I Like Station Wagons, I cannot Lie!

[Sniper X]

Originally Posted by Dilligaf0220

fixified





Doing up a Family Truckster replica would be kinda cool

That would be cool, but all I am gonna do is throw a set of these on it.

[garandman]

My current "Just barely a wagon." Easy to park, holds 5 plus some gear, decent mpg, hauls a$$.

[MineMapper]

I'm not sure where this idea that hatchbacks are wagons came from, but that, my friend, is a hatchback.

[tkuhe]

I am starting to look at used volvo xc70's. I have a one yr old, a dog, and a pregnant wife so our 06 forester xt is going up for sale.
Anyone have any opinions on the 06-09 versions of the XC70? Anything in particular to look out for?
I should also mention that we are looking at a Taurus X, Ford Flex, Explorer, Pilot and 4Runner.

[FakeName]

Originally Posted by tkuhe

I am starting to look at used volvo xc70's.
Anyone have any opinions on the 06-09 versions of the XC70?

Off to www.volvospeed.com with you. The advrider for Volvo.

[MineMapper]

I'd stick with the Subaru, unless you just feel like a change and can afford it. The XC70 isn't that much bigger, but is going to be a lot more expensive to fix, and a lot more likely to need it. The 4WD system is nowhere near as good as the Subaru's.

Now, that said, when we went from 1 child to two, I ditched a perfectly good 850, and ran out to buy a Mazda MPV. In hindsight, I'd have been a lot better off to invest in a couple of good roof boxes. It would have saved me about $5k....

[tkuhe]

Originally Posted by MineMapper

I'd stick with the Subaru, unless you just feel like a change and can afford it. The XC70 isn't that much bigger, but is going to be a lot more expensive to fix, and a lot more likely to need it. The 4WD system is nowhere near as good as the Subaru's.

Now, that said, when we went from 1 child to two, I ditched a perfectly good 850, and ran out to buy a Mazda MPV. In hindsight, I'd have been a lot better off to invest in a couple of good roof boxes. It would have saved me about $5k....

So the problem with the Subie is that it is just too damn small. With an infant seat in the 2nd row, you cant fit anyone in front without pinning your knees to your ears. I already have a roof box, I just need some more space.
I should try installing our infant seat in a volvo to see how it fits.

[MineMapper]

I don't recall the V70 being that spacious in the 2nd row. I couldn't fit our rear-facing Graco comfortably behind me in my 2002, and I'm only 5'10.

[tkuhe]

Originally Posted by MineMapper

I don't recall the V70 being that spacious in the 2nd row. I couldn't fit our rear-facing Graco comfortably behind me in my 2002, and I'm only 5'10.

Ugh...
Well then I am back to looking at the Flex then which imo is just a big old station wagon..

[MineMapper]

Isn't that exactly what you're looking for?

Once we did go minivan, we never looked back. Such awesome practicality and versatility.

[tkuhe]

Originally Posted by MineMapper

Isn't that exactly what you're looking for?

yes, pretty much.. just a little nervous about buying a first gen car.

[IDScarecrow]

Originally Posted by tkuhe

So the problem with the Subie is that it is just too damn small. With an infant seat in the 2nd row, you cant fit anyone in front without pinning your knees to your ears. I already have a roof box, I just need some more space.
I should try installing our infant seat in a volvo to see how it fits.

The '08 and newer Forester's have lots more room in the back seat - something like 4 inches more.

[Xeraux]

[garandman]

Originally Posted by tkuhe

So the problem with the Subie is that it is just too damn small. With an infant seat in the 2nd row, you cant fit anyone in front without pinning your knees to your ears. I already have a roof box, I just need some more space.
I should try installing our infant seat in a volvo to see how it fits.

Understandalbe, since the Forester/Impreza is so short.

An XC70 only has about 3 cf of space more than a 05'-09' Outback wagon (which is about 16" longer than an Impreza). The OBW is narrower than the Volvo but has a higher roof. There is no comparison in driving them: the Volvo feels ponderous.

The new '10 OBW is wider and is available with a 3.6L H6 that's a nice motor.

[fullmonte]

Originally Posted by tkuhe

So the problem with the Subie is that it is just too damn small. With an infant seat in the 2nd row, you cant fit anyone in front without pinning your knees to your ears. I already have a roof box, I just need some more space.
I should try installing our infant seat in a volvo to see how it fits.

I was in your situation and bought a 2007 Toyota RAV4 V6 two weeks ago to replace my Outback. The rear seat adjusts fore/aft and it reclines. With the grunty 269hp V6, 0-60 in 6.8, 3500lb towing capacity, better mileage than the Outback, its worth a look. Sitting high up off the floor is much more comfy than a low seat car.