Hi Scottie,
Looking for a small wagon/hacth/suv. Always wanted a Saab 9-3 2008-2010 but I realize it probably won't last as long because of the turbo. Volvo V50 is nice but I see the maintenance yearly for this is more ($700 repairpal?) that of a Honda or Kia. (400).Doesn't seem like a huge difference but some people report Saab and volvo maintenance as much more than this depending on the year or condition of the car. Whereas Honda CRV 2005 and Kia Forte 5 2015 seem to not have so much variation in customer complaints. Among these, which one or two would you recommend? I like them all. Appreciate the AWD in winter up north but not sure the CRV is better than the Forte.
How many years and miles do you need the vehicle to last you?
Looking for a small wagon
Is it small enough?
Underrated post
now there's a unique, worthwhile restoration project for someone
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/amc/hornet/1926173.html
Just look at those cluster gauges, and the enormous steering wheel!
Looking at the whole dash, it's like I'm looking at a kitchen appliance right out of the 70s
Hey, looking at the photos I can see it even has the optional electric windshield wipers, so it's quite well equipped! Some strange stuff going on in the engine compartment though. One hose is not connected to the heater core (probably leaks) but the hose setup looks kind of funky. There is what looks like an electro-mechanical voltage voltage regulator sitting on the driver side inner fender but AMC used transistorized regulators so not sure what's going there.
Still these cars are pretty simple to work on and it could well be a good project if it's not a bondo-mobile or rusted out underneath.
I own both a Volvo and a wagon combining these two would probably better then each one by its own. 🤯
But on a more serious note, i think a Volvo V50 or maybe a V70 are the your best option. Old Volvo’s are great and very reliable - much more then a KIA.
I am channeling Scotty...
Rav4 AWD.
Up through the 2018 model year, they had a 6-speed automatic transmission. Newer ones have a unproven transmission that will hopefully be OK.
Glad to see that you didn't mention Subaru. They're poison. If the head gasket doesn't blow, the transmission will get you. I've owned two Subies, the second was exponentially worse than the first.
Oh, if you watch the new video (May 8, 2021) "Don't Buy a New or Used Car Right Now" you'll hear Scotty sing the praises of Kia/Hyundai again. He's pretty firm on his dislike of those sister brands.
Which year and model of Subarus did you own? The newer Subarus are better.
The CR-V is not a wagon.
The Saabs are... OK. But impossible to get fixed and are usually overpriced.
The Volvo's can be OK as well, but they aren't the best as they age.
The modern Subarus can be great vehicles, especially with a stick.
The Buick Regal TourX hasn't had many issues so far and I personally love the things. I've ridden in them and they are quiet, somewhat fast, luxurious, and they ride like a dream all while hauling the whole family. They have been great vehicles so far if you can afford one. They do remain untested in the long term however, so they might not last forever (but neither will a Volvo).
There's not a ton of great choices on the wagon market anymore, so I hope I gave you a little help and you make the best decision possible!
-7.3
OP is looking at wagon, hatch, or SUV so CR-V would be in the running.
Avoid Hyundai Motor Group products at all costs, so in your case the 2015 Kia Forte. Also, the original 10 year/100,000 mile warranty only applies to the original owner, so you won’t have that to depend on.
Have you considered Toyota Matrix?
We have a TourX & it is an awesome car. I refuse to buy one of the white bread CUVs that litter the roads so it was to be a station wagon. More than enough power, good build quality, LOADS of space, drives like a car, beautiful pano moonroof, and the loaded Essence trims have pretty much all the modern tech. Plus it is BUILT IN GERMANY unlike many of the “German” cars sold in the USA.
The TourX was a victim of GM’s piss poor marketing efforts (or lack thereof). Buick never advertised the thing!
GM could have done a few things differently (offered the V6 sold in Australia, included a few options offered in Europe such as HUD & auto wipers, brought the Sport Tourer version without black cladding, etc.) but that goes for other German manufacturers selling cars in the US (*cough* VW).
There are some downsides: there aren’t many options when it comes to performance upgrades; paddle shifters & the aforementioned rain sensing wipers would have been nice as I’m used to having them on my Mk7 GTI.
A TourX is hard to beat when it comes to a people hauler under $50,000 with all the modern tech. Maybe a Jag Sportbrake but then you’re talking getting 18mpg.
