Wagons are a part of our car culture, featured in films like National Lampoons ‘Vacation’, and make for a great surfing vehicle. They have also been used for decades as the preferred Sales Rep car traveling from one end of the country to the other. While SUV’s and Cross-Over cars are making their mark on the car scene, the humble wagon has taken a back seat – but no more. Wagons are making a comeback, so let’s take a look at ten of the best wagons on the used car market in no particular order.
1. 2008 Volvo V40
I’ll start this list with a family favorite throughout Europe – the Volvo wagon. The particular model I found was a silver V40 1.9 liter 4-cylinder engine which is great on fuel economy. You can get the V50 and V60 with larger engines, but they have less use around town if you are traveling locally. The really low 52,881 miles impressed me straight away, as was the four owners it has only had over near-on twenty years. Browsing through the pictures, I can see it has been well looked after. It features alloy wheels, roof racks, rear cargo tray and cargo nets, full leather seats and a sunroof for $7,899 with full service records.
2. 2006 Mazda6 S Sport
Moving on to the ever-popular Mazda6 which came out with a great sports wagon – in fact my sister has one and I’ve been a passenger and a driver in it many times and found it to be a comfortable, reliable, yet sporty vehicle. There’s plenty of space in the rear cargo area which features cargo-area tie-downs, a cargo net as well as a cargo-area cover. Cruise control, tilt steering column, telescopic steering, rear sun visor, color-coded side mirrors, splash guards and alloy wheels give this sporty looking automatic wagon the consideration it deserves. In lush steel-blue with 98,341 miles and front-wheel drive, it could be yours for the very low price of $5,499.
3. 2007 Subaru Impreza Sportwagon
Unique in its styling, the Impreza has always been the envy of many young drivers, and stands apart from its brothers – the Outback and Legacy. I came across a one-owner gray Sportwagon with just 75,000 miles, All-Wheel Drive, new tires, two-tone sports seats, a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, and sports body kit for $7,995. Bargain!
4. 2007 Volkswagen Passat 4Motion
All-Wheel Drive is the first thing that pops out at me as I read through the great features this wagon has to offer. Aerated leather seats, sunroof, 3.6 liter V6 engine, Sports Package including cool alloy wheels with new tires, Cold Weather Package for the snow, spotless interior, icy-cold air conditioning, full service history, and traction control also round out an ongoing list of great features this sleek wagon has. With 77,631 miles traveled so far, there’s plenty of life left for only $8,490.
5. 2003 Audi A4 Avant Quattro
Audi’s famous Quattro All-Wheel Drive system is featured in this model I found online. Quality and luxurious features abound in this powerful A4 3.0 liter V6 wagon. It also includes a navigation system, sunroof/moonroof, heated seats, alloy wheels, Premium Package, dual exhaust, fully adjustable front leather seats, recent service, clean Carfax history and 95,759 miles in immaculate condition for a mere $6,999.
6. 2005 Dodge Magnum SE
A mean looking machine that makes an impression on the highway, the Magnum is a rear-wheel family wagon with lumbar support, privacy glass, smooth handling, and a decent 2.7 liter V6 engine to cruise down the road on. The light gray interior and silver exterior paint enhance this bad boy as it sits low for a wagon easily weaving its way through traffic and windy conditions. The one I chose has a low 77,483 miles listed, immaculate interior, and service history for $8,444.
7. 2005 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon
This list includes a lot of luxury brand wagons and for good reason – because they are extremely good value for money. The Jaguar is no exception. It has a 3.0 liter V6 engine, is All-Wheel Drive, has full unmarked leather interior in tan, sunroof, alloy wheels, sparkling burgundy exterior paint work, power everything, the classic Jaguar bonnet mascot, interior wood grain effect with 98,558 miles traveled and freshly detailed for $8,965.
8. 2009 SAAB 9-3
Having owned a SAAB myself, I know how reliable and comfortable they are, so finding a later 2009 9-3 model with a 2.0 Liter Turbo engine is a real bargain. The cool blue-gray exterior adds to the sexy appearance with full leather seats in awesome condition, rear parcel shelf that contracts or extends as needed, daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity, power everything from windows to locks to side mirrors, tire pressure monitoring system, roof racks and tons of added features – too many to mention. The best part is the low 57,036 mileage for an amazing $8,888.
9. 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Cruiser SL
No list of wagons would be complete without an old-school Oldsmobile for classic looks and enough space to load up for a road-trip. You’ll fall in love with the wood paneling down the sides and round the back. With 75,721 original miles and a 4-speed automatic transmission, this non-smoker’s wagon has cool air conditioning, illuminated entry, intermittent wipers, tilt steering wheel and perks I never thought existed back then like ABS brakes. Side roof-bars are ready for you to tie down your extra luggage and there’s a rear exterior sun visor – all for just $8,995.
10. 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman Hardtop
Wrapping up my list is a great condition Mini Clubman in Ruby Red with dual black stripes. Not as big as a Dodge Magnum or Oldsmobile Cutlass, the double opening rear doors make it easy to load and unload small pieces of furniture or a day of binge-shopping with your bestie. The one I picked out has a 6-speed automatic transmission, panorama roof, rear seats that fold down providing more space, and four brand new tires. With a clean Carfax title, 88,650 miles on the clock and alloy wheels, it could be yours for only $7,997.
So you see, there’s plenty to go around, and it doesn’t take much searching to find some real bargains – especially luxurious ones. They come in all sizes and suitability for your needs, and probably get overlooked when more and more people are searching for SUV’s and hatchbacks – so snapping up a wagon for a great price shouldn’t be too much of a problem.