RedCarmel

iTrader: (7)

The TSX wagon looks fairly interesting but it's now out of production and they only made it available with the 4cyl and automatic. Not sure if it would have sold better with at least a V6 option. VW seems to pretty consistently have quality issues and every other wagon out there (BMW, Audi, Cadillac, MB) is just too expensive and is overkill. Even the new Outback looks more like a crossover than a regular wagon.

I don't know the stats but the first gen Mazda6 wagon seemed to sell reasonably well. Guess it wasn't good enough.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

First gen Mazda 6 wagon got horrible fuel economy. Like 20 combined.

I'm personally a huge fan of the TDI Sportwagen and I think they're solid vehicles. But VW has definitely had more than their share of issues.

RedCarmel

iTrader: (7)

I really want to want a TDI Sportwagen, but they are like Subarus. When they run, they're great. But when you're spending that kind of money to buy a new vehicle, why buy one you know is going to have a greater likelihood of costing you even more money and hassle down the road than it should?

The random reliability related topics of discussion on TDI forums seem to indicate that problems are still too frequent and expensive.

I really wish diesel was cheaper in this country. Ever since my W123 diesel I've wanted another, they just never came in a vehicle I wanted or could afford.

turbofan

iTrader: (1)

Coming full circle: Next best thing is a Mazda 3 hatch. Awesome vehicle.

Or you could sell out and get a Prius V

RedCarmel

iTrader: (7)

I actually did look at a Prius V in a lot. Told the salesman I didn't want to waste him time taking it for a test drive.

Yeah, the Mazda3...love it but I think the direction we're heading means we need more cargo room than it has.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

I'll admit to liking our Prius C. Great commute vehicle and surprisingly not awful considering its heritage.... low battery location and lower than typical curb weight are to thank for that imo. Of course... we aren't looking for a compact car here...

RedCarmel

iTrader: (7)

How long have you owned it and what kind of MPG are you getting in mixed driving? Just curious how it compares to EPA ratings.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Winter we get mid/low 40s mixed (winter tires/gas), summer we can get over 50 mixed.

That is rough numbers that i remember over 2 years (just short of 2nd year anniversary).

RedCarmel

iTrader: (7)

Interesting. A friend of mine bought a regular Prius about a year ago and got about 30 in the winter and 40 summer.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

Could be a combination of driving styles, terrain and how mixed (or not) the city/highway blend is.

My wife's commute puts her just short of 50% city/highway with a bit more highway. When I drive it around town I find it almost entertaining (without driving others around me nuts) to just drive calmly and push up to estimated 60mpg sometimes. The more city driving we do, the higher the average is for the C, it just isn't as aerodynamic as the fullsize model for highway mpg.

RedCarmel

iTrader: (7)

I took some time to test drive two CX-5s today. I did find a dealer that had a 6MT sport in stock, so I drove that as well as a Touring with the 2.5 and automatic.

Gotta say you're right about that shifter, it was surprisingly nice given it was in a FWD CUV. Clutch throw was a little long but average I'm sure. But I couldn't get along with that 2.0. There was a time I was used to underpowered vehicles but I just can't do it - manual trans or not.

Then I drove the touring and it was more like I expected. Power was on par with my RAV4 and it let me enjoy the really nice steering and chassis. The automatic hunted for gears at lower speeds too much but then again I've never driven a 6spd automatic before so it's probably just something I'd need to get used to.

If I end up with the sport awd with the 2.5 I'd still need either a seat out of the touring model or some sort of other support. The lack of adjustable lumbar support in the sport seats got to me just after a 20 minute test drive.

I think it's worth considering and will probably start shopping around for the FWD touring, as you recommended.

Also on an impulse I stopped by a Lexus dealer and test drove a CT200h. I've always thought they were a really sharp looking car, easily the best looking hybrid out there. It was too nice for me.

Splitime

iTrader: (24)

I bet its all in driving style. I do NOT try that hypermiling crap, but I do limit to 5-10mph over speedlimit, no drag race away from lights and strategic lane changs (like i drive any car).

Just did a recheck to make sure my memory isn't off, fresh fill, reset counter and did 54mpg on the gauge (probably 52mpg, usually 1-2mpg high). That was mostly highway at 60-65-70 and a few miles of local street, 90 miles or so of highway.