CarmG993

My wife won't drive an automatic. So when searching for a wagon, there was really only a few choices. We are on our 2nd allroad in a 6 spd. The car is a blast, great in all weather.
The S6 and such don't come in sticks. We test drove a volvo sport wagon and the stick was like rubber.

911

We have a 2002 Audi allroad and it's pretty darn sporty. It's a great wagon, but I've heard they will discontinue this car due to the Pikes Peak (suv) coming out next year. Although it's pretty small, I do like the new A3.

Al Z

How about a Dodge Magnum SRT8 with 425hp, Big Brembro brakes, upgraded suspension, interior and exterior...Just my 2 cents.
Al

B-Line

I am not a dad, nor a mom.. But can I chime in anyway??

So my question is, why a sport wagon?? I understand the desire for a sporty driving car and the extra room for people hauling. But why beat around the bush.

I have an X5 4.8is. Plenty of room, 360HP, 4.8L V8. 0-60 in under 6 seconds, handles and brakes incredibly and imho, one of the best looking vehicles on the road and also very, very safe.

I would almost say the performance on the 4.8is is not the far off from what the 993 can do. And, it has room for groceries and baby seats. Plus you have the ride height and has an amazing interior. I also had the 4.4 which you might also love..

Take it for a test drive and you will be sold.
B

Reynard38

E500 4matic Merc wagon. My wife has one and the thing flys! Very comfortable, great handling and mid 20's on the superslap at sub-warp speeds. The seven seat option is very handy at times.
OTOH wait for the new Merc "R" class this fall. That's what she want's next.

MonkeyBoy

Not sure if that was a typo but the Audi does have a 3rd row option, which is the reason I bought an A6 Avant. I've only had it for a few months, but I'm pleased although the ride is somewhat floaty. They seem like great cars to buy used as they depreciate quickly - mine is a 99 with 80K and an extended warranty until the fall and it was $8400.

David in LA

IIRC Audi stopped offering the third row seat as an option after 2002...rumors are they were concerned with potential liability given the position in case of an accident.

Rassel

Have a look at Alfa 156 GTA Sportwagon, a really nice car!
Or perhaps the new Alfa 159 Sportwagon?

Traffic53

yes, you may chime in. i agree that the x5 is a very fine truck...superb actually. but the truck thing is a no-go. whether it's rational or not, the wife is anti-suv. kids, yes. suburbs, yes. house, yes. suv's and minivan's, no. the gal feels like the vehicle is a good place to draw the line. the former hipster is sliding down the slippery slope to middleagedom too quickly.

Traffic53

the alfas aren't sent here yet. but good idea- another fine example.

B-Line

Lol !! I can't say I understand the logic. I am 31 yrs old, live in Los Angeles, race cars, work in the entertainment industry AND I LOVE MY X5. It is still one of the hottest vehicles on the road even though is is long through it's production cycle. It's is my second.. And did I mention it is also functions as a great tow vechicle (can pull 7500lbs.)

Even if she is kicking and screaming, take her to the dealership for a test drive. I am willing to bet she will quickly change her mind. And for the record... a SAV like the X5 is much "sportier" than any wagon, especially in appearance. I love the RS6 and do understand the aerodynamics of the increased performance of the Avant.. But at the end of the day, it's still a station wagon.

gl,
B

Travis

Sounds like you want a bigger wagon than a 3er/A4/S4, but just as a data point we went from a Volvo XC90 to a BMW 325i wagon. We returned the XC90 due to too many first year issues (lemon).

We tried to stuff the kids in the 993 and drive around, but that just wasn't working very well.

Found a 2001 325i wagon with 5 speed manual on craigslist that was owned by an enthusiast(super clean). Turns out, we didn't need the space of the XC90 and so far haven't had any regrets (or problems). 4 months and 8K miles later, we have not looked back on a larger vehicle.

Hope that helps,

Travis

Greg H.

I'd recommend either the Audi S4 or if you need something bigger, the 2002 S6 or the 2005 Allroad both come with a 4.2L V8.

Greg H.

Eyal 951

I think The new Legacy GT (Turbo) are really worth a test drive. Quality over all has far improved over the older Subaru interiors, not to mention it does move. Nothing much in stock form is all that quick, encluding a V70 R or Cayyenne TT, but anything with a turbo feeding it means BIG power made cheap and easy!
~Eyal

Rassel

You don't track much, do you?