Thinking about buying a station wagon (!)

[cwa107]

Does anyone have any insight on the latest generation Subaru Legacy wagon or the Mazda 6 wagon? I'm looking for something in the low-20s that's fairly roomy, handles well and is not made by a German or domestic manufacturer. AWD is not really necessary. This will simply replace the wife's Corrolla.

TIA

[nicktripp]

I can't say that I have experience with either of those vehicles, but I saw the thread and just had to reply. I absolutely love wagons, and I would do just about anything to get Honda to bring the Accord Wagon back to the US. I don't know how many of you have seen the Accord Wagon from Japan, but I am in love. Here are a few pics:

1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7

Really Honda...I'll beg.

[cwa107]

Originally posted by nicktripp
I can't say that I have experience with either of those vehicles, but I saw the thread and just had to reply. I absolutely love wagons, and I would do just about anything to get Honda to bring the Accord Wagon back to the US. I don't know how many of you have seen the Accord Wagon from Japan, but I am in love. Here are a few pics:

1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7

Really Honda...I'll beg.

Me too. This question wouldn't even be here if there was an Accord wagon - especially one based on the European Accord (TSX).

Right now, I'm seriously leaning toward the Mazda6 wagon with the 4-cyl (possibly manual) as a gas-thrifty replacement for our '03 Corolla. But having owned Mazda-based vehicles in the past (I had an 89 and a 95 Ford Probe - one was good, one was bad), I'm a bit concerned about reliability.

[jl_ss]

Originally posted by cwa107


Me too. This question wouldn't even be here if there was an Accord wagon - especially one based on the European Accord (TSX).

Right now, I'm seriously leaning toward the Mazda6 wagon with the 4-cyl (possibly manual) as a gas-thrifty replacement for our '03 Corolla. But having owned Mazda-based vehicles in the past (I had an 89 and a 95 Ford Probe - one was good, one was bad), I'm a bit concerned about reliability.

A quick summary of the Consumer Reports data:

If you are concerned about reliability, buy the Suby.

For the Suby Legacy:
Predicted reliability = half red dot
owner satisfaction = full red dot

For the Mazda 6
Predicted reliability = Clear Dot
Owner satisfaction = half black dot

The Suby drivetrain reliability is all full red dots. The Mazda drivetrain reliability has a half black dot under tranny.

I can post more detailed CR data if you need it. Just let me know what you want to see.

[PNW-Pilot]

I think the Pacific NorthWest is the Subaru poster place for the cars. Just about everybody drives one, I haven't talked to one person who doesn't like their Subaru.

They are reliable I'd recommend getting one, they all come with AWD, so it's not an option, one of the selling points around here.

I was considering getting one instead of the Corolla, but it was more then I wanted to spend for a commuter.

[ecsw]

Originally posted by cwa107


Me too. This question wouldn't even be here if there was an Accord wagon - especially one based on the European Accord (TSX).

Right now, I'm seriously leaning toward the Mazda6 wagon with the 4-cyl (possibly manual) as a gas-thrifty replacement for our '03 Corolla. But having owned Mazda-based vehicles in the past (I had an 89 and a 95 Ford Probe - one was good, one was bad), I'm a bit concerned about reliability.

I believe Mazda6 Wagon only started with V6. Only Hatch/sedan has I4.
Mazda3 Sports is also consider as a wagon, isn't it?

[cwa107]

Well, I test drove both today at a Subaru/Mazda dealership. The Subie was a little snug in all dimensions. I liked the way it drove, but the 2.5L was fairly weak, and not well matched to that vehicle - I'd imagine things improve with a manual, but I drove an automatic and intend to buy one. The seating position for a big guy (I'm 6'2") was a bit awkward too - I felt like I couldn't bend my knees. Otherwise, the Subie's interior was world's better than the Pilot's - I was very impressed.

The Mazda6 wagon was absolutely everything I was expecting. Very quick and agile, handling was very nice overall. I test drove the 3.0L V6 (215hp) and found it smooth and quiet. Suspension was a little taught, but that's to be expected from a vehicle with such competent handling. Despite the reliability ratings, I'm leaning in this direction - providing they can throw an extended warranty in cheaply (if not free).

Thanks for your comments (and big thanks to jl_ss for the CR info).

[Medic721]

I was looking at the subaru wagons before i purchased my pilot. one of the biggest drawbacks for me was that all but the base models require 93 octane fuel.

-Mike.

[jl_ss]

Originally posted by cwa107
Well, I test drove both today at a Subaru/Mazda dealership. The Subie was a little snug in all dimensions. I liked the way it drove, but the 2.5L was fairly weak, and not well matched to that vehicle - I'd imagine things improve with a manual, but I drove an automatic and intend to buy one. The seating position for a big guy (I'm 6'2") was a bit awkward too - I felt like I couldn't bend my knees. Otherwise, the Subie's interior was world's better than the Pilot's - I was very impressed.

The Mazda6 wagon was absolutely everything I was expecting. Very quick and agile, handling was very nice overall. I test drove the 3.0L V6 (215hp) and found it smooth and quiet. Suspension was a little taught, but that's to be expected from a vehicle with such competent handling. Despite the reliability ratings, I'm leaning in this direction - providing they can throw an extended warranty in cheaply (if not free).

Thanks for your comments (and big thanks to jl_ss for the CR info).

Sounds like you drove the 175 hp legacy. The GT limited wagon adds a turbocharger for 250 hp 250 ft-lbs. But it's a bit more expensive. I've heard that either you love or hate the Suby seating. Looks like both Mazda and Subaru have cash incentives and low financing. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[cwa107]

Originally posted by jl_ss


Sounds like you drove the 175 hp legacy. The GT limited wagon adds a turbocharger for 250 hp 250 ft-lbs. But it's a bit more expensive. I've heard that either you love or hate the Suby seating. Looks like both Mazda and Subaru have cash incentives and low financing. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Yep, it was non-turbo 2.5L "boxer" - as medic721 pointed out, the turbocharged versions require premium fuel and command a significant price increase.

Based on the vehicle's size and amenities, I think it's either overpriced or doesn't represent as great of a value as the Pilot does. The Pilot LX seems like a LOT more car for $27K than does a loaded Legacy.

[rocky]

I drove a Suby years ago, and it confirmed something I discovered decades ago with a Citroen gs, that Flat 4 engines are gutless.

Sounds like they haven't changed

Now aren't Mazda 6s using Ford engines?

[jay]

Hey, cwa! Trying to slip one past us! Congrats on the new wheels!

[cwa107]

Originally posted by jay
Hey, cwa! Trying to slip one past us! Congrats on the new wheels!

I don't take delivery until later on today, but then you can be sure I will! I've been around here long enough to know the rules

[davus]

Originally posted by rocky
I drove a Suby years ago, and it confirmed something I discovered decades ago with a Citroen gs, that Flat 4 engines are gutless.

Sounds like they haven't changed

Now aren't Mazda 6s using Ford engines?

Not when you put a turbo on it My WRX wagon would kill anything in the Honda lineup pretty much.

Just sold it in favor of the Pilot though cause I wanted more room for the growing family.

Yes, Mazda has a pretty tight relationship with Ford. I'm sure the Mazda's are better vehicles than Ford's are, but with my experiences with several Ford's and their dealerships, I will never buy another Ford or a Mazda by association.

The new Mazda's look pretty cool though.

[LChisum]

Originally posted by cwa107
Despite the reliability ratings, I'm leaning in this direction - providing they can throw an extended warranty in cheaply (if not free).

You did get a standard warranty of 4 years/50,000 miles and free roadside service with it, didn't you?

Larry