Our faithful '99 Volvo Cross Country was totaled a few weeks ago. We've been driving it while we look for something else. Criteria are: station wagon or CUV; Prefer manual.
We're considering lots of things, from manual Subaru Outback to a Ford Flex.
Then I stumbled across this:
Mrs. Clarty L-O-V-E-S her '99 XC, it has been a pretty good car. She really flipped over the possibility of one this nice and new. I eagerly anticipate the learned responses of GRM's wise guys.
Double post.
This one has more detail, though.
Duke wrote: This one has more detail, though.
Good point.
I have an early 90s 940 turbo and I too have been looking at newer replacements, newer for me though means something along the lines late 90s.
Following......
I'm not a wagon guy but I do like the VW Jetta Sportwagon. You can get a 2.0L, 2.0 TDI, a 2.5L, a Turbo 4. and a VR6. Most are available with a manual.
Jeep Patriot can be had with manual.
mazda CX5
Mrs. BDT was like a kid with her nose pressed against the storefront window when the redesigned 2008 Volvo wagon came out. After test driving it, we backtracked and bought a leftover 2007 XC70 instead. The P2 chassis felt like it retained a lot of Volvo DNA while the P3 platform felt generic by comparison.
I picked up a 11 outback with 6 speed manual, it's quiet inside rides well and we've even used it traversing some sand washes which it does fine. Go to the Outback forums to see some of the things people do and don't like. I will give you what I've noticed and am looking to change, keep in mind some of it is picky club racer guy. I manage 27 mpg, the balance is good with the stability control off, with it on if you attempt to throttle steer in big sweeping interchanges instead of tightening it's line when you roll of the throttle it just kind of does nothing. The steering just off center is a bit dead, this is an easy fix by adjusting the rack preload. You can get the stock Conti tires howling a little early but they do stick. Some people have complained about the car wandering or being weavy on the highway, the 19mm rear sway bar cures this, I do not have issue with it. Finally Subaru is awfully proud of the accessories, they are priced accordingly but do fit well. Overall I like the car a lot and would recommend one, I needed a rally wagon that rode nice, it fit the bil, it's no sports car but you can still hustle it on a twisty road.
Tom
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/open-classifieds/2011-hyundai-elantra-touring-se-5-speed/91182/page1/
'11 Elantra wagon.
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