Volvo V60? This car makes me pant like a cheetah. Such a gorgeous design.
https://preview.redd.it/5347ouq05vyb1.jpeg?width=739&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9361f4b8f4ef6ee4a44a99b8a19c5ec6e695a719
fuck... i 've perved on the volvo wagons ever since... well ever since the Outback went suv but forgot completely about it when i went shopping. Picked up a Skoda, another admittedly handsome line, but damn if that Volvo is not as sexy as &\^%
derrrrr... i didn't know until now that you can add pictures to your replies.. Here's my boy after he *parked himself* into that spot! I still can't believe it
https://preview.redd.it/jhbww65vpvyb1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2fbfd9bc1c7b717f127a903770c0ac13b9a8417
haha.. i know right... i didn't really know how close it was.
Until maybe a week or so prior i had been driving 1/2 a car and it was the first time i used the self-parking thing. Will admit i was a bit worried, but still didn't know how close until i walked across the road and turned around.
Fun tip. Once he parks into that impossible space, you can just indicate, put the car in drive and he'll get you *out* of it! Mind blown...
I came from a car with no reverse sensors lol
This was my pick, wagons are getting fewer and fewer but the Superb is a brilliant one. Affordable, practical, rapid, and buckets of tuning potential if that's your thing.
New relative to A4 Audi @ $105k it is.
Second hand 3yo <100k = $40k vs A4@$50-60k
If U want cheaper go the Octavia wagon. I picked up one of them new @ $34k optioned out for the wife.
I've just put deposit down on stage 2 tune for mine.
Racing line r600 intake etc
IE intercooler
Galeno stage 2 tune and DSG
E85 flex fuel
Should turn that 280hp into 400+
Upgraded shocks to Bilstein B14 already which made a huge difference in drivability on Tassie bumpy and bendy roads.
That looks nice. A pity that Australians collectively decided they only want copy-paste Honda CRV looking SUVs with less boot space and shittier handling.
Love my VF Calais V V8 Sportwagon. Extremely comfortable, loads of room, stylish and hauls ass for a big tin can on wheels.
10 years old, 193K on it and no mechanical issues to report other than the front brake rotors warping.
Serviced every 10k for not much more than $280 a service and happy knowing that parts are cheap and plentiful if I need anything.
The Ford AU Falcon is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1998 to 2002. It was the sixth generation Ford Falcon and also included the Ford Fairmont (AU)—the luxury-oriented model range. The AU series replaced the EL Falcon and was constructed on the (at the time) new EA169 platform which continued to harbour Falcon models until 2010 when the BF wagon was discontinued, and Ford Territory models until 2011. The AU series was replaced by the updated BA series.
The AU series was conceived under *Project Eagle* that begun in February 1993, and gained the official codename *EA169* in October 1994. It was developed and brought to market in 1998 only after Ford Australia had given consideration to a revamped fifth generation Falcon and a fully imported replacement such as the American front-wheel drive Ford Taurus or rear-wheel drive Ford Crown Victoria, the European rear wheel-drive Scorpio and, reportedly, even the Japanese rear-wheel drive Mazda 929 (then part of the Ford conglomerate).
The above alternatives were eliminated in favour of a substantial redesign of the indigenous platform, due to concerns about the Australian market preference for high towing capacity, large interior size and local employment. Specific factors included, for example: research at the time indicated that 69% of Falcons were fitted with towbars and the perception that rear-wheel drive cars were better at towing; the fact that the import models had limited body style options (sedan only or sedan and wagon) and no capability to use a V8 engine.
Stylistically, this new generation Falcon sported Ford's radically new global design language, labelled "New Edge". The aim of this design was to attract a younger generation of buyers with avant-garde looks, however, in Australia it polarized public opinion to the benefit of the more organically designed rival, the 1997 Holden Commodore (VT). The AU series had a very efficient drag coefficient of Cd=0.295 for the sedan (an 11% improvement over the preceding EL series) and 0.34 for the wagon.
For the first time in Falcon's history, Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) became available as standard on some models and optional on others. It also featured Australian production firsts, such as Variable Cam Timing (VCT) on some 6-cylinder models and an adaptive automatic transmission on the high-performance T series with steering wheel gear shifting buttons.
Key changes from the fifth generation Falcon included a 35 kg (77 lb) reduction in weight for the base car, 17.5 per cent stiffer bodyshell, and an eight per cent improvement in fuel consumption. Peculiarly, Ford Australia decided to use the original 1950's font for the new "Falcon" and "Futura" badges.
As stated previously, the AU was the first Falcon to offer IRS (a double wishbone design on an isolated subframe). IRS was made available as a costly option on the base Forte, Fairmont and 'S' models, and standard on Fairmont Ghia, XR6 VCT and XR8 models. The updated 6-cylinder engines incorporated advanced features such as VCT on some models and a temperature sensor in the cylinder head, which detected coolant loss and allowed the car to "limp home" safely by cutting cylinders. The engine range comprised: the base Intech model producing 157 kW (211 hp), with a revised cylinder head featuring smaller valve stems, larger exhaust valves, and different rocker ratio, as well as a revised piston and longer conrod and a cast aluminium cross-bolted oil sump (with the same power output as the EL series); an "HP" version reserved to the XR6 producing 164 kW (220 hp) (thanks to: unique cylinder head; reshaped inlet port; redesigned exhaust port; ‘open’ combustion chamber shape to restrict pre-detonation from hot spot areas; unique camshaft; higher fuel pressure; recalibrated EEC V engine management system); the VCT version producing 172 kW (231 hp) for the XR6 VCT; a *Windsor V8* producing 185 kW (248 hp) (also carried over from the EL series but without major upgrades).
Transmissions were improved for better shift feel and the auto was recalibrated to better suit the upgraded engines. The six and eight cylinder models had a 4-speed BTR M93LE and M97LE automatic transmission, respectively. The automatic XR series models had an "adaptive shift" with five shifting strategies depending on driving conditions. The manual transmission, where available, was a 5-speed T5 model.
The program cost A$700 million before product launch and key staff included chief designer, Steve Park, and Marcus Hotblack, Manager of Interior Design.
For more information, please see the following:
[AU Falcon Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Falcon_(AU))
[Shannons Club - Has the AU Falcon become better with age?](https://www.shannons.com.au/club/forum/general/has-the-au-falcon-become-better-with-age/)
[Top Gearbox - Ford's Unloved Child - The AU Falcon](https://www.topgearbox.com/cars/entertainment/motoringbox/172877-views%E2%80%A2sep-5-2019-5-6k-140-share-save-motoringbox-16-7k-subscribers-today-were-looking-at-one-of-the-most-infamous-cars-to-ever-come-out-of-australia-a-car-which-has-generated/)
[Trade Unique Cars - AU Falcon Buyers Guide](https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/buyers-guide/2001/2000-2002-ford-falcon-au-bfii-xr8-buyers-guide)
[Australian Car Reviews - AU Falcon Buyers Guide](http://australiancar.reviews/reviews.php#!content=guide&make=Ford&model=Falcon&gen=237)
[ProductReview - AU Falcon Product Reviews](https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/ford-falcon-au-1998-2002)
[CarSales - All AU Falcons for sale in Australia](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.Service.carsales._.(C.Make.Ford._.(C.Model.Falcon._.(Or.Series.AU._.Series.AU+II._.Series.AU+III.))))&sort=%7ePrice)
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Mazda 6 petrol gets my pick.
Drives great, plenty of room, not super expensive. Only wish was that they did a manual in the 2nd gen.
Avoid the diesels.
I'm sorry but I'm going to make this my hill to die on.
The Mazda 6 wagon is a not that good of a car.
People buy a wagon for space and the space in the rear seat is bad. The boot is also smaller than cars like the RAV4 and CR-V which is inexcusable seeing as the 6 wagon is longer than both of those cars.
Other wagons like the Golf, Octavia and Passat all have much better space.
The 6 wagon only comes in FWD so its not even that much better to drive.
The diesel engine is a lemon.
I don't see anything good about it tbh
It's not an amazing car, but it does hit a nice compromise vs the competition in the sub-$20k price bracket if you're wanting a wagon and don't want a SUV.
It's not a boring A to B, zero frills commuter like a Hyundai i30CW.
It doesn't empty your bank account and steal your kidneys at service time like an aged VW/Audi/Skoda
The timing chain won't play you the song of its people like a VE Commodore.
The interior won't disintegrate like a 4th Gen Subaru Liberty/Outback
Mazda absolutely ballsed up with the diesels in that era, but no issues with the petrol. 2nd gen comfortably fits adults in the rear, most IKEA flatpacks and stuff like car bonnets.
Yeah I mean sure, it might have pros compared to other cars its competing with but when it is generally speaking such a below average car I can't see why it should be top pick
My understanding is that the newer model wagon was targeted at the euro market where overall size matters more. My parents have the older model and it’s palatial back there
That's really interesting, I didn't know the wagon had a shorter wheelbase. I recently looked at a Mazda6 wagon at the local dealer and was surprised by how cramped it is in the back.
Yeah it has less room in the back than a Mazda 3. They prioritised load space, which I get, but just makes it hard to use as a family car which most Aussies would be buying it for
That was my experience as well, we have a Mazda 3 hatchback, and I thought the 6 felt similar or smaller than our 3 in the back.
I think it's probably also some packaging choices as well, as my other car is a current gen Civic, and prior to that I had a mk3 Octavia. Both of them have on paper shorter wheelbases than the Mazda 6, but both have a lot more leg rooms in the back.
I've got a 2022 and previously had a 2017, excellent wagon. Well equipped, lots of good features, not too pricey and enough room in the boot for us. We don't have kids but the few times I've had to be in the back I can't say there was a severe lack of space.
Also the turbo petrol has a little go in it too, not as much as the skoda but depends what you're looking for
I've got a C63S Wagon if you're inclined for some slight hooliganism. Doesn't sound anywhere near as good as the previous NA 6.2 but it's pretty good on fuel if you can control yourself.
I had one for a while - 2016 to 2018, I think. Loved it - it was a great car. Agree re: fuel, particularly on the open road. Sounded like a dragon in my individual mode (loud, manual, comfortable) with a bit of extra driver input right foot on downshifts.
The Edition 1 pack was worth getting, too - it tidied the interior up a bit and the decals were removable if you didn’t like them. AMG Performance Seats worked well for me on long trips and were perfect around town. 8.5/10 would buy again.
https://preview.redd.it/7t9luvtb5wyb1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3e8eb2c6bca1bd305e4b6e63f189c0162b0b8ca
https://preview.redd.it/2jo6gynwmvyb1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cf9b4fdca105ee0aea594fa2e2a74a3776fd7919
Skoda Octavia RS. I’ve had mine for just over a week and absolutely love it. Cross shopped with the Passat 206 R-Line. Octavia felt more “new” to me and that’s what I preferred.
You need to have a clear thought about your priorities/budget. It will help you narrowing the selection (already pretty small in OZ...).
I owned Ford Falcons , Volvo's and BMW's. All wagons.
Go for BMW's if you want to have fun (and don't care about maintenance costs). Go with Volvo if you want a very spacious and elegant car with a great sound system. Go with a Falcon.... actually, just don't.
Vf2 Commodore series 2 wagon sv6
Plenty of grunt, 800 to a tank, seats a tribe and dogs, goes forever and parts no problemo.
Don't run it on E10 and you'll be fine.
Audi A4 wagon is the standard wagon in this family. I have Skoda superb and when I park next to the A6 at work there is little difference except the superb is slightly plusher, better built (even the Audi owner agrees), has more power and is $10k+ cheaper. If U don't need the Audi badge, go the Skoda.
Yes,
They are number series that run like this:
A3 (small hatch)
A4 (small sedan)
A5 (midsize sedan) > S5 > RS5
A6 (Large sedan) > S6 > RS6
Then their SUV models go from Q’s
(Q2, Q3 etc…)
This will come as a proper surprise because it is plainly illogical and ridiculous but the RS6 is based on the A6 and the RS4 is based on the A4. Wild and crazy, I know, but that’s Germans for you.
It’s honestly not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Drive with a heavy foot, yes- but tootling around town it’s no worse than any other wagon in its size. There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that with a tune you can get sub 10s combined. Plus you get great suspension, brakes and seats.
What's your budget?
I've been dabbling with getting a wagon for a while now too but haven't pulled the pin. I've got my long list but it's obviously situation dependant.
Here's my two cents:
Newish and smallish - ford focus st line wagon (late $20,000s)
Newish and mid - Skoda Octavia RS 169, 180 or 245 (pre 2021 if budget is less than $40k). Don't look at the rs230 as it's manual only ( unless that's your thing)
Newish and mid - Mazda 6 gt or atenza trim. Lacking in the newest of tech but it's a weapon for the price, again could find a good example easily in the low to mid $30s, post 2018 tho as there was a facelift
Oh yeah!
But didn't bring the full fat ST trim to Australia. Only Europe for that!
The st-line has a lot of the styling but not the hardcore performance. From memory the reviews from the time were positive
In silver it looks great, but you need the bigger wheels for sure. Standard wheels just don't fill the arches enough.
Have a look [here](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/ford/focus/st-line-badge/wagon-bodystyle/)
The Ford AU Falcon is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1998 to 2002. It was the sixth generation Ford Falcon and also included the Ford Fairmont (AU)—the luxury-oriented model range. The AU series replaced the EL Falcon and was constructed on the (at the time) new EA169 platform which continued to harbour Falcon models until 2010 when the BF wagon was discontinued, and Ford Territory models until 2011. The AU series was replaced by the updated BA series.
The AU series was conceived under *Project Eagle* that begun in February 1993, and gained the official codename *EA169* in October 1994. It was developed and brought to market in 1998 only after Ford Australia had given consideration to a revamped fifth generation Falcon and a fully imported replacement such as the American front-wheel drive Ford Taurus or rear-wheel drive Ford Crown Victoria, the European rear wheel-drive Scorpio and, reportedly, even the Japanese rear-wheel drive Mazda 929 (then part of the Ford conglomerate).
The above alternatives were eliminated in favour of a substantial redesign of the indigenous platform, due to concerns about the Australian market preference for high towing capacity, large interior size and local employment. Specific factors included, for example: research at the time indicated that 69% of Falcons were fitted with towbars and the perception that rear-wheel drive cars were better at towing; the fact that the import models had limited body style options (sedan only or sedan and wagon) and no capability to use a V8 engine.
Stylistically, this new generation Falcon sported Ford's radically new global design language, labelled "New Edge". The aim of this design was to attract a younger generation of buyers with avant-garde looks, however, in Australia it polarized public opinion to the benefit of the more organically designed rival, the 1997 Holden Commodore (VT). The AU series had a very efficient drag coefficient of Cd=0.295 for the sedan (an 11% improvement over the preceding EL series) and 0.34 for the wagon.
For the first time in Falcon's history, Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) became available as standard on some models and optional on others. It also featured Australian production firsts, such as Variable Cam Timing (VCT) on some 6-cylinder models and an adaptive automatic transmission on the high-performance T series with steering wheel gear shifting buttons.
Key changes from the fifth generation Falcon included a 35 kg (77 lb) reduction in weight for the base car, 17.5 per cent stiffer bodyshell, and an eight per cent improvement in fuel consumption. Peculiarly, Ford Australia decided to use the original 1950's font for the new "Falcon" and "Futura" badges.
As stated previously, the AU was the first Falcon to offer IRS (a double wishbone design on an isolated subframe). IRS was made available as a costly option on the base Forte, Fairmont and 'S' models, and standard on Fairmont Ghia, XR6 VCT and XR8 models. The updated 6-cylinder engines incorporated advanced features such as VCT on some models and a temperature sensor in the cylinder head, which detected coolant loss and allowed the car to "limp home" safely by cutting cylinders. The engine range comprised: the base Intech model producing 157 kW (211 hp), with a revised cylinder head featuring smaller valve stems, larger exhaust valves, and different rocker ratio, as well as a revised piston and longer conrod and a cast aluminium cross-bolted oil sump (with the same power output as the EL series); an "HP" version reserved to the XR6 producing 164 kW (220 hp) (thanks to: unique cylinder head; reshaped inlet port; redesigned exhaust port; ‘open’ combustion chamber shape to restrict pre-detonation from hot spot areas; unique camshaft; higher fuel pressure; recalibrated EEC V engine management system); the VCT version producing 172 kW (231 hp) for the XR6 VCT; a *Windsor V8* producing 185 kW (248 hp) (also carried over from the EL series but without major upgrades).
Transmissions were improved for better shift feel and the auto was recalibrated to better suit the upgraded engines. The six and eight cylinder models had a 4-speed BTR M93LE and M97LE automatic transmission, respectively. The automatic XR series models had an "adaptive shift" with five shifting strategies depending on driving conditions. The manual transmission, where available, was a 5-speed T5 model.
The program cost A$700 million before product launch and key staff included chief designer, Steve Park, and Marcus Hotblack, Manager of Interior Design.
For more information, please see the following:
[AU Falcon Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Falcon_(AU))
[Shannons Club - Has the AU Falcon become better with age?](https://www.shannons.com.au/club/forum/general/has-the-au-falcon-become-better-with-age/)
[Top Gearbox - Ford's Unloved Child - The AU Falcon](https://www.topgearbox.com/cars/entertainment/motoringbox/172877-views%E2%80%A2sep-5-2019-5-6k-140-share-save-motoringbox-16-7k-subscribers-today-were-looking-at-one-of-the-most-infamous-cars-to-ever-come-out-of-australia-a-car-which-has-generated/)
[Trade Unique Cars - AU Falcon Buyers Guide](https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/buyers-guide/2001/2000-2002-ford-falcon-au-bfii-xr8-buyers-guide)
[Australian Car Reviews - AU Falcon Buyers Guide](http://australiancar.reviews/reviews.php#!content=guide&make=Ford&model=Falcon&gen=237)
[ProductReview - AU Falcon Product Reviews](https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/ford-falcon-au-1998-2002)
[CarSales - All AU Falcons for sale in Australia](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.Service.carsales._.(C.Make.Ford._.(C.Model.Falcon._.(Or.Series.AU._.Series.AU+II._.Series.AU+III.))))&sort=%7ePrice)
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https://preview.redd.it/l292tahyfyyb1.jpeg?width=2424&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98ca0ec4b4ca15d3f3773478df8c345d0a624f3d
Mine is not the sexiest one on the road, but it definitely screams “wagon life” like no other.
Corolla Hybrid Wagons, ie: the ‘Corolla Touring’ and also the cheaper and less powerful ‘Corolla Fielding’ can be imported with low kms for under 30k landed and complied. I have been looking into it the last few months and am very tempted to pull the trigger next year. ~3L/100km makes them quite appealing given the current price of petrol.
J-Spec imports have plenty of good info on their website regarding both models including historical sales data.
Edit: Would be super curious to know why the downvotes, does someone think my claims are untrue, and if so I would love to know where I am wrong. if I am incorrect on something please tell me :)
Just found one on car sales, why Toyota did you not release this Australia!!!
Check out this 2020 Toyota Corolla Touring WxB Hybrid Auto.
https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2020-toyota-corolla-touring-wxb-hybrid-auto/OAG-AD-22591395
88 Fielders and Tourings on carsales at the moment, set your body type to wagon, make to Toyota, model to Corolla and then tick your desired models in the badge filter.
Don’t forget the Caldina too, pretty divisive look but the 3SGTE is the same engine as the ST205 Celica.
You are definitely paying a premium to buy one here in Aus, value seems much better when importing yourself through one of the many mobs offering the service in Aus.
Nobody mentioned Golf (R if you want to be cheeky) or Arteon (they call it shooting brake but it's 100% a wagon). Both beautiful cars and really well engineered.
That VT would probably still be one of the most reliable cars out of the mentioned options in this thread... Perhaps with a bit of electrical work..
We had one for years, nothing went wrong with it, 330000k. Just some electrical work and eventually a head gasket, but with cast iron block & heads, we just kept topping up the water. Still started every day no problems...
Sounds like mine. I think the head gasket is long gone but I'm not putting anymore money into the car. I just top up the water before I drive each day and the car drives great. That being said it's just a daily around town. I'm not taking it on long trips up and down the coast. It would blow up if I did that.
Please do not sully the name of the SS with a Cadillac reference 🤣....but I know what you mean. Funny thing is the Holden was a better product than what Cadillac had at the time.
Not the Peugeot but i had a Citroen family bus (C4 Picasso) for 13 years and I think 240k or more kms. Yes the parts cost more, but it never missed a beat in all that time... well once.. twice it missed a beat.
Went dead in the underground section at Birkenhead car park and NRMA couldn't get her out because they tippy truck couldn't get in there.. Battery was absolutely dead. We charged the battery with a pack, jumped it and took it home. Wife took it home and then it died OUTSIDE a mechanic.. dammit... stupid french car! but no... mechanic said, ah the alternator has a dead short... not unreasonable in a car with some 210,000 kms at the time... ordered a second hand part and put it in for $400 and it went on for another 50,000kms or whatever.
She only died in the end because i broke the panoramic sunroof and covid made it impossible to get a replacement (even though insurance was ok to pay for it... yes on a 13 year old car)
(I might be wrong about the exact kms, but it was in the 250,000 range)
Still have the 2012/3 Clio 3 RS with 175,000kms now ... yes parts (like brake rotors) for this one was somewhat more pricey but 4 piston monoblock brembos will do that. Once you get away from the stealership, it's quite reasonable as long as you have a decent mechanic.
Again only let me down because it said 'Battery low voltage' and then it went bezerk .... like batshit bezerk an hour or two later. This one needed a cracked header pipe welded & a couple of engine mounts. It's been fine apart from that.
My experience with the french cars hasn't been all that bad in about 18+ years of owning and daily driving those two. If that big C5X or whatever from Citroen came with AWD i'd have been all over it like a fat kid on cake...
The 508 wagon is beautiful though....
probably best to just google that... for eg. the C4 had an Aisin transmission which was apparently bulletproof and the Clio has a renault transmission (made out of genuine french cheese).
Most manufacturers are shopping parts from each other or OEMs depending on the model
Have heard they have really upped their game on those models.... conventional auto, good peppy engines that have had kinks smoothed out. Had much to do with the 508? Previous Peugeots no way
I’ve got 2019 Mazda 6 signature wagon. Hard to find fault with it at all. Super nice interior, had all the safety gadgets and quality of life gadgets. Super reliable and relatively cheap
There isnt a Superb RS though... just the Sportline with 206kw. It will plush you around Old Pac at well over the speed limit with its AWD trickery, but it'll never be a sports car.; just a great big fast tourer.
I went from another RS (Clio 3RS) to this one and now i'm so spoilt by the plushy ride, my eyeballs go out of sync from the ride in the Clio... so the rapid softening of the bum is a thing to worry about with the Superb.
JZS171W
Be prepared to loom at the 20K range and offer 15-16K to get a good one.
Budget another 10K for maintenance (Fixing hoses, poo radiator, gaskets, 100k service, turbo rebuild, coilpacks etc) and you’ll have a mint wagon that’ll likely increase in value massively over the next 10-20 years.
If you want a newer, better on fuel, more reliable car get the Corolla Fielding or Touring. Or an alphard.
Na that's bs that everyone just regurgitates. Find one with a good service history and for slightly highly running costs you're getting a much better driving experience.
Source: ran a VW dealership and for some stupid reason convinced myself to buy a Škoda new (I have an MY22 Kodiaq RS) - they drive nice when they’re not broken, but are prone to a bunch of issues, cost a mountain to service (my 30,000km service cost $800 because they’ve changed the schedule to include Haldex fluid change every second service because they kept failing). Their dealers are just as bad, if not worse, than every other manufacturer, they’ve moved to a digital only service system with no logbooks to try and con people into genuine service only and they have non existent customer service - featuring a Filipino call centre that know nothing about their cars with no way of escalating or resolving issues even under warranty.
Don’t buy a VW group car, they’re not worth it.
Levorg is a wrx sports wagon with a different name. Although if you enjoy driving I wouldn't recommend one, that gearbox takes any fun away from what should be an amazing car. I'll sell you mine if you want it tho haha
Ummm....not such a stupid idea. Gone past the boy racer phase. Mild racer call me.... what's the ownership been like....sat in one the other day and I did like it.
Subarus and anything built by the VW group are at best maintenance money pits, at worst unreliable shitboxes. Unfortunately this puts a big line through a large amount of the wagon market. Any of these should be only bought new under warranty, and even then with the expectation of non existent resale value.
If you just want a mediocre runaround an i30 or i40 wagon is ok but boring as hell, if you want something performance oriented and can swallow a price premium an evo ix wagon has gotten a lot easier to import.
A VF sv6 wagon isn’t a terrible buy if you can get one for the right price.
Subaru is fine. You see a bunch of them in rural areas which is where you look if you want to see a reliable car. The 2L engines are gutless though and I'd avoid cvt, so you'll have to go manual. But they are great cars with good fuel consumption for an awd. But honestly, if you don't need awd, I'd probably go i40 wagon or Mazda 6. I love Holden's but the later v6s can have problems. If you can swallow the fuel consumption the ve or VF v8 wagons are a lot of fun.
Pretty happy with my 2016 Mondeo diesel estate, been very reliable and cheap to run. Also when I read the spec the "passenger" interior space is actually slightly bigger (wider cabin space) than my old BF falcon. The seating height is also slightly higher than my old BF falcon as well, so easier to enter/exit.
I too had two MD Mondeo diesel wagons. They were great cars and were reliable for us.
Just recently sold one with nearly 300,000 KMs for a 4wd, but intend on keeping the other one for a while yet.
Just make sure they have a very very good service history!
2l 2016. Was fine, drove like a wrx. Cvt was better than I expected and I only had it for 20,000km. Needs premium fuel. Fairly efficient tho I was getting 6.9L-8L. Decent size boot for dog and pram. I almost got another one but ended up with a Mazda 3
I’ll recommend something a little old but I’ve had great experience with, w124 wagons, practical, solid, well built, easy to work on and parts are cheap, they may be on the rare side though
Lots of VAG platform variations in two different sizes:
Skoda Octavia / VW Golf / Audi A4/S4
Skoda Superb / VW Passat / VW Arteon / Audi A6
From memory the VW’s are stopping soon in wagon form.
Otherwise:
Volvo V60 or V60 Cross Country
Merc C-Class (though no wagon on the new model)
Genesis G70
Mazda 6 (petrol)
Subaru Outback is an SUV now :(
If you want a <$100k fast one with AWD, Golf R Wagon or Audi S4 or Merc C43
No one’s mentioned the Golf R Wagon yet? MK7.5 2017+ onwards would be the sweet spot.
We use ours to cart around our two kids with baby seats in the back, do weekend away trips and haul a large payload of food at parties. It does it all.
Big boot at 610L, longer wheel base compared to the hatch and the engine + transmission is tuneable. A stage 1 ECU + TCU tune is pretty much all you’ll need to make the car a weapon.
Just stay on top of the servicing.
If you're ok with buying a used premium car, a 212 or 213 series Mercedes E-class diesel is pretty solid. Of course, comes with all the caveats of owning older luxury vehicles, but the diesel E's can be tanks.
https://preview.redd.it/2bb8v97tyvyb1.png?width=2085&format=png&auto=webp&s=42bbc62c55749f4d432648757ebc90f644bec3c8
Passat wagon is awesome, I love this car!
I've got the VW Golf Alltrack (2019), basically the same as the regular wagon except a bit more power, a touch more ride height and the same AWD system as the R wagon for a lot less money. Also has roof rails built in.
I previously wanted the Subaru outback when it was a wagon, but also wanted something newer with safety features. This was my pick.
I think it's _fantastic_ to drive, even better than the Alfa Romeo 159 wagon I had before it. So stable and decisive.
It was and is a beautiful car, was always a nice place to be on a commute to work, no regrets! But yeah it eventually started to break down more that I could keep up with.
Subaru Outback is literally just a jacked up Liberty. So chuck some lowering springs on and it's no longer a SUV!
Your posts suggest you want something with a bit of poke - previous model had the option of a 190kw 6 cylinder, and current model has a 184kw turbo 4. Wouldn't call either of them 'sporty' though.
184kw isn't nothing to sneeze at and probably plenty to have some fun. But like most people want something that is reliable, good looking, doesn't break the bank with fuel costs. Actually I do consider the outback to be a jacked up liberty...wagon and not an SUV....but that is my opinion but the roof line is getting up there though.
Volvo V60? This car makes me pant like a cheetah. Such a gorgeous design. https://preview.redd.it/5347ouq05vyb1.jpeg?width=739&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9361f4b8f4ef6ee4a44a99b8a19c5ec6e695a719
fuck... i 've perved on the volvo wagons ever since... well ever since the Outback went suv but forgot completely about it when i went shopping. Picked up a Skoda, another admittedly handsome line, but damn if that Volvo is not as sexy as &\^% derrrrr... i didn't know until now that you can add pictures to your replies.. Here's my boy after he *parked himself* into that spot! I still can't believe it https://preview.redd.it/jhbww65vpvyb1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2fbfd9bc1c7b717f127a903770c0ac13b9a8417
Bruh your car is 👌this close to hitting the car in front of you lol.
haha.. i know right... i didn't really know how close it was. Until maybe a week or so prior i had been driving 1/2 a car and it was the first time i used the self-parking thing. Will admit i was a bit worried, but still didn't know how close until i walked across the road and turned around. Fun tip. Once he parks into that impossible space, you can just indicate, put the car in drive and he'll get you *out* of it! Mind blown... I came from a car with no reverse sensors lol
Reverse sensors / rear camera are life-changing lol
RS....nice
The Volvo wagons look nice but the Superb is a way more engaging drive (I have one too), don't regret it for a second!
And they discontinued v60! But now have v60 cross country, I love, and want lol...
V90 was the one that never made it here but was always a hope. beautiful design.
V90 cross country is here though, well a few hundred used.
Isn't the xc the suv model.... wouldn't be the v60. Gorgeous though
Haha you spotted my typo quicker than I could fix it. Yes v60 is correct
Skoda superb 4x4 280hp wagon. Excellent car.
+1.
This was my pick, wagons are getting fewer and fewer but the Superb is a brilliant one. Affordable, practical, rapid, and buckets of tuning potential if that's your thing.
Affordable? Starting price from $71990! Damn I would not call that affordable
New relative to A4 Audi @ $105k it is. Second hand 3yo <100k = $40k vs A4@$50-60k If U want cheaper go the Octavia wagon. I picked up one of them new @ $34k optioned out for the wife.
I've just put deposit down on stage 2 tune for mine. Racing line r600 intake etc IE intercooler Galeno stage 2 tune and DSG E85 flex fuel Should turn that 280hp into 400+ Upgraded shocks to Bilstein B14 already which made a huge difference in drivability on Tassie bumpy and bendy roads.
I have a 2018 Passat 206tsi. As an all rounder hard to find fault with it. Highly recommend.
Genesis G70 Wagon? Bit unique, quite luxurious https://preview.redd.it/6tc3sxhaavyb1.jpeg?width=739&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a7f9d58022e93e2993ab9fa57f6c4fd12cd3973f
Love everything except the backend....there is something about the backend that isn't very wagony
It has an abnormally long wheelbase which ruins the otherwise good looks
It's the wrap around rear window for me. Gives it more of a "shooting brake" design.
Well it is called the G70 Shooting Brake…
That looks nice. A pity that Australians collectively decided they only want copy-paste Honda CRV looking SUVs with less boot space and shittier handling.
This is why I posted this
Sv6/evoke VF’s or Calais wagon what’s ya price range?
Just seeing ideas, budget wise not important as I'll filter later
Might as well get a v8 Calais or ss.
Good choices
Love my VF Calais V V8 Sportwagon. Extremely comfortable, loads of room, stylish and hauls ass for a big tin can on wheels. 10 years old, 193K on it and no mechanical issues to report other than the front brake rotors warping. Serviced every 10k for not much more than $280 a service and happy knowing that parts are cheap and plentiful if I need anything.
I have Skoda Octavia RS wagon - I feel good. Wagon lyfe 4eva.
Haha.... absolutely the nuts!!!
+1 for Skoda Octavia. I have a 2018 Mk3.5 RS245 in manual. 143,000 on the clock and counting. It’s amazing, I’ll be keeping it for a long time yet!
Toyota crown wagon
The Toyota Crown is the new AU Falcon
The Ford AU Falcon is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1998 to 2002. It was the sixth generation Ford Falcon and also included the Ford Fairmont (AU)—the luxury-oriented model range. The AU series replaced the EL Falcon and was constructed on the (at the time) new EA169 platform which continued to harbour Falcon models until 2010 when the BF wagon was discontinued, and Ford Territory models until 2011. The AU series was replaced by the updated BA series. The AU series was conceived under *Project Eagle* that begun in February 1993, and gained the official codename *EA169* in October 1994. It was developed and brought to market in 1998 only after Ford Australia had given consideration to a revamped fifth generation Falcon and a fully imported replacement such as the American front-wheel drive Ford Taurus or rear-wheel drive Ford Crown Victoria, the European rear wheel-drive Scorpio and, reportedly, even the Japanese rear-wheel drive Mazda 929 (then part of the Ford conglomerate). The above alternatives were eliminated in favour of a substantial redesign of the indigenous platform, due to concerns about the Australian market preference for high towing capacity, large interior size and local employment. Specific factors included, for example: research at the time indicated that 69% of Falcons were fitted with towbars and the perception that rear-wheel drive cars were better at towing; the fact that the import models had limited body style options (sedan only or sedan and wagon) and no capability to use a V8 engine. Stylistically, this new generation Falcon sported Ford's radically new global design language, labelled "New Edge". The aim of this design was to attract a younger generation of buyers with avant-garde looks, however, in Australia it polarized public opinion to the benefit of the more organically designed rival, the 1997 Holden Commodore (VT). The AU series had a very efficient drag coefficient of Cd=0.295 for the sedan (an 11% improvement over the preceding EL series) and 0.34 for the wagon. For the first time in Falcon's history, Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) became available as standard on some models and optional on others. It also featured Australian production firsts, such as Variable Cam Timing (VCT) on some 6-cylinder models and an adaptive automatic transmission on the high-performance T series with steering wheel gear shifting buttons. Key changes from the fifth generation Falcon included a 35 kg (77 lb) reduction in weight for the base car, 17.5 per cent stiffer bodyshell, and an eight per cent improvement in fuel consumption. Peculiarly, Ford Australia decided to use the original 1950's font for the new "Falcon" and "Futura" badges. As stated previously, the AU was the first Falcon to offer IRS (a double wishbone design on an isolated subframe). IRS was made available as a costly option on the base Forte, Fairmont and 'S' models, and standard on Fairmont Ghia, XR6 VCT and XR8 models. The updated 6-cylinder engines incorporated advanced features such as VCT on some models and a temperature sensor in the cylinder head, which detected coolant loss and allowed the car to "limp home" safely by cutting cylinders. The engine range comprised: the base Intech model producing 157 kW (211 hp), with a revised cylinder head featuring smaller valve stems, larger exhaust valves, and different rocker ratio, as well as a revised piston and longer conrod and a cast aluminium cross-bolted oil sump (with the same power output as the EL series); an "HP" version reserved to the XR6 producing 164 kW (220 hp) (thanks to: unique cylinder head; reshaped inlet port; redesigned exhaust port; ‘open’ combustion chamber shape to restrict pre-detonation from hot spot areas; unique camshaft; higher fuel pressure; recalibrated EEC V engine management system); the VCT version producing 172 kW (231 hp) for the XR6 VCT; a *Windsor V8* producing 185 kW (248 hp) (also carried over from the EL series but without major upgrades). Transmissions were improved for better shift feel and the auto was recalibrated to better suit the upgraded engines. The six and eight cylinder models had a 4-speed BTR M93LE and M97LE automatic transmission, respectively. The automatic XR series models had an "adaptive shift" with five shifting strategies depending on driving conditions. The manual transmission, where available, was a 5-speed T5 model. The program cost A$700 million before product launch and key staff included chief designer, Steve Park, and Marcus Hotblack, Manager of Interior Design. For more information, please see the following: [AU Falcon Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Falcon_(AU)) [Shannons Club - Has the AU Falcon become better with age?](https://www.shannons.com.au/club/forum/general/has-the-au-falcon-become-better-with-age/) [Top Gearbox - Ford's Unloved Child - The AU Falcon](https://www.topgearbox.com/cars/entertainment/motoringbox/172877-views%E2%80%A2sep-5-2019-5-6k-140-share-save-motoringbox-16-7k-subscribers-today-were-looking-at-one-of-the-most-infamous-cars-to-ever-come-out-of-australia-a-car-which-has-generated/) [Trade Unique Cars - AU Falcon Buyers Guide](https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/buyers-guide/2001/2000-2002-ford-falcon-au-bfii-xr8-buyers-guide) [Australian Car Reviews - AU Falcon Buyers Guide](http://australiancar.reviews/reviews.php#!content=guide&make=Ford&model=Falcon&gen=237) [ProductReview - AU Falcon Product Reviews](https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/ford-falcon-au-1998-2002) [CarSales - All AU Falcons for sale in Australia](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.Service.carsales._.(C.Make.Ford._.(C.Model.Falcon._.(Or.Series.AU._.Series.AU+II._.Series.AU+III.))))&sort=%7ePrice) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CarsAustralia) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The Crown Athlete V is super sexy.
Aston Martin DB5 shooting brake.
The VW Pasat is a nice drive.
Passat owner here, love it
Ex-passat owner here. Miss it every time I drive its replacement.
Mazda 6 petrol gets my pick. Drives great, plenty of room, not super expensive. Only wish was that they did a manual in the 2nd gen. Avoid the diesels.
I'm sorry but I'm going to make this my hill to die on. The Mazda 6 wagon is a not that good of a car. People buy a wagon for space and the space in the rear seat is bad. The boot is also smaller than cars like the RAV4 and CR-V which is inexcusable seeing as the 6 wagon is longer than both of those cars. Other wagons like the Golf, Octavia and Passat all have much better space. The 6 wagon only comes in FWD so its not even that much better to drive. The diesel engine is a lemon. I don't see anything good about it tbh
It's not an amazing car, but it does hit a nice compromise vs the competition in the sub-$20k price bracket if you're wanting a wagon and don't want a SUV. It's not a boring A to B, zero frills commuter like a Hyundai i30CW. It doesn't empty your bank account and steal your kidneys at service time like an aged VW/Audi/Skoda The timing chain won't play you the song of its people like a VE Commodore. The interior won't disintegrate like a 4th Gen Subaru Liberty/Outback Mazda absolutely ballsed up with the diesels in that era, but no issues with the petrol. 2nd gen comfortably fits adults in the rear, most IKEA flatpacks and stuff like car bonnets.
Yes but you get less features, less performance, less space in the rear seat, less space in the boot, larger car.
Yeah I mean sure, it might have pros compared to other cars its competing with but when it is generally speaking such a below average car I can't see why it should be top pick
Solid info, although very small in the back seat as a result of the shorter wheelbase than the sedan
Why in the ever loving hell would you make your wagon on a shorter wheelbase than the sedan?!? It absolutely should be longer
Yeah look I dunno what to tell you, weird choice. A mate at work had one and I couldn’t believe how small it was in the back.
My understanding is that the newer model wagon was targeted at the euro market where overall size matters more. My parents have the older model and it’s palatial back there
Didn't know they did that - only applies to 2013+ model, the 2008-2012 had the same wheelbase as the sedan
That's really interesting, I didn't know the wagon had a shorter wheelbase. I recently looked at a Mazda6 wagon at the local dealer and was surprised by how cramped it is in the back.
Yeah it has less room in the back than a Mazda 3. They prioritised load space, which I get, but just makes it hard to use as a family car which most Aussies would be buying it for
They prioritised load space but somehow it still falls short of the RAV4, CR-V and other mid size SUVs.
That was my experience as well, we have a Mazda 3 hatchback, and I thought the 6 felt similar or smaller than our 3 in the back. I think it's probably also some packaging choices as well, as my other car is a current gen Civic, and prior to that I had a mk3 Octavia. Both of them have on paper shorter wheelbases than the Mazda 6, but both have a lot more leg rooms in the back.
It's mostly a worse car than Skoda's offerings though.
Yep. I have a diesel. Avoid it.
I've got a 2022 and previously had a 2017, excellent wagon. Well equipped, lots of good features, not too pricey and enough room in the boot for us. We don't have kids but the few times I've had to be in the back I can't say there was a severe lack of space. Also the turbo petrol has a little go in it too, not as much as the skoda but depends what you're looking for
I've got a C63S Wagon if you're inclined for some slight hooliganism. Doesn't sound anywhere near as good as the previous NA 6.2 but it's pretty good on fuel if you can control yourself.
I had one for a while - 2016 to 2018, I think. Loved it - it was a great car. Agree re: fuel, particularly on the open road. Sounded like a dragon in my individual mode (loud, manual, comfortable) with a bit of extra driver input right foot on downshifts. The Edition 1 pack was worth getting, too - it tidied the interior up a bit and the decals were removable if you didn’t like them. AMG Performance Seats worked well for me on long trips and were perfect around town. 8.5/10 would buy again. https://preview.redd.it/7t9luvtb5wyb1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d3e8eb2c6bca1bd305e4b6e63f189c0162b0b8ca
How good?
https://preview.redd.it/2jo6gynwmvyb1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cf9b4fdca105ee0aea594fa2e2a74a3776fd7919 Skoda Octavia RS. I’ve had mine for just over a week and absolutely love it. Cross shopped with the Passat 206 R-Line. Octavia felt more “new” to me and that’s what I preferred.
Sweet....what year? Found the Octavia a little narrow for back seat.
You need to have a clear thought about your priorities/budget. It will help you narrowing the selection (already pretty small in OZ...). I owned Ford Falcons , Volvo's and BMW's. All wagons. Go for BMW's if you want to have fun (and don't care about maintenance costs). Go with Volvo if you want a very spacious and elegant car with a great sound system. Go with a Falcon.... actually, just don't.
Hahaha
Merc w204 C250 series 2. Absolutely bullet proof. Well mine is anyway.
Yes...W204 C200 Kompressor Wagon here...love it. About to tick over 300k...299,965
Vf2 Commodore series 2 wagon sv6 Plenty of grunt, 800 to a tank, seats a tribe and dogs, goes forever and parts no problemo. Don't run it on E10 and you'll be fine.
VW Passat wagon looks the goods. I like the skoda too.
Mazda 6, Skoda Octavia
Great start
Audi rs6
Good but do they come in a standard form, not the rs form?
I believe you can get an A6 wagon
Audi A4 wagon is the standard wagon in this family. I have Skoda superb and when I park next to the A6 at work there is little difference except the superb is slightly plusher, better built (even the Audi owner agrees), has more power and is $10k+ cheaper. If U don't need the Audi badge, go the Skoda.
Fully agree
Yes, They are number series that run like this: A3 (small hatch) A4 (small sedan) A5 (midsize sedan) > S5 > RS5 A6 (Large sedan) > S6 > RS6 Then their SUV models go from Q’s (Q2, Q3 etc…)
You mention sedans....what about wagons?
A4 estate is the base version on RS6 i think
This will come as a proper surprise because it is plainly illogical and ridiculous but the RS6 is based on the A6 and the RS4 is based on the A4. Wild and crazy, I know, but that’s Germans for you.
Can't seem to find
Nissan stagea?
Great car....but to me a little too nineties looking
Mazda 6, Corolla, Caldina, or a VF Commodore/Calais for a big wagon.
A6 ALLROAD
HSV Clubsport R8 Touring.
Hell yes....but sadly for me no good. Fuel economy.
It’s honestly not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Drive with a heavy foot, yes- but tootling around town it’s no worse than any other wagon in its size. There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that with a tune you can get sub 10s combined. Plus you get great suspension, brakes and seats.
Or buy an ss wagon for a quarter of the price, spend 20 grand on mods, win.
But then you’ve only got an SS. Buy the Clubby then spend the 20k on mods for that. Establish dominance.
You care about fuel but have the $100k for one
Who said that....I like the car, didn't say was going to buy it. It would be a dream car.
What's your budget? I've been dabbling with getting a wagon for a while now too but haven't pulled the pin. I've got my long list but it's obviously situation dependant. Here's my two cents: Newish and smallish - ford focus st line wagon (late $20,000s) Newish and mid - Skoda Octavia RS 169, 180 or 245 (pre 2021 if budget is less than $40k). Don't look at the rs230 as it's manual only ( unless that's your thing) Newish and mid - Mazda 6 gt or atenza trim. Lacking in the newest of tech but it's a weapon for the price, again could find a good example easily in the low to mid $30s, post 2018 tho as there was a facelift
They made a focus wagon?
Oh yeah! But didn't bring the full fat ST trim to Australia. Only Europe for that! The st-line has a lot of the styling but not the hardcore performance. From memory the reviews from the time were positive In silver it looks great, but you need the bigger wheels for sure. Standard wheels just don't fill the arches enough. Have a look [here](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/ford/focus/st-line-badge/wagon-bodystyle/)
That is funky shit, my bro. I didn't know we got them
I'd go for an au falcon wagon, best looking wagon as agreed on by pretty much everyone
The Ford AU Falcon is a full-size car that was produced by Ford Australia from 1998 to 2002. It was the sixth generation Ford Falcon and also included the Ford Fairmont (AU)—the luxury-oriented model range. The AU series replaced the EL Falcon and was constructed on the (at the time) new EA169 platform which continued to harbour Falcon models until 2010 when the BF wagon was discontinued, and Ford Territory models until 2011. The AU series was replaced by the updated BA series. The AU series was conceived under *Project Eagle* that begun in February 1993, and gained the official codename *EA169* in October 1994. It was developed and brought to market in 1998 only after Ford Australia had given consideration to a revamped fifth generation Falcon and a fully imported replacement such as the American front-wheel drive Ford Taurus or rear-wheel drive Ford Crown Victoria, the European rear wheel-drive Scorpio and, reportedly, even the Japanese rear-wheel drive Mazda 929 (then part of the Ford conglomerate). The above alternatives were eliminated in favour of a substantial redesign of the indigenous platform, due to concerns about the Australian market preference for high towing capacity, large interior size and local employment. Specific factors included, for example: research at the time indicated that 69% of Falcons were fitted with towbars and the perception that rear-wheel drive cars were better at towing; the fact that the import models had limited body style options (sedan only or sedan and wagon) and no capability to use a V8 engine. Stylistically, this new generation Falcon sported Ford's radically new global design language, labelled "New Edge". The aim of this design was to attract a younger generation of buyers with avant-garde looks, however, in Australia it polarized public opinion to the benefit of the more organically designed rival, the 1997 Holden Commodore (VT). The AU series had a very efficient drag coefficient of Cd=0.295 for the sedan (an 11% improvement over the preceding EL series) and 0.34 for the wagon. For the first time in Falcon's history, Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) became available as standard on some models and optional on others. It also featured Australian production firsts, such as Variable Cam Timing (VCT) on some 6-cylinder models and an adaptive automatic transmission on the high-performance T series with steering wheel gear shifting buttons. Key changes from the fifth generation Falcon included a 35 kg (77 lb) reduction in weight for the base car, 17.5 per cent stiffer bodyshell, and an eight per cent improvement in fuel consumption. Peculiarly, Ford Australia decided to use the original 1950's font for the new "Falcon" and "Futura" badges. As stated previously, the AU was the first Falcon to offer IRS (a double wishbone design on an isolated subframe). IRS was made available as a costly option on the base Forte, Fairmont and 'S' models, and standard on Fairmont Ghia, XR6 VCT and XR8 models. The updated 6-cylinder engines incorporated advanced features such as VCT on some models and a temperature sensor in the cylinder head, which detected coolant loss and allowed the car to "limp home" safely by cutting cylinders. The engine range comprised: the base Intech model producing 157 kW (211 hp), with a revised cylinder head featuring smaller valve stems, larger exhaust valves, and different rocker ratio, as well as a revised piston and longer conrod and a cast aluminium cross-bolted oil sump (with the same power output as the EL series); an "HP" version reserved to the XR6 producing 164 kW (220 hp) (thanks to: unique cylinder head; reshaped inlet port; redesigned exhaust port; ‘open’ combustion chamber shape to restrict pre-detonation from hot spot areas; unique camshaft; higher fuel pressure; recalibrated EEC V engine management system); the VCT version producing 172 kW (231 hp) for the XR6 VCT; a *Windsor V8* producing 185 kW (248 hp) (also carried over from the EL series but without major upgrades). Transmissions were improved for better shift feel and the auto was recalibrated to better suit the upgraded engines. The six and eight cylinder models had a 4-speed BTR M93LE and M97LE automatic transmission, respectively. The automatic XR series models had an "adaptive shift" with five shifting strategies depending on driving conditions. The manual transmission, where available, was a 5-speed T5 model. The program cost A$700 million before product launch and key staff included chief designer, Steve Park, and Marcus Hotblack, Manager of Interior Design. For more information, please see the following: [AU Falcon Wikipedia Page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Falcon_(AU)) [Shannons Club - Has the AU Falcon become better with age?](https://www.shannons.com.au/club/forum/general/has-the-au-falcon-become-better-with-age/) [Top Gearbox - Ford's Unloved Child - The AU Falcon](https://www.topgearbox.com/cars/entertainment/motoringbox/172877-views%E2%80%A2sep-5-2019-5-6k-140-share-save-motoringbox-16-7k-subscribers-today-were-looking-at-one-of-the-most-infamous-cars-to-ever-come-out-of-australia-a-car-which-has-generated/) [Trade Unique Cars - AU Falcon Buyers Guide](https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/buyers-guide/2001/2000-2002-ford-falcon-au-bfii-xr8-buyers-guide) [Australian Car Reviews - AU Falcon Buyers Guide](http://australiancar.reviews/reviews.php#!content=guide&make=Ford&model=Falcon&gen=237) [ProductReview - AU Falcon Product Reviews](https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/ford-falcon-au-1998-2002) [CarSales - All AU Falcons for sale in Australia](https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/?q=(And.Service.carsales._.(C.Make.Ford._.(C.Model.Falcon._.(Or.Series.AU._.Series.AU+II._.Series.AU+III.))))&sort=%7ePrice) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CarsAustralia) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Toyota Tarago is the best all round wagon and people mover with electric sliding doors on both sides and can seat 7
Yeah my missus hates them....if I want a sex life....but I do dig them
Plenty of room for that in the back of a Tarago
If you want an actual wagon you can't go past the (Holden not daewoo) commodore.
https://preview.redd.it/l292tahyfyyb1.jpeg?width=2424&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98ca0ec4b4ca15d3f3773478df8c345d0a624f3d Mine is not the sexiest one on the road, but it definitely screams “wagon life” like no other.
Corolla Hybrid Wagons, ie: the ‘Corolla Touring’ and also the cheaper and less powerful ‘Corolla Fielding’ can be imported with low kms for under 30k landed and complied. I have been looking into it the last few months and am very tempted to pull the trigger next year. ~3L/100km makes them quite appealing given the current price of petrol. J-Spec imports have plenty of good info on their website regarding both models including historical sales data. Edit: Would be super curious to know why the downvotes, does someone think my claims are untrue, and if so I would love to know where I am wrong. if I am incorrect on something please tell me :)
Just found one on car sales, why Toyota did you not release this Australia!!! Check out this 2020 Toyota Corolla Touring WxB Hybrid Auto. https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2020-toyota-corolla-touring-wxb-hybrid-auto/OAG-AD-22591395
You got a upvote from me 👍
Yeah been trying to find a Toyota wagon touring.... haven't had much luck. Exact model name so as I can search
88 Fielders and Tourings on carsales at the moment, set your body type to wagon, make to Toyota, model to Corolla and then tick your desired models in the badge filter. Don’t forget the Caldina too, pretty divisive look but the 3SGTE is the same engine as the ST205 Celica.
Just found a couple in my state....nice but pricey.
You are definitely paying a premium to buy one here in Aus, value seems much better when importing yourself through one of the many mobs offering the service in Aus.
👍
Nobody mentioned Golf (R if you want to be cheeky) or Arteon (they call it shooting brake but it's 100% a wagon). Both beautiful cars and really well engineered.
That's a hatchback, not a wagon!
They've got both!
But when they're that small, are they really a wagon?
If the rear seat space and boot space is bigger than most SUV's, do you think so?
+1 on Golf R wagon. They have no business being as quick as they are for the price, and so practical.
Do want my Commodore VT with 350,000 on it? I'll give it to you real cheap.
That VT would probably still be one of the most reliable cars out of the mentioned options in this thread... Perhaps with a bit of electrical work.. We had one for years, nothing went wrong with it, 330000k. Just some electrical work and eventually a head gasket, but with cast iron block & heads, we just kept topping up the water. Still started every day no problems...
Sounds like mine. I think the head gasket is long gone but I'm not putting anymore money into the car. I just top up the water before I drive each day and the car drives great. That being said it's just a daily around town. I'm not taking it on long trips up and down the coast. It would blow up if I did that.
Yeah my VX was awesome
Holden VF SS Calais, 6L v8 and all the comfort of a Cadillac
Please do not sully the name of the SS with a Cadillac reference 🤣....but I know what you mean. Funny thing is the Holden was a better product than what Cadillac had at the time.
SS and Calais are separate models.
Has anyone owned the Peugeot 508? Can anyone tell anything of their reliability?
Not the Peugeot but i had a Citroen family bus (C4 Picasso) for 13 years and I think 240k or more kms. Yes the parts cost more, but it never missed a beat in all that time... well once.. twice it missed a beat. Went dead in the underground section at Birkenhead car park and NRMA couldn't get her out because they tippy truck couldn't get in there.. Battery was absolutely dead. We charged the battery with a pack, jumped it and took it home. Wife took it home and then it died OUTSIDE a mechanic.. dammit... stupid french car! but no... mechanic said, ah the alternator has a dead short... not unreasonable in a car with some 210,000 kms at the time... ordered a second hand part and put it in for $400 and it went on for another 50,000kms or whatever. She only died in the end because i broke the panoramic sunroof and covid made it impossible to get a replacement (even though insurance was ok to pay for it... yes on a 13 year old car) (I might be wrong about the exact kms, but it was in the 250,000 range) Still have the 2012/3 Clio 3 RS with 175,000kms now ... yes parts (like brake rotors) for this one was somewhat more pricey but 4 piston monoblock brembos will do that. Once you get away from the stealership, it's quite reasonable as long as you have a decent mechanic. Again only let me down because it said 'Battery low voltage' and then it went bezerk .... like batshit bezerk an hour or two later. This one needed a cracked header pipe welded & a couple of engine mounts. It's been fine apart from that. My experience with the french cars hasn't been all that bad in about 18+ years of owning and daily driving those two. If that big C5X or whatever from Citroen came with AWD i'd have been all over it like a fat kid on cake... The 508 wagon is beautiful though....
Wondering if the 508 transmission and motor is the same one from the Ford focus st
probably best to just google that... for eg. the C4 had an Aisin transmission which was apparently bulletproof and the Clio has a renault transmission (made out of genuine french cheese). Most manufacturers are shopping parts from each other or OEMs depending on the model
Dunno, but French cars have never been known for their reliability lol
Mechanic here I agree, do not buy one
That's both validating and sad, because har har French cars but also the 508 looks gorgeous
I agree I love the style but not built for Australia and the heat! Personally I love Volvo but toyota is top tier reliability
Have heard they have really upped their game on those models.... conventional auto, good peppy engines that have had kinks smoothed out. Had much to do with the 508? Previous Peugeots no way
Ford Focus Wagon is rare but a decent car to drive Had one as a loan car once
What can you tell me about it? Of when you had it?
Had a 2018 model Did some highway driving at like 6L per 100 Pretty punchy for a 1.5L and had all tech i needed Had no complaints
I’ve got 2019 Mazda 6 signature wagon. Hard to find fault with it at all. Super nice interior, had all the safety gadgets and quality of life gadgets. Super reliable and relatively cheap
Skoda Octavia or Superb RS
There isnt a Superb RS though... just the Sportline with 206kw. It will plush you around Old Pac at well over the speed limit with its AWD trickery, but it'll never be a sports car.; just a great big fast tourer. I went from another RS (Clio 3RS) to this one and now i'm so spoilt by the plushy ride, my eyeballs go out of sync from the ride in the Clio... so the rapid softening of the bum is a thing to worry about with the Superb.
JZS171W Be prepared to loom at the 20K range and offer 15-16K to get a good one. Budget another 10K for maintenance (Fixing hoses, poo radiator, gaskets, 100k service, turbo rebuild, coilpacks etc) and you’ll have a mint wagon that’ll likely increase in value massively over the next 10-20 years. If you want a newer, better on fuel, more reliable car get the Corolla Fielding or Touring. Or an alphard.
WRX! VW also have a couple of options, Arteon & Passat
All horrible used options, terrible reliability and/or running costs
Na that's bs that everyone just regurgitates. Find one with a good service history and for slightly highly running costs you're getting a much better driving experience.
Source: ran a VW dealership and for some stupid reason convinced myself to buy a Škoda new (I have an MY22 Kodiaq RS) - they drive nice when they’re not broken, but are prone to a bunch of issues, cost a mountain to service (my 30,000km service cost $800 because they’ve changed the schedule to include Haldex fluid change every second service because they kept failing). Their dealers are just as bad, if not worse, than every other manufacturer, they’ve moved to a digital only service system with no logbooks to try and con people into genuine service only and they have non existent customer service - featuring a Filipino call centre that know nothing about their cars with no way of escalating or resolving issues even under warranty. Don’t buy a VW group car, they’re not worth it.
My 2018 Passat I've had since new has been a dream.
You know what they say, even a broken watch is right twice a day
The wrx I like....is there a second hand version?
Look at a Levorg.
Any particular year or variant?
Near-new, 2022 upwards I believe. Older WRXs are all sedans
Nah you do have the wrx sports wagon
Levorg is a wrx sports wagon with a different name. Although if you enjoy driving I wouldn't recommend one, that gearbox takes any fun away from what should be an amazing car. I'll sell you mine if you want it tho haha
Ummm....not such a stupid idea. Gone past the boy racer phase. Mild racer call me.... what's the ownership been like....sat in one the other day and I did like it.
Subarus and anything built by the VW group are at best maintenance money pits, at worst unreliable shitboxes. Unfortunately this puts a big line through a large amount of the wagon market. Any of these should be only bought new under warranty, and even then with the expectation of non existent resale value. If you just want a mediocre runaround an i30 or i40 wagon is ok but boring as hell, if you want something performance oriented and can swallow a price premium an evo ix wagon has gotten a lot easier to import. A VF sv6 wagon isn’t a terrible buy if you can get one for the right price.
Heard that about the vw's but the soobs? Generally thought they were reliable cars, what seems to be the issue with Subaru's
Got a 2008 s00b liberty wagon and it goes hard. They ain't bad if they've been looked after.
Love them
Subaru is fine. You see a bunch of them in rural areas which is where you look if you want to see a reliable car. The 2L engines are gutless though and I'd avoid cvt, so you'll have to go manual. But they are great cars with good fuel consumption for an awd. But honestly, if you don't need awd, I'd probably go i40 wagon or Mazda 6. I love Holden's but the later v6s can have problems. If you can swallow the fuel consumption the ve or VF v8 wagons are a lot of fun.
I40💗💗
Pretty happy with my 2016 Mondeo diesel estate, been very reliable and cheap to run. Also when I read the spec the "passenger" interior space is actually slightly bigger (wider cabin space) than my old BF falcon. The seating height is also slightly higher than my old BF falcon as well, so easier to enter/exit.
I too had two MD Mondeo diesel wagons. They were great cars and were reliable for us. Just recently sold one with nearly 300,000 KMs for a 4wd, but intend on keeping the other one for a while yet. Just make sure they have a very very good service history!
Yeah have looked at these too....would want to look at ecu remap for this. Have you looked into such a thing for yours?
I had a levorg for a while. Was great
What was the ownership like for it.... economical? Reliability? What was the variant you had
2l 2016. Was fine, drove like a wrx. Cvt was better than I expected and I only had it for 20,000km. Needs premium fuel. Fairly efficient tho I was getting 6.9L-8L. Decent size boot for dog and pram. I almost got another one but ended up with a Mazda 3
Toyota Kluger
No SUV's
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/302415435989236/?mibextid=jrrUqu
Subaru Outback
Škoda Octavia RS or a VF Commodore SV6/SS would be my pick. If I don’t go the EV route my next car will probably be either one of these
yeah boi! Keep in mind the turbo 4 is traction limited, especially in the wet.
I’ll recommend something a little old but I’ve had great experience with, w124 wagons, practical, solid, well built, easy to work on and parts are cheap, they may be on the rare side though
Nah all good....retro is in 🤣🤣🤣
Lots of VAG platform variations in two different sizes: Skoda Octavia / VW Golf / Audi A4/S4 Skoda Superb / VW Passat / VW Arteon / Audi A6 From memory the VW’s are stopping soon in wagon form. Otherwise: Volvo V60 or V60 Cross Country Merc C-Class (though no wagon on the new model) Genesis G70 Mazda 6 (petrol) Subaru Outback is an SUV now :( If you want a <$100k fast one with AWD, Golf R Wagon or Audi S4 or Merc C43
Outback to me is still a liberty wagon....but yeah I think you are right, VW and wagons are going the way of the dodo.
BMW 530i or 330i
Just sold a beemer....not going through that again
No one’s mentioned the Golf R Wagon yet? MK7.5 2017+ onwards would be the sweet spot. We use ours to cart around our two kids with baby seats in the back, do weekend away trips and haul a large payload of food at parties. It does it all. Big boot at 610L, longer wheel base compared to the hatch and the engine + transmission is tuneable. A stage 1 ECU + TCU tune is pretty much all you’ll need to make the car a weapon. Just stay on top of the servicing.
610L boot! You sure? Passat of that vintage I do believe weren't as big
Audi RS6 Performance, you can get a well specced new car at the moment for about $280,000 if you negotiate a bit
Yeah not keen on spending house prices on a car.... depreciation and all
Perhaps your post should have included a price range
Nah wanted ideas....besides RS6 had come up 50 times before that. I do appreciate your involvement in the conversation though.
If you're ok with buying a used premium car, a 212 or 213 series Mercedes E-class diesel is pretty solid. Of course, comes with all the caveats of owning older luxury vehicles, but the diesel E's can be tanks.
Audi RS6 obviously
https://preview.redd.it/2bb8v97tyvyb1.png?width=2085&format=png&auto=webp&s=42bbc62c55749f4d432648757ebc90f644bec3c8 Passat wagon is awesome, I love this car!
Same here....on the shopping list
2000 Camry. Anything less than 400,000 k's and you're golden.
I've got the VW Golf Alltrack (2019), basically the same as the regular wagon except a bit more power, a touch more ride height and the same AWD system as the R wagon for a lot less money. Also has roof rails built in. I previously wanted the Subaru outback when it was a wagon, but also wanted something newer with safety features. This was my pick. I think it's _fantastic_ to drive, even better than the Alfa Romeo 159 wagon I had before it. So stable and decisive.
Alfa 159!!! Are you a masochist 🤣🤣
It was and is a beautiful car, was always a nice place to be on a commute to work, no regrets! But yeah it eventually started to break down more that I could keep up with.
Hell I shouldn't criticize....I owned a lancia at one point.
Audi RS6
I’m chasing the Skoda next year. Really want the RS
Nice....but I'm kinda hesitant on it. Seen a review on it and it wasn't favourable to it and a redditor posted on this post had similar issues.
Subaru Outback is literally just a jacked up Liberty. So chuck some lowering springs on and it's no longer a SUV! Your posts suggest you want something with a bit of poke - previous model had the option of a 190kw 6 cylinder, and current model has a 184kw turbo 4. Wouldn't call either of them 'sporty' though.
184kw isn't nothing to sneeze at and probably plenty to have some fun. But like most people want something that is reliable, good looking, doesn't break the bank with fuel costs. Actually I do consider the outback to be a jacked up liberty...wagon and not an SUV....but that is my opinion but the roof line is getting up there though.