Topic: Shopping time!!

[ktm525]

The A4 Avant's rear seat room is more like the Jetta than the Passat. That is what drove me to cross the A4 off the list, the rear seat room is minimal and the cargo area is much smaller. Very similar to the Jetta in these regards.  

Schnak: I still think the Passat and the Jetta wagons's look similar, at least from the rear and 3/4 view.

[Shnak]

maybe from the rear, but there's no mistaking the Jetta and Passat from the front!!

[WW]

No comment. The ones I wanted to suggest have all been suggested. Since you're looking at the Impreza, I'll throw in the Saab 9-2X.

[barrie1]

I hear some very good ratings on the Malibou Max which dosen't surprise me at all. They are starting to Win some small car Segment Awards in many area's. Glad that is on your list for your pockets sake.

[Snowman]

DSW…I am assuming you are in the +/-30k range for the “replacement�…here are my suggestions:
New: Mazda 6 Wagon, Toyota Matrix XRS, and Subaru Forester
Used: 2001-2002 Toyota Highlander or Subaru Outback.

[Mdxtasy]

How about an update?  

I like Snowman's short list.  Mazda 6 wagon and Forester are great choices.  I still like the praticality of the Element (not a looker though).  

Minivans are practical and 7 seats are overrated for a small family.  You end up folding those rear seats in the floor anyway.

[Snowman]

Hey!.....DSW, give us an update here.

[jeeper]

i didnt give any suggestions but updates would be kool!!

[Drivesideways]

Update....nada.  

I was hoping to get some more looking and driving in this week, but so far nothing.  Too many other things going on.

Thanks for the suggestions, everybody.  My own preference would also be for the Mazda6 wagon or the Forester.  I hadn't considered the Matrix XRS, but it's a resonable choice and I will suggest it to the boss.

[ovr50]

DSW has been too busy this week chasing his lost posts.....

[Drivesideways]

Har har.  I knew that was coming.  

[Scaerio]

How about a V50?

[Mdxtasy]

I think that's a little too much outside of the DSW family's budget.  If you can get one of those for 30K...I'd be all over it.

[Drivesideways]

Although they've got pretty good purchase and lease rates on right now.  The thing that takes the V50 of the list for me is the size.  I'd like to size up a bit and the V50 isn't much bigger in the passenger area than our old G20.  Nice looking though.

[inco]

If you do consider the Matrix - you might as well add the Vibe to the list and GM's get them out the door deals.

[Black Hatch]

Speaking of the Mazda6...  
Since I dont want to start a new thread and I dont know where else to put this.

I'm past the 1000km break-in period and playing around with tiptronic auto.
You can get better acceleration by shifting it yourself than having it in auto. (No surprise since the AT only has 4 gears);  
I shift around 5k rpm while auto normally does it at 3k.
-the brakes save my life once;  
-the engine is quiet at highway speeds
-the hatch is roomy...fitted in a computer (CPU and monitor still in boxes) and didnt need to fold down the rear seats
-the central dash is pretty handy for small stuff
-and the handling... taking turns at 80kph going up Groat Road (yes.. very bad me)

[Sterling]

The automatic will shift at only 3000 RPM? I would've thought that with accelerator floored that it shift up close to redline like most automatics.

[mark]

Perhaps it will be too small, but I was going to offer up the Ford Focus ZX5 - rounded back wagon.  The nicest looking Focus IMO, and perhaps the quality issues are worked out?

A4 Avant is a beauty, but still smallish in the back.  

My top picks here would be Mazda 6 Wagon, Forester, Perhaps a good deal (depending on timing) on the soon to be remodelled Passat Wagon.  

[Black Hatch]

"The automatic will shift at only 3000 RPM? I would've thought that with accelerator floored that it shift up close to redline like most automatics."

I think i will try mashing the pedal all the way tonight.
I push the pedal pretty far down and when it hits 3.3kish it shifts into 2nd gear.