I'm giving the Mustang another 2-3 months before I have to retire it (car runs hot, leaks practically every fluid, and it makes my clothes smell like I am a gas station attendant). The car just needs to be parked so I can work on it during my spare time and not half ass anything on it.

So what I'm looking for is a hatchback/wagon/SUV type vehicle with an average MPG in the mid-20's for mixed city/highway driving. It needs to be large enough to fit 2-3 bikes upright in the rear with the front wheel removed AND still have room for some gear (helmets, packs, a small cooler, etc). I'd also like something relatively fun to drive and it would be great if it ran on shit gas. It also has to be $16k or less (used or new).

Here are my contenders (all used)...
1. Element EX FWD: everything I need but the fun factor is nonexistent.
2. Mazda 5: fun to drive, great cargo capacity, but useless back seats
3. Forester: AWD, solid reliability, but there are no Subaru shops anywhere near me and Subarus feel so damn cheap
4. Volvo XC70 or V70: great wagon, decent reliability, but I hear they are a bitch to get service on
5. Audi Allroad: 2.7 biturbo V6, height adjustable air suspension...but poor gas mileage, takes premium gas, and it is an older Audi (I've pretty much ruled this one out already).
6. Audi A6 or Passat Wagon: essentially the same car. Great service. Both have good reliability (not counting the 2.7 biturbo Audi variant). Would love a TDI Passat wagon but they are practically worth their weight in gold right now.

Any other suggestions that I may be missing here?

 

Just buy a mini-van and get it over with.

Might I suggest a Caravan? They've got good incentives on them right now.

And I'll tell you right now that the Passat, Jetta and Audi won't fit two bikes upright with their front wheels off, not even close. We've got friends with all of the above and the cargo area (even when the seats are folded) isn't as big as you think (or on paper). The Forester is about the only wagon with the inner altitude you require.

Just don't go Ford again.

 

how about that IS300 wagon thingy they made for a few years.

 

Mazda 5 is the only thing I'll get that comes close to the minivan stigma. The bikes will fit in the back of everything I've put in the list with the front wheel removed and all except the Element (and maybe the 5) will need my seat post removed. Standover height on both of my bikes is approximately 32-inches with the front wheel attached. That goes down a bit with the wheel off and the fork dropped to ground level.

I've always been a fan of the IS, but those things are still f-ing expensive. I'm suprised at how well they have held their value over the years.

Couple guys on a MTB forum have squeezed three bikes in the back of a Matrix/Vibe with room enough for one person to sit in the back. Not too sure about these GM/Toyota abortions. Everytime I sit in one I feel as though they managed to mix the worst parts of both manufacturers into one mediocre vehicle.

 

Space issue solved and you don't have to feel like a gelded mare when driving it. Journey tape not included.



And it's AWD, takes many motor swaps.



Datsun 510 Wagon, need I say more?



Classic Volvo wagon? Looks like a bike fits in that.

 

How about an 88 tracer wagon with the sohc mazda motor in it for $750 cash money no payments!

I worked for Mazda, Mazda 5 is a great ride, always a fun drive if you get a 5spd with the 2.3 and if you want to mod it later there's lots o goodies for it!

 

I'd say the Edge, but sounds like that's not an option you would consdier...

 

Let the hating begin.....

I ended up with another Volkswagen. This was too good of a deal to pass up. Picked up this low mileage '04 Passat GLX V6 wagon over the weekend. Outside needs a good polishing but the inside is practically flawless. The car is pretty much optioned out...damn thing even has OnStar (VW offered this as an option back in select '04 models). The 2.8l V6 isn't a rocket by any means, but it runs on 87 octane and it doesn't have the reliability issues of the 1.8t. I absolutely love the car.

Immediate future plans include tint, a thorough exterior polishing, a European plate to cover the holes made by the US plate holder, and some subtle exterior upgrades. Eventually the car will see some conservative springs and maybe some sort of factory Audi/VW 17-19" wheels...but that is going to wait until I can finish up the suspension project on the Mustang.

Couple shots from this weekend:

 

My wife loves here Edge, these things ride out pretty good, comfortable as well.
As far as hatin on a dub, Im looking to trade my F-150 on a gas saver

 

...

Interesting.