Which wagon would you buy for $4500?

AWD, manny tranny, Japanese:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4376968164.html

5 speed slick Swedish front driver:

http://frederick.craigslist.org/cto/4364426035.html

And....go! Remember to show your work.

Volvo because I have never owned one and always have wanted too and the Right Rear Wheel bearing will go out in the Subaru.

and Volvo has comfy seats.

I had a 2002 Volvo XC70 - repairs were EXPENSIVE. You're better off getting a slightly older one. Those were TANKS.

The Volvo drivers seat looks like a coal miner owned it. Other than that I gots nothing. No personal experience with either

Subie

Go for the V70. Manual T5 wagons are UBER RARE and in many ways a better car than the V70R. As long as you keep the oil fresh and a good timing belt on it, it will knock back the miles with speed and comfort indefinitely...

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4363354961.html

99 Merc E320 wagon for $3k? What could possibly go wrong?

I'd go for the Subaru for the AWD, lower cost of ownership and better looks (IMO).

i messaged you what to get

Volvo

T5 Wagon with a stick is Unicorn-ish. This is GRM so the assumption is made that you likely won't be relying on a dealer for service. They're no harder/more expensive to maintain than most others, buy parts online.

The Outback does nothing for me.

The Volvo is due/past due for a timing belt, figure that into purchase price (water pump, idler, and tensioner too). Ask for proof if they claim it's been done.

White block T5 is reliable as gravity as long as you keep oil and coolant in it, and change the timing belt every ~100K miles/5 years.

• Lee

Had a Subaru wagon with the 5-speed and thoroughly hated the car. Had a turbo Volvo wagon (945T) and LOVED the car, even though it was an automatic. The thought of driving a manual turbo Volvo wagon sends ecstatic shivers through me. So I'm going to suggest you go with the Volvo.

I vote Volvo!

pres589 wrote: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4363354961.html 99 Merc E320 wagon for $3k? What could possibly go wrong?

With an automatic and 200k no less. Ick.

In reply to volvoclearinghouse:

I saw the auto. I didn't notice the mileage. Sounds... like a challenge!

The Volvo. Hold up well to winters for rust(unlike Subaru)and can tow ~3500#. What's not to like? I owned an Outback, nice enough car but meh. However you're asking a guy who drives a SAAB.

Probably this one

http://york.craigslist.org/cto/4380878050.html

I'd get the Volvo, I think the worst thing about them (other than that ETM mess) is the auto. My sister had a 99 V70 GXE with the t5/auto combo. Great motor, lousy transmission. Even so, when the transmission wasn't screwing around it was a great highway cruiser. A T5 stick would be close to heaven. Do what bigdaddylee82 says, maintain it yourself and buy parts online and it love you long time..

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4339864627.html

+

http://easternshore.craigslist.org/cto/4371942992.html

and see you at the challenge!

I would buy the Subi. I owned the Volvo's older brother (850 turbo) and it was nice to drive, but impossible to keep running. That Subaru would be a $7000 plus car here in the land of rain and lesbians.

$4500 should buy a nice LT1 Caprice or Roadmaster wagon. Someone had to say it.

Alphabetically, you'd have to go with the Subaru.

9-5 Aero wagon.

Of those two, undoubtedly the Volvo.

Volvo, because nobody ever hung a Japanese flag in their garage for owning a Subaru.

Gearheadotaku wrote: $4500 should buy a nice LT1 Caprice or Roadmaster wagon. Someone had to say it.

$1500 Caprice +$800 LR4/4l65e + suspension/brake/wheel upgrades.

Subie, at least you have the WRX & STI aftermarket products to make it go faster