Looking for a 4dr wagon... suggestions?

[Karrde]

I'm looking to get rid of my old 91 Civic and replace it with a newer wagon/hatchback. I've been mainly looking at 2002-2003 Mazda Protege5's, but what else is out there that's similar? My parents have a Matrix and I hate it, so it and the Vibe would be out for sure. Is Subaru worth taking a look at? AWD is certainly a plus in my books, though I'm not sure about the increased gas consumption/complexity it involves. I'd be doing most of the maintenance/repairs myself, and I'm hoping parts will be fairly cheap and easy to find.

Budget would be anywhere from $5000 to ~$8000

Still can't decide between manual/automatic, I learned to drive on a standard but I've gotten quite used to my auto civic, honestly I could go either way, though I suppose standards are more reliable in the long run...

So any suggestions/advice guys?

I live in BC, if that makes any difference...

[johngenx]

2003-ish Legacy wagons are pretty cheap now and the AWD system is durable, but the 2.5L driveline is a bit thirsty compared to others, but this also true of the Protege engines.  A 2004-ish Impreza wagon is a great car.

Subaru OEM parts are STUPIDLY expensive, but lots of inexpensive jobber parts around now for those older Legacies and Imprezas.

[rrocket]

Lexus IS300 Sportcross.  VERY nice...

I also like the Saab 9-2X (this is a Subaru Impreza with Saab luxury bits on it)

[mmorriso]

p5 is an excellent choice.  the automatic transmision was improved in 03 and included sport mode.  rust is an issue in spots.  even though you are in BC there is a great forum here at www.toprotege.com that should be able to answer any of your questions. 

another option if reliability and fuel efficiency are high on your list would be an 04+ Toyota Echo 4 door hatchback.

others:

hyundai elantra gt
ford focus zx5 or wagon

if you really want to get your hands dirty:

vw golf
saab 9-3 hatchback

happy shopping!

[blur911]

If you enjoy driving have a look at the Impreza wagon.

[Cord]

Lexus IS300 Sportcross.  VERY nice...

I also like the Saab 9-2X (this is a Subaru Impreza with Saab luxury bits on it)

Budget would be anywhere from $5000 to ~$8000

[SkiBunny]

If you have a '91 now, then a '97 to 2000 Ford Escort wagon would seem almost new to new, haha.  And they gotta be really inexpensive now and I believe have good reputions, , basically being the Mazda platform rebranded as a Ford.  Way better than the horrible Focus that followed and on the Ford-designed pre-1997 escorts.

[Juke1]

2003+ Ford Focus is your best bet, cheap all around to maintain, good handling.

[SkiBunny]

But I think the early focus models were on everyone's lemon list for the first few years.

[SkiBunny]

The Taurus wagons had poor reliability reports too, i think ... check it out first before buying.

[Karrde]

Ford Focus doesn't appeal to me at all... the interior is just... ugly. I couldn't drive that no matter what it cost

Been looking at a lot of Subaru's, though reviews and owner comments have turned up a lot of negative stuff about all kinds of parts failing, especially with pre-2000 models... I know the old rule that unhappy owners are more likely to voice their opinions, but it still concerns me.

[safristi]

have U scoped out any early 2001/2003 VW Passat wagons................

[johngenx]

Ford Focus doesn't appeal to me at all... the interior is just... ugly. I couldn't drive that no matter what it cost

Been looking at a lot of Subaru's, though reviews and owner comments have turned up a lot of negative stuff about all kinds of parts failing, especially with pre-2000 models... I know the old rule that unhappy owners are more likely to voice their opinions, but it still concerns me.

Don't buy a 90's vintage Subaru unless it's equipped with a 2.2L engine.  Should be able to find a 2001-2002 Legacy or 2002-2003 Impreza in your price range.

[ktm525]

have U scoped out any early 2001/2003 VW Passat wagons................

That is too legible.

I'll second the 2001-04 Passat wagons. Manual transmission. Key with these cars is detailed records of regular oil changes (8k max) with synthetic oil. Oil sludging on these engines (1.8T) was common but due entirely to non VW spec being used. The sludge issue and coil problems (long since fixed) has driven the resale for these cars way down. The 1.8T is an entertaining little engine that delivers it's torque low in the RPM's. The Passat has a surprising cargo capacity.

[Ilpav]

Can I ask why you don't like the Matrix?

Anyway, the Matrix would have been my suggestion because, IMO, it is the most fuel efficient, decently-sized wagon out there, it's pretty fun to drive, and it's based on the Corolla, so it will last forever.

If not the Matrix (hard to find a good one in that price range anyway), then I would recommend the Elantra GT over the Protege 5 (problems with rust, and won't be as reliable), because those are really your only solid choices in that price range.

[quadzilla]

You should be able to find a Suzuki Esteem wagon for that money. Its on of the biggest small wagons out there.

[vdk]

have U scoped out any early 2001/2003 VW Passat wagons................

That is too legible.

I'll second the 2001-04 Passat wagons. Manual transmission. Key with these cars is detailed records of regular oil changes (8k max) with synthetic oil. Oil sludging on these engines (1.8T) was common but due entirely to non VW spec being used. The sludge issue and coil problems (long since fixed) has driven the resale for these cars way down. The 1.8T is an entertaining little engine that delivers it's torque low in the RPM's. The Passat has a surprising cargo capacity.

I hear the W8s have generally been more reliable.

[ktm525]

have U scoped out any early 2001/2003 VW Passat wagons................

That is too legible.

I'll second the 2001-04 Passat wagons. Manual transmission. Key with these cars is detailed records of regular oil changes (8k max) with synthetic oil. Oil sludging on these engines (1.8T) was common but due entirely to non VW spec being used. The sludge issue and coil problems (long since fixed) has driven the resale for these cars way down. The 1.8T is an entertaining little engine that delivers it's torque low in the RPM's. The Passat has a surprising cargo capacity.

I hear the W8s have generally been more reliable.

Actually they may be reliable ???God help you if it ever needs service. Another example of "just because you can doesn't mean you should"

I still stand by the 1.8T manual Passat wagon. They came with ESP too.

[mmorriso]

I still stand by the 1.8T manual Passat wagon. They came with ESP too.
[/quote]

Was ESP standard equipment on all trim levels in all years with each engine choice plus 2wd or awd?

[ktm525]

My bad. ESP was an option on my 2003 1.8T Passat wagon. IIRC it was a stand alone option. Quite cheap if I remember, about $300. I think in 04 ESP was standard.