$5,000 wagon / CUV / SUV

I'm currently looking to pick up a new daily driver in the $5,000 range, I know how much these threads are loved around here; so I thought I'd post one up to see what I'm forgetting.

Requirements

wagon or small SUV with room for 4 plus bikes and camping gear

20 mpg highway

reliable, relatively easy to service

$5,000 or less and preferably lower mileage

Things I'd like:

manual transmission (this is my number 1 want/borderline requirement)

if SUV then 4x4, as I do use the capability

What I've considered

XJ Cherokee (probably the answer)

Suzuki Grand Vitara (hard to find with manual, but interested in learning more)

B5 Passat wagon (VAG doesn't scare me, must find clean manual)

Best 3rd gen 4runner in price range

Suzuki SX4 (a little small but could work, rare in manual hatchback)

Mazda6 Wagon

Saab 9-5

Subaru Forester/Outback with maintenance records

So, I'm a little all over the place. I do use the ability to go off road to get to trailheads and campsites when I have it; however it is not a necessity. I've owned Subarus and while they fit the bill I have dealt with the headgasket issue and would not want to purchase another unless it has proof of work being done. Maintenance doesn't scare me I would just prefer to avoid any major repairs in the immediate future.

Anyways what am I leaving out. Sell me on a Saturn? Convince me I need another Miata with a lift and a trailer?

edit: lists don't seem to like me

Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute

Volvo wagon

Here is the GRM Saturn Vue Thread.

Though the Vue is a Cute-Ute, it is not an off-road vehicle. All the manual trans versions are fwd only. For a tall station wagon, it does well.

I think this fits: http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4627334263.html

Wait no 5sp.

I love my Volvo 855R even though it's a slushbox. They made manual V70's, I would go for one of those.

VUE is a great option here. $5K will get you a manual in very good condition with very low (relative) miles.

The Escape/Tribute are good too.

I like the XJ option, but mileage is going to be awful compared to most of the list.

I assume when you say 4 + bikes + gear, the bikes are going on top of/behind the car?

Correct, bikes go behind. We have a Tribute in the family and while I don't explicitly hate it I definitely don't enjoy driving it. The main appeal of an SUV is the ability to go further off road so between a cute-ute with no real off road ability and a proper wagon I'd choose a wagon.

I've looked a v70's. Somewhat tough to find.

Gas mileage isn't a huge concern as the majority my driving is relatively short distances.

1st gen (97-01) CR-V. Available with AWD and a manual (except for '97, they were all auto). Tons of room, lots of ground clearance, pretty capable off-road (soft-roading) for what they are, good MPG, Honda reliability. I'll just leave this here...

A Jeep Patriot could do what you want in every category except maybe price. You'll either have to spend a little more or tolerate a higher odometer reading. Far too many people dismiss them as mall-rated wannabes but I have been highly satisfied with our 5 speed model (that replaced a Forester) and actually liked the CVT versions in our company fleet. I think they are a much worthier successor to the Cherokee than the gas sucking Liberty. If you research them, the only real problems are the sunroofs (easily clogged drains = guaranteed interior showers). Fuel economy is mid-20s.

I wouldn't buy a Suzuki or Saab due to future parts availability questions and plummeting resale value.

We liked our Subarus, but the cost of them became a deterrent and the Forester was geared taller than the others which really cut into it's fuel economy on the highway. 90k timing belt replacements and head gasket concerns also need to be considered.

ddavidv wrote: A Jeep Patriot could do what you want in every category except maybe price. You'll either have to spend a little more or tolerate a higher odometer reading. Far too many people dismiss them as mall-rated wannabes but I have been highly satisfied with our 5 speed model (that replaced a Forester) and actually liked the CVT versions in our company fleet. I think they are a much worthier successor to the Cherokee than the gas sucking Liberty. If you research them, the only real problems are the sunroofs (easily clogged drains = guaranteed interior showers). Fuel economy is mid-20s.

I REALLY want a Patriot for a fun DD/Utility box. Possibly with Caliber SRT-4 motor.

The Honda Element is oft overlooked, but I have seen them trading for less than a similar year/mileage CRV and I think they have a ruggedness factor that's kinda cool. I know they can be had with a 5-speed, but not sure if they are in the $5K range yet.

I recently picked up a Saturn SW2. While I've only driven it a couple of times, it really seems to check all of your boxes and is an attractive, efficient little car to boot.

V70.

We had a Vue. It wasn't bad but I would rather have a V70 any day.

Powar wrote: I recently picked up a Saturn SW2. While I've only driven it a couple of times, it really seems to check all of your boxes and is an attractive, efficient little car to boot.

I'd think the SW2 is on the small side for this use case. It could do what the OP is asking, but I'm betting he wants something more convenient. A roof rack would be mandatory, as there is (currently) no hitch available that will support a 4-bike carrier. A strap-on carrier is possible, but those suck.

4 people in the car is tight, but do-able for short/medium trips. Normal gear for 4 would take up much of the luggage space in the trunk, not leaving room for additional camping gear. Loaded up that much, the car squats pretty badly on stock springs :(

Forgot about the Patriot, I may be able to stretch a little on price and a 5-speed patriot would fit the bill almost perfectly.

Car won't be hauling 4 people and stuff regularly, but I would just like the ability to do so on occasion.

The XJ is a great choice, but you're going to struggle to get 20mpg out of it. I put nearly 90k miles on one and really grew to like it. But a good tank got 18mpg. I suppose if you're cruising the highway at 60mph you might get there, but any faster and the brick-esque shape will kill your mileage.

Jeep Liberty? Not entirely sure if available with stick though.

I vote Saab 9-5. Easy to shop for them in that price range with a manual.

You could easily get a nice Forester to fit this bill!