 seater, so don't look like a spaceship.
205 HP, so not toooooo much of a slouch.

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#1218963 21-Jan-2015 11:53

Disrespective: I've never been a big fan of Subaru vehicles. The ones i've been in, newer and older, seem to have worn very quickly and feel cheap. That might have changed but we can't afford to put more money into the budget for a newer model.

I don't need a ~200+bhp engine just because that's what I have now. I just don't want a <2L heifer that can't tow a trailer.

I've not looked at the Holden options because the only ones I like are the 2014+ models.

At this point (without test driving) I'm leaning towards looking at: Honda Accord Euro, Mazda 6, Audi A4, Volvo V70, BMW 525i all of which we can afford prior to about 2007 and engines vary in size. None of the alternatives really appeal visually or monetarily.

I'll be heading out to have a look at some places on Saturday so will update with any conclusions.

i'd drop the audi and the volvo ... BMW still has hope from specialist european mechanics and more parts ... the other two - budget the same amount you pay for the car to fix it

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#1218964 21-Jan-2015 11:54

Talkiet: RAV4. (2008+)

Spacious, drives pretty much like a car. Reliable++

Cheers -N

Good point, they are pretty roomy the 2008+. You can also get the Toyota Vanguard in either a 2.4 or 3.5L which is an import Rav4 some have the whole pop up rear seat thing too.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/toyota/auction-775335080.htm

k14

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#1218991 21-Jan-2015 12:19

I went through the exact same process as you are now this time last year. We had our first child in April last year. Our Subaru Outback was getting a bit high kms so we decided to get rid of it and I ended up buying a 2005 VW Touareg. I reckon it meets all your requirements, I paid $20k for my one with 71k on the clock. Everything about it I love, so much room, good boot space, comfortable to drive, has all the luxury items, very high safety ratings and good room for baby in back. The only downside is the fuel bill.... however that has gotten a wee bit better in the last 2 months. I usually get 13l/100km (its a 3.2 V6 petrol). With a 90L tank it pays not to look when you pay the bill! However, we only do low kms (have only done 4000km since we bought it in May) so it doesn't worry me.

I looked at Audi A4 but they are just too small. You need soooooo much room to fit a rear facing baby seat in the rear they have no chance. If I was doing it again the Touareg would still be top of my list, however the Audi A6 (which I didn't consider too closely) would be a close contender.

davidcole

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#1219003 21-Jan-2015 12:32

k14: I went through the exact same process as you are now this time last year. We had our first child in April last year. Our Subaru Outback was getting a bit high kms so we decided to get rid of it and I ended up buying a 2005 VW Touareg. I reckon it meets all your requirements, I paid $20k for my one with 71k on the clock. Everything about it I love, so much room, good boot space, comfortable to drive, has all the luxury items, very high safety ratings and good room for baby in back. The only downside is the fuel bill.... however that has gotten a wee bit better in the last 2 months. I usually get 13l/100km (its a 3.2 V6 petrol). With a 90L tank it pays not to look when you pay the bill! However, we only do low kms (have only done 4000km since we bought it in May) so it doesn't worry me.

I looked at Audi A4 but they are just too small. You need soooooo much room to fit a rear facing baby seat in the rear they have no chance. If I was doing it again the Touareg would still be top of my list, however the Audi A6 (which I didn't consider too closely) would be a close contender.

There's not a lot of room in an A4 with two booster seats, but you can squeeze a 9yo in the middle if you're really pushed - you wouldn't want to do that every day.

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#1219007 21-Jan-2015 12:35

k14: I went through the exact same process as you are now this time last year. We had our first child in April last year. Our Subaru Outback was getting a bit high kms so we decided to get rid of it and I ended up buying a 2005 VW Touareg.

Nice to drive but I have heard and seen shocking things re: reliability and cost of repairs/maintenance - how have you found it? Did you get any kind of warranty?

Friend of mine had a 2006 model v8 and it nearly bankrupted him keeping it on the road!

Stress

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#1219008 21-Jan-2015 12:35

Skoda Superbs are absolutely awesome. I'm a recent convert to the brand, they are bulletproof, not expensive to fix/service, awesome to drive, great space and well priced.

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#1219014 21-Jan-2015 12:40

With a family, and for larger distances, IMO hands down an SUV fits the bill...there's a reason SUV's outsell just about everything else these days in the large vehicle categories. But you will no doubt get just as many suggestions and variations as there will be replies to this thread.

For 20K + your trade in you should be able to get into a nice Ford Territory Titanium or Hyundai Santa fe Elite. If you want it to look smart then throw up some tints, put on the side rail/steps, and possibly some low profile feet and you have one rocking drive machine that has more room and flexibility than just about anything else in the same class.

Bottom line is test drive lots, once you narrow it down a bit keep a test car for a day or two and really see if it fits your style/needs. Once kids come along there is an inevitable shift in priorities, and the lack of space in vehicles doesn't get any easier as they get older, just the toys in the back get more expensive.

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#1219038 21-Jan-2015 12:57

Sante Fe Diesel is the best. So is the Kia Sorento R diesel. not sure what happens after 100,000ks but they SF diesel wins more awards than all the cars that have been mentioned in this thread combined.

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#1219039 21-Jan-2015 13:00

i have a 2012 legacy with 300hp and does 800ks a tank (65L). don't know how it does it. don't want to know what happens after 100,000ks either. but it feels like a tin can compared to a VW Polo Cross.

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