15 replies to this topic

[Bier Meister]

thinking about one for the mrs.  she currently has an A6 wagon which is too large for the city.  briefly thought about sedans, but a small wagon seems to work well for us.

thoughts/impressions?


edit:  
ruled out audi A3.  have several friends who are having problems with them.
ruled out bmw 3 wagon.

still looking at lexus ct
still looking at mazda 3s
open to other suggestions

Edited by Bier Meister, 23 February 2012 - 02:34 PM.

[Azazello1313]

:raiseshand:

if it's the right size for her with the back seat and all, I recommend.  it's a great handling car.  I have the stick, and the 170 hp it puts out is very adequate.  not sure if it would feel at all underpowered with an auto.  only reservation I would add, not sure you need AWD out there, and you do sacrifice some mileage.  

what about like a FWD A3 with the 2L turbo?  probably comparable mileage.  maybe a slight price point above but not a huge jump.

[Azazello1313]

Bier Meister, on 2/23/12 12:24pm, said:

still looking at mazda 3s

this might be a good idea if the size feels right.

[Caveman_Nick]

You can get the TDI engine in the Jetta Sport Wagon, which gets good reviews on Consumer Reports.  Nice gas mileage and a good size wagon.

[Caveman_Nick]

Highest scoring Wagons on Comsumer Reports:
Mazda 5
Jetta Sportswagon TDI
Prius V3
Subaru Outback 2.5i
Jetta Sportwagon 2.5 (gas)

Compact Wagons:
Golf TDI
Golf 2.5 (gas)
Elantra Touring
Mazda 3
Audi 3

FOr whatever reason the Subaru Impreza is not on this list, but the WRX version scores really well also.

Edited by Caveman_Nick, 23 February 2012 - 05:58 PM.

[Bier Meister]

I happen to like audi and vw, but have heard a lot orf negative things about them.  Like the outback, but they are bigger than what we want. Right now.  The awd will be usefull in the rain and when we got to tahoe.

[CaP'N GRuNGe]

Not sure its in the same wheel house, but I like the look of the Toyota Venza.

[SEC=UGA]

I think Vulva makes a small wagon.

[Square]

Bier Meister, on 2/24/12 12:57am, said:

The awd will be usefull in the rain and when we got to tahoe.

Is AWD actually useful in rain?  I mean, it won't make a car stop any faster.  Maybe for trips to places with snow it will be helpful but I guess I can't really think of any reason why it would matter in rain.  Personally if I lived where you are at, I'd just stick with FWD and save the money (or put the money into more options).  I've always lived in places where it snows so maybe I don't know what I'm talking about here, but maybe some of the mechanic folk can set me straight if I'm wrong.

[Square]

CaP'N GRuNGe, on 2/24/12 1:07am, said:

Not sure its in the same wheel house, but I like the look of the Toyota Venza.

Oh, and +1.  I'd check one of those out if haven't looked.  My wife is driving a Mazda CX-7 and likes it.  It's more of small/mid SUV than a wagon but I thought it might be worth throwing out there if you are just looking around.

[Azazello1313]

CaP'N GRuNGe, on 2/24/12 12:07am, said:

Not sure its in the same wheel house, but I like the look of the Toyota Venza.

venza is bigger, outback/A6 sized.  but the toyota matrix might be an option...

[Chief Dick]

SEC=UGA, on 2/24/12 7:31am, said:

I think Vulva makes a small wagon.

I owned a Mulva once.

[alchico]

SEC=UGA, on 2/24/12 5:31am, said:

I think Vulva makes a small wagon.

I rode a Vulva once

[Caveman_Nick]

Bier Meister, on 2/24/12 1:57am, said:

I happen to like audi and vw, but have heard a lot orf negative things about them.  Like the outback, but they are bigger than what we want. Right now.  The awd will be usefull in the rain and when we got to tahoe.

The Impreza is a good choice if you like the size.  My wife drives one.

I would just recommend spending the extra geeters to get the WRX version, as IMO her car really struggles to accelerate and especially so on the highway.  Not always a big deal, but when you need the power to avoid a mishap it really becomes so.

[Bier Meister]

Caveman_Nick, on 2/24/12 9:15am, said:

The Impreza is a good choice if you like the size.  My wife drives one.

I would just recommend spending the extra geeters to get the WRX version, as IMO her car really struggles to accelerate and especially so on the highway.  Not always a big deal, but when you need the power to avoid a mishap it really becomes so.

i'd love to go for the wrx version, but for the same price as it's base model we could get a loaded sport limited.  i completely understand the value of power as a proactive safety measure.  we drove some last sunday and while the impreza only has 148 hp/145 torque, it passed cars/accelerated well, going uphill on the highway.

edit:  also big difference in mpg between the two.

Edited by Bier Meister, 24 February 2012 - 12:43 PM.

[Clubfoothead]

Everyone I know with the Mazda M3s (3 different people) loves them.