Need a wagon or small SUV

I'd love one. A cycling teammate has one. But IIRC they aren't cheap and get horrible gas mileage

 

Yeah - but you think Kawasaki is awesome too.

EDIT - Rea/ZX10 SBK not withstanding...

 

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a21289064/mid-engine-v12-ls-kia-van-video/

 

I've never understood minivan hate. My '07 Sienna is at over 230k miles. Until the last 15k or so it got 24 or better on the highway. Acceleration is better than my '66 mustang was and it handles pretty well, or it did without the 230k miles worth of play in the steering. DOn't get me wrong, I like the Flex. It's comfortable. Power is OK, but the Sienna feels stronger off the line. I like the elevated seating position of the minivan, the power side doors are awesome, and I can carry a sheet of plywood in the back, flat. Can't completely close the hatch, but the Flex won't do that.

 

Audi allroad?

I like the vette idea. If you need even more space get the aero wagon from Lingenfelter.

 

The wife and I are both 6' + tall and every minivan we tried felt cramped. Plus the Flex is a tank and she feels "secure" in it. She had a bad experience with the previous small SUV and wanted something "big" but not a SUV/truck. And we both just don't like the way they look. I do like the Eurostyle vans - Sprinter, Ford's etc.

For me the, the Flex is honestly the most practical and well thought out car I've ever had. Does everything I need it too well. For hauling plywood, I have my truck.

I just want one with the turbo.

 

Not sure on price, but I was looking for something similar when I decided to move on from my wagon(s). Previously I had a '03 saab 9-5 aero wagon and then a '05 V70R. I was starting to do enough hobbies that involve ground clearance and some off-road capability.

I drove most of the small SUV's, plus a few of the big ones (a ton of work travel and National emerald executive status helps). My end decision was not that different than what Clarkson decided in the small SUV (Canada) episode of the grand tour last season. I thought none of them checked the boxes enough for me and bought a Tacoma. That said, I didn't prioritize gas mileage as much (especially with the offroad package). If you want a comfy ride, leather, better gas mileage, and tons of storage, maybe check out the Ridgeline. I also liked the Flex, btw.

 

My minivan IS my truck.

 

VW diesel wagons are a steal right now. They also come with a hell of a warranty post “the fix”.

 

Fair enough.

 

Honda Civic hatchback Sport trim 1.5t manual. Decent size, great gas mileage, should run forever.

 

And rear tires last no more than a few thousand miles!

 

MB GLK gas or diesel, pick your poison

 

How much?

 

Pretty sure the Impreza wagon is CVT. But so is the 4 cylinder outback. I pulled a 16 ft flats boat with one with no issues.

I highly recommend it.

 

You can actually get the 17 + in a five speed, but the only hesitation I have is that it is gutless. There is one at the local stealership that I'll try to drive this weekend.

How are they on long term reliability?

Lots of good suggestions. So far I'm thinking:

RDX
RAV4
Impreza Wagon
CX5
VW wagon
Audi A3

I did look at Mongo's Caddy Wagon for a few more seconds. He is right, perhaps 19 mpg is conservative and I'll get 20.

https://jalopnik.com/heres-what-a-perfect-cadillac-cts-v-wagon-is-worth-now-1801087310

Then I realized those bitches are $50K!

 

I’m not rolling like some of y’all ballers, but...
2013 base model Ford Escape with the non-turbo 4 cyl. Bought new for $18k, currently at 186k miles with only tires/oil/brakes. 30mpg, hauls me, the wife, the dogs, and all our crap comfortably. Installed a hitch and towed my 4x8 open trailer. I’ll drive it to 200k at least.