Used Car Corner: Unsung Heroes: Compact and Midsize Wagons
In the crossover craze that's been going on for the better part of this past decade, it's hard to remember those things called station wagons. A dying breed, traditional station wagons are similar to their sedan counterparts until you get to the C pillar, where past that, instead of a trunk, you have an extended roofline over the cargo area.
Station wagons are typically smaller, lower and lighter than crossovers. As a result, they offer sportier driving dynamics (especially those based on sport sedans), better fuel economy and easier maneuverability in crowded streets and parking lots. And let's be honest, the additional cargo capacity they offer over the sedan version is usually more than enough for most folk's needs.
Though the pickings are slim compared to their heyday in the '70s and '80s, there are still a fair number of wagons worthy of consideration. This is by no means a complete list, but rather one to highlight some "dark horse" candidates that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
(Note: I only went back as far as 2004, so as to keep the potential pool of candidates filled with lower mileage examples in optimum condition).
Economy wagon: 2004-2007 Ford Focus wagon
Econosport wagons: 2004-2007 Subaru WRX wagon
2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback wagon
Compact sport wagon: 2004-2005 Lexus IS300 SportCross
2004-up BMW 3 Series wagon
2004-up Audi A4 Avant
2005-up Volvo V50
Midsize sport wagon: 2004-2007 Mazda 6 Sport wagon (shown above)
2004-up Volvo V70
Fullsize sport wagon: 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
- Posted by
- John DiPietro October 8, 2009, 11:03 AM
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- Used Car Corner, Used Cars
What about the Subaru Legacy wagon?
afty,
The Legacy is of course a good choice. But as I stated in the post, I wanted to let folks know about some lesser-known wagons.
V50! Awesome everything when they're loaded up (T5, AWD).
For the past five months or so I've been desperatly searching for the following and have come up with nothing:
1995.5 Audi S6 Wagon
2001-02 Audi S4 Avant (manual)
2001-05 Audi allroad 2.7T (manual)
1998-2000 Volvo V70 T5 (manual)
2000 Volvo V70 R (has to be Saffron!)
Getting one of those rare wagons listed above is tough work! Maybe I'll settle for the sedan version of each. I love wagon practicality though! (I've got a '96 Saab 900, so I'm right in the middle.)
The Dodge Magnum should have been given at least an honorable mention here somewhere, especially the SRT-8 version.
Good suggestions guys! As you can see, I've added a few more dark horses to the mix.
What about the Passat and Jetta wagons?
blackadder,
Like the Legacy wagon, those are rather well known wagons compared to most on the list. And as I stated in the blog this was not claimed to be a complete list, but rather one which alerted folks to some wagons (e.g. Lancer Sportback and Mazda 6) that they may have forgotten or not even been aware of.
wish another car manufacturer would have the cajones to try and build their version of the S4 Avant. quite possibly the ultimate wagon.
I am starting a family and I wanted to get a second car and wanted to go with a wagon. I jsut dont know where to start, anyone have any suggestions?