need help choosing a wagon

I'm in the market to buy a used wagon but I'm not sure where to begin. I currently drive an 02 Grand Marq but the cost of fuel is making me look toward something with better mpg. In addition to the Grand Marq, I've had an 87 Custom Cruiser and an 85 Colony park, so downsizing might be tough for me. I like the looks of the Ford Focus Wagon, but worry that it might be too small. I'm not concerned about manufacturer or year (would like to stay under 70K miles) but would like a reliable, spacious, fuel efficient, and safe vehicle. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

might wanna consider a-body wagons. usually 3.1 GM V6's but sometimes you can find them with the 4 cyl. the a-bodies were:

Buick Century,



Olds Cutlass Ciera Wagon,



Chevy Celebrity wagon, (2 Styles)





Pontiac 6000 Wagon,



all have basically the same back end.

 

Personally, I'd stick with the big wagons. The fuel consumption isn't that different, but the front wheel drive wagons can really get expensive to repair! The Focus wagon if a neat little wagon, and it does drive very nicely. Be sure to drive one properly, though, if you decide to look at one. They are very narrow inside, especially at the B pillar. I put the seat back for me, and my shoulder is hitting the trim around the seat belt mount. Not nice at all. The other thing to watch is rust. The rocker panels have a habit of disappearing. The worrisome one, though, is the mounts for the lower control arms on the K-frame. A friend just had to scrap his when the wheel came off while he was driving. The control arm mount broke on the sub frame. No way to fix it for anything approaching a reasonable amount of money.

Good luck with the hunt and keep us up to date.

 

Thanks for the suggestions...any thoughts about volvo v50/v70/xc70? Also, does anyone know about the reliability of older taurus wagons (pre 95)

 

I'm in agreement about the A-Body wagons, however the mileage isn't all that different, especially if you require room. The little fuel savings may not justify it.

 

"Fuel economy" and "wagon" don't really belong in the same topic. IMHO.
That being said, there were fox-bodies that had 4-cylinder engines with high rear end gears. There was a fellow up here that was selling a fox marquis that had a turbo, and just about everything else from a t-bird bolted on.
I'll have to look for his thread.

 

Found it:
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20384&highlight=turbo

 

I owned a '03 Focus wagon for quite a while. Was quite roomy for being such a small wagon. If you go this route, take an extended test-drive in it, to make sure you'll be satisfied with the performance. Most of these came with a DOHC 2.0 liter (or earlier ones a SOHC). I drove one of those and it didn't have enough power for me. I found one with s 2.3 'PZEV' engine, which had a lot more power. This engine was only available new in certain states, and only in the '03 and '04 wagons.

I also had a '89 Taurus GL for a while, with a 3.8 V6. Pretty good wagon. Only thing I hated about it was the feel of the cloth upholstery. Fairly reliable.

Marshall

 

I didn't see price limitations in your post. New Cadillac wagon 28 highway MPG!

 

I'm looking to stay under a 15K price, not really concerned about year, but would prefer lower mileage. HandyAndy...I concede that wagons aren't too fuel efficient either, but I'd like something a little less thirsty than my current 4.6 V8. (I also have a 95 Caddy Fleetwood, so obviously fuel economy hasn't been on my mind until recently). The wagon would mostly be driven on the interstate (daily commute), with occasional longer trips.

 

I'm assuming this will be your daily driver? I'm also assuming that you get some crappy weather in northern Kentucky. Based on this, have you checked out a Subaru Outback? I've been comparing them against the Honda Pilot and CRV and think the Outback will be my next daily driver.

 

The new Subarus are built better than the Hondas.
I think they offer a lot of bang for the buck too.

 

We had a 95 Taurus with the 3.8 V6 and it was a great car, Got good fuel economy and was beyond the early 80's transmission problems. We've had 3 Taurus and 1 Mercury Sable. All have been very dependable (wife seemed to attract accidents) Our Sable had the 3.0 in it. On road trips fully loaded we could get 30mpg. General driving in the mid 20's. These cars are plentiful and inexpensive. I would buy another in a second for general transportation. Just my two cents.

 

I had a 92 Crown Vic with the 4.6. After that, I swore never again! I can understand what you mean about the gas mileage. I do better in my 78 Thunderbird with a 5.8 litre V-8, without overdrive! Given the highway use, I will go back to my favorite wagon, if you can find one: A 1985-87 Colony Park or Country Squire with the 351W, and preferably the Trailer Tow III package. Set up properly, it will match the Focus for fuel consumption, and give you all the room and comfort you want. Plus, the big Fords are much less expensive to repair!

 

Thanks everyone for all the good info!