I need some observations...and opinions.

I need a new car- emphasis on the word "car."

I have a truck, and a couple of "old" vehicles hang'n around...and an engine hanging in a tree in the front yard too. (Just kidding!)


Anyway, I want a station wagon.
I've looked at a couple of manufacturers vehicles and liked some for their comfort- but I want something that I am going to drive into the ground! I have with every other vehicle I've had! I am thinking that this will be the last car I will ever purchase, so I want it to be a good one.

I've looked at and done research on the following cars:

*Ford Freestyle or "Taurus X"- whatever you call it depending on the year.
*Volvo V70's and XC70's
*VW Passat wagons

I've read many caveats of each on the various car forums- and I'm almost scared to purchase anything at this time because of the lack of quality and shoddy workmanship for the price!

Volvo's aren't what they used to be when they had the diesels that got 400,000 plus miles on them (thanks Ford!), I've heard the brakes aren't so good on the first few years of the Freestyles, and the Passats have problems of their own- and they certainly aren't cheap for an "affordable" brand.

Maybe I should just get a Model A touring car?

Andy,try the VW Jetta with the 2.0 4-cylinder and manual transmission,my fiance and i bought one a month ago and are getting 30mpg around town and about 39 mpg highway,good riding car and plenty of room,I found your Wolf primers at www.wideners.com my reloading supply house they have them instock they're JohnsonCity,Tenn.
Equalizer

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx?

Equalizer, the Jetta just isn't large enough for my needs- Passat wagon is the smallest vehicle I have considered- or could consider with my current needs.

The car I will eventually buy, I hope to get 300K miles out of over it's lifespan- for me and those that use it.

Hitman, what is that? I didn't know that Chevy made a station wagon on the Malibu chassis...it isn't listed on their website.

One thing you must consider, if you are going to keep a car many years, is the cost of upkeep, parts and repairs. I know that newer VW's aren't like the old "bug", and costs for parts, and repairs is mostly OUTRAGEOUS!!!! You can say the same about VOLVO's. (Just ask Drew!!!! ) All the european cars are the same.

I intend to keep my '06 Ford Ranger for along time.....but we'll see what happens. I've done pretty good with both Rangers and Chev. S-10's in the past, but I traded them at 98,000. (I could afford it then!!! ) Really didn't have to....they were running very good when I traded in on a new model. So, I would go with a small van, instead of a station wagon.
At 28,000 the Ranger is doin' OK! Only time will tell what will happen in the future, but I see no reason why I won't get 10 years (150,000) out of it, at least.

I had a bad experience with my 2000 Toyota Tacoma 4X4. But, they are supposed to be really good. (But don't ask me for a recommendation!!!!! ) I will not buy a Toyota again! Bob

Check out the new Jetta Sportwagen. It is a little smaller than the Passat wagon, but they are offering it with a diesel engine in the next couple months. They have the gas versions already on the lot so you can at least drop by and size it up.

The economy is supposedly around 35 city and 45+ highway. They're not cheap, but no new car is these days...I've heard around 24K sticker to start (for the diesel....gas version should be a couple grand less).

For what it's worth, I have a VW TDI that's now about 8 years old. It's had a few problems along the way but nothing major...primarily just annoyances...nothing ever powertrain related. I expect it to last to 400K+ and it's well on the way.

I don't know if you're interested in Japanese, but my family has had very good luck with Subarus.


Okie John

quote:

Originally posted by BobK:
One thing you must consider, if you are going to keep a car many years, is the cost of upkeep, parts and repairs. I know that newer VW's aren't like the old "bug", and costs for parts, and repairs is mostly OUTRAGEOUS!!!! You can say the same about VOLVO's. (Just ask Drew!!!! ) All the european cars are the same.

I concur with the high repair costs for these cars.

I sold VW/Audi for two years, and I'd never suggest anyone buy a new one. Lease, sure, but never buy.

Check out a Subaru Legacy. AWD is bulletproof, cars tend to run forever. Highly recommended.

ETA:
I drive a Nissan Frontier crew cab, having traded in an Accord that replaced a Civic. I very very seriously considered a Subaru Impreza wagon, but decided my needs ran to a pickup bed.

the secret behind owning a european car is to be able to repair yourself and buying parts from reputable on line sources. I run and own a repair shop and an on line parts source and no for a fact that I can keep my BMW running for less than my chevy trucks

The newer Volvo's aren't nearly as reliable as the older models. I drove a 240 for years. It required very little maintenance above the routine. People I know who have newer Volvo's V70s, XC70s, XC90s seem to have the need for frequent repairs and the cost is outragious. I'd go with a Toyota or Subaru for a good, reliable car.

Check out Saturn also...good value for the money.

Suggest you go to local library and use Consumer Report magazine and annual report for research. Information on cost, service problems, operating costs, handling, etc.

They have a service for buying new and used cars - about $30 on the computer with about 90 days of use?? I buy new and use it (CR)to get full cost details and wait until end of July or August. I figure $400-$500 over dealer bottom line cost after all kickbacks (do the homework).
I have bought several cars this way (Mostly Toyotas) and had no problems. Will not work with the "hot item" cars, but Camreys and Ciennas - works for me.

I am looking, but not very hard, at the Mercedes GL320 CDI (Diesel SUV). I figure it will be a car that will carry me into retirement.

bob

One of my daughter's leases an '06 Volvo V70. She's in sales and averages over 20,000 miles/year. She has had to take the car back to the dealer for warranty work more than she prefers. Probably won't get another one when her lease expires for what it's worth.