Ah, the station wagon... or minivan?

I expected to love the Audi because I really enjoyed test driving the Passat, but I really wasn't blown away -- at least not enough to pay $40,000 for a (lightly) used one. I figure if I'm going to pay that kind of money, then I should get a Mercedes or something truly luxurious. The steering on the A6 I drove was pretty stiff and it didn't really have any cool luxury features that mattered to me.

I guess that's why you have to test-drive everything... I would have really thought I'd like the Audi much more than I did.

I'm glad you like your Passat. I have heard that some of them have recurrent problems much like Karen described, so that's my concern. It seems that some people get trouble-free Passats and others get lemons (sorry, Karen -- I hope yours gets properly fixed and truly is NOT a lemon).

Nancy

Mom to Rachel, born 5/24/04

Well, I don't have the cars you're asking about, but I did buy a Ford Focus wagon 2 years ago and now I want a minivan. So, you may want to think long-term here. If you plan on TTC at some point in the future, you might want to go for the minivan. I wish I had.

[Momof3Labs]

My Passat has been virtually trouble free for 3 years now, so not too bad. I have the 4 cylinder (don't remember the trim line) and find it to be plenty peppy. When I test drove the V6, I didn't feel that it was worth the extra money and reduced gas mileage.

[JFC]

We have a Saab 9-5 Wagon and LOVE it! This is my third Saab and my favorite so far. The funny thing is I bought it before DS showed up - I got it so I could have a 'back back' for the dog!

There are a lot of bells and whistles - I still don't know how to use them all. DH and I both agree that it is one of the most comfortable cars for local and distance driving - there is great leg room in the front and back seats, which was important to us. With the turbo it has awesome accleration - it definitely does not drive like you would think a wagon would - very peppy!

My only negative comment is that Saabs don't hold great resale value (of course if you buy a used one that could be a positive!), but on the flip side they last forever!

BTW, I also test drove the Passat wagon and was pleased with that too. I ended up just being more comfortable with the Saab purchase. HTH.

A snarky question: do you mind (or have you broken) the odd cup holders in front? That was the one thing that seemed strange when I looked at the 9-5 today (I still haven't test-driven it, but I've sat in it and agree with you about the roominess).

Oh -- and what year 9-5 are you driving? The market seems flooded with '01 wagons at excellent prices... which might help deal with the fact that the car won't hold resale value. Or, at the very least, buying a used car will assure my husband we're not wasting TOO much money on depreciation the minute we drive the car off the lot. :)

Nancy

Mom to Rachel, born 5/24/04

[JennSimm]

We just bought a new 2005 Honda Odyssey EX-L RES a little over a month ago. With 5 kids, it is much easier to get in and out of than our Durango. I tell you...I love this van. We got the leather seats for easier cleaning, but with leather, you also get a 6disc cd changer and moonroof! I love the power doors too. The back holds our double stroller plus tons of other stuff. There is also a 'lazy susan' in the floor of the van that I keep extra diapers and blankets and clothes in for the boys. It also comes with an 8th seat (which we have removed until needeed) that could be useful for us incase my mother comes to visit. We got the rear dvd with wireless headphones. I have to drive my 3 girls to their fathers every other weekend, and it is an hour away. They sit in the back, recline the seat (YES! the 3rd row reclines!) and watch a movie...no fighting in the car!!!! I loved driving the Durango, but I REALLY LOVE this van!! it drives like a car and feels so nice and comfy! I have to add that my DH thinks of reasons to drive the van! I never in a million yrs thought he would drive a minivan. He is a though guy, farmer...who drives big tractors, combines, semi truck, etc all day, and he loves the van as much as I do. As a matter of fact, I am leaving for Texas on Friday for 3 days and he said.." WoW...just me and the boys and the Oddy...Its gonna be great!". We leased ours, because we like a new car every 2 yrs or so, but I already know I will get antother oddysey. If you buy one, they hold the value very well. The Toyota Sienna also has very good ratings, but for the same features, the Honda was cheaper. Forgot to mention...side curtain airbags all down both sides of the van!!! Makes me feel safer transporting the girls all the time.

Let us know what you get!

Jenn

[tarahsolazy]

We have a 2004 Passat Wagon, the basic model, and we love it! I love wagons, though! We've taken some LONG drives, and it is very comfy, both front and back seats. I don't regret the purchase at all.

[C99]

I also test-drove the GLS and it didn't seem too bad to me, but I also didn't take it on the highway. I'll probably ask to test drive it on the highway; my husband doesn't care b/c he knows it's not going to be as vivacious as our Nissan Maxima SE -- but that's OK because that car is so *not* a good city/kids car. There are about 10 GLS wagons left in my area, so I've got some negotiating room.

We are expecting #2 any day now and are considering trading in my PT Cruiser for a minivan so I kinda know where you are coming from.

We just purchased a Subaru Outback wagon for DH (to replace his aging Nissan crewcab truck) and you may want to take a look at the Subaru wagons. They have several models comparable to the Passat wagon in features and safety, but cost quite a bit less $$. We looked at the Passat wagon and felt it was just too much $$ for what you were getting, especially when compared to other cars in the same price range.

DH's Subaru Outback came fully loaded (leather, moonroof, turbocharged engine, all the bells and whistles) for under $30,000. He really wanted the 6cyl turbo, so that was an extra $1500, but still less than the comparable Passat.

I was impressed with the safety features his car has, too. It has all-wheel drive, side curtain airbags, anti-submarine seats, reinforced side panels for the doors and a bunch of other stuff standard.

Anyways, just a thought if you are looking at wagons, to check out the Subaru...the Legacy line is more "luxury" than the Outback, but I think DH"s Outback is plenty luxurious.

[ppshah]

I have a volve cross country and love it!!! We only have one child now so it's perfect and plenty of room for roadtrips. I could have gotten a bigger car- but didn't want to give up everyday comfort for the few times a year we have visitors.

It have built in booster which are perfect when my nephews visit. THere is an optional third row seat for future carpooling.

I can go on and on about this car..let me know if you have any questions.