mid size wagon that can handle?

Here is a rare V70R manual offered in Mich.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=310394315&dealer_id=626001&car_year=2004&systime=&doors=&model=&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&body_style=WAGON&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1323814020877&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=y&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=CLEVELAND_NW&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=128&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=Manual&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=44870&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=VOLVO&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=81&standard=false

I didn't come across any major issues with the V70R's when I was shopping last year. Just couldn't find one where I was at.

Not sure where the WRX detractors are coming from, but I raised two kids in my '02. Fits car seats just fine. And after that, it fits boosters just fine.

That said, I do like the legacy gt or outback as long as you can get them with the turbo and manual.

The E36 is CHEAP to fix. I was surprised to see how cheap it was-and easy to work on. I've replaced everything but my trans and diff, and only have $3K invested including the purchase price. Talking the entire suspension, motor, cooling system, exhaust.

In reply to spitfirebill:

Talk about a Unicorn.

T5R was '95 only, and in a wagon... the numbers vary but <100 made it to this side of the pond.

There were more R versions '96-'97, but not AWD, there were AWD 5 speed 850 wagons and sedans in North America, but just about all of them are Canadian, and are almost as rare as the aforementioned T5R wagon.

V70R will be the easiest to find, but most who know what they've got, demand a premium for them, not necessarily exorbitant but well above the $$ of the same vintage non R.

• Lee

What about the aftermarket parts and service costs for both models? Should I expect BMW-esque prices on performance parts? Will the V70R have more gadgets and gizmos that have the potential to fail than the LGT? After doing some quick reading I learned the V70R has a FWD biased AWD system opposed to the RWD biased AWD of the LGT. Can anyone comment on the "feel" of one to the other? Preferences, comments, criticisms?

Familytruckster, if i could find an e36 wagon I would definitely consider it.

JRW1621, I pass by that dealership on a regular basis. Its the coolest dealership in michigan IMO. And right in the heart of Woodward ave. I will definitely inquire on the v70r. not a fan of the color but dont mind it.

LGT is not "RWD" biased. Subaru's transaxle was designed as a FWD box and had the RWD output added later.

I've driven both and they drive differently, but neither drives like a FWD car.

Javelin wrote: LGT is not "RWD" biased. Subaru's transaxle was designed as a FWD box and had the RWD output added later. I've driven both and they drive differently, but neither drives like a FWD car.

Thanks for clearing that up. I actually read that on an LGT forum. Even I thought it was fishy. In your opinion which had a sportier feel? I know it will come down to my own seat of the pants experience but I value the opinions and suggestions of the members of this forum.

In reply to thunderzy:
Yes, a cool dealership but not a cheap one.
I see on their website that have a crazy green Audi in stock that you should look at while there. Also check out the Lotuses (Loti).
That area always reminds me of Hunter House and The Red Coat Tavern. Two good and completely different burgers.

bigdaddylee82 wrote: In reply to spitfirebill: Talk about a Unicorn. T5R was '95 only, and in a wagon... the numbers vary but <100 made it to this side of the pond.

Believe it or not there used to be one around where I live. Been quite a while since I've seen it though.

Javelin wrote: WRX is *not* midsize! You *will* struggle getting car seats in one. The Forester is not much better, either. The A6, S4, and A4 will all

not the 08+...much more legroom in the back than the early ones thanks to the longer wheelbase and slightly sunken backseats. My daughter's carset fits fine in the backseat right behind my driver's seat - and I'm 6' tall and sit pretty far back. My 6'8 buddy regularly sits back there and says the room for his legs is as good as anything else, including my Maxima that he used to ride around in. And yes, we put the 6'8 guy in the back because he's the young'un of the group, lol.

The pre-08 models though, yes...backseat small.

The E39 touring will fit your bill well. Easy to work on and not bad maintenance costs if it is taken care of. I would have bought another one but three car seats fit in very few cars.

I'd get a regular V70 w/Eibach's & aftermarket 18's and call it a day.

My Mazda6 w/5-speed is a fun car to drive. It really surprised me.

In reply to spitfirebill:

Black or Yellow? Getting to see a T5R Wagon is a very rare treat.

In reply to fornetti14:

The same thing crossed my mind when I posted earlier, but he specified AWD/RWD, so I refrained.

Eibach/Koni FSD combo, IPD front & rear street sways, maybe a strut tower brace. Some real or knock off Volans or Titan wheels to keep the "look," some stickier rubber, and have fun. There's recipes/kits for fitting S60R or Porsche 993TT/928GTS calipers with 302mm rotors too.

• Lee

09 wrx backseat. With driver's seat in normal position for me and passenger seat most of the way back.

Waiting for more V70R impressions..

irish44j wrote: The pre-08 models though, yes...backseat small.

Rear-facing is a challenge in a B5/B6, unless you only need one in which case you can put it in the center and it will nestle between the two front seats pretty well. Forward-facing car seats work just fine in the back, I've got two of them in my B6 right now.

Avants (especially manuals) are quite rare in both B5 and B6. The B5 is more moddable, the B6 is more power in stock form and has that rumbly V8 sound.

DoctorBlade wrote: One vote for the G body. I miss my Buick I had. Wagon with fake wood trim, even.

A million votes for G-body. Drop in a cheap T5, Hotchkis suspension goodies, parts are cheaper than mud.

curtis73 wrote:

DoctorBlade wrote: One vote for the G body. I miss my Buick I had. Wagon with fake wood trim, even.

A million votes for G-body. Drop in a cheap T5, Hotchkis suspension goodies, parts are cheaper than mud.

A million +1 votes for G-body. No need to pay for Hotchkis stuff, check the circle track suppliers, tons of suspension goodies for G-bodies for cheap prices.

bigdaddylee82 wrote: In reply to spitfirebill: Black or Yellow? Getting to see a T5R Wagon is a very rare treat.

Yellow. How could one miss that?

Javelin wrote: LGT is not "RWD" biased. Subaru's transaxle was designed as a FWD box and had the RWD output added later. I've driven both and they drive differently, but neither drives like a FWD car.

The Subie has a center diff and a driveshaft back to the front diff all hidden in the AWD case. I believe that front driveshaft is powered post viscous coupling. I am pretty sure they are more like a transfer case type AWD than a FWD transmission with a rear output shaft and a viscous coupling to the rear wheels.

codrus, I have that exact car! B6 S4 avant, 6 speed manual, nogaro blue with the alcantara interior. Love it!

I will throw in another vote for the G-body.

93EXCivic wrote: I will throw in another vote for the G-body.

You guys are making this hard on me. Anybody have a G-body wagon here? Care to chime in, pics would be great!!

I've been following this thread on ls1tech for a while now. Damn cool and great work.

http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1470209-79-cutlass-wagon-5-3-g-machine.html

Also been staring at this for some time now too. Its very tempting!!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/2747483593.html