TSX successor shopping

[veeman]

Regarding diesel.  Even if you don't save any money the fact you have to fill-up less often is immediately noticeable.  It is a big plus. 

Regarding bad stereo.  Almost always the biggest factor regarding quality is the speakers.  You can go to any car audio store and have them replace the speakers with a nice upgrade for a couple hundred dollars.  This way you keep the factory stereo faceplate and nothing looks aftermarket.  It will make a world of difference regarding the sound.

[Galaxy]

I don't suppose Audi throws the 2.0 TDI into anything in the US?

[2o6]

I don't suppose Audi throws the 2.0 TDI into anything in the US?

A3

[Laconian]

When will the US get the A3 Sportback?

[2o6]

When will the US get the A3 Sportback?

Never

[2o6]

Subaru XV?

[MX793]

A3

Not according to the Audi website.  The '14 A3 is gas engine only (1.8T or 2.0T)

[Laconian]

Subaru XV?

Aieeeeeeeeeeeee, no way.

[ifcar]

In a year's time, there will be a new 2015 Outback that might prove worth your while, though.

[Laconian]

Really?

That's very good to know. I'll put that on the list of things to wait for.

2015 seems like a big year for wagons.

[ifcar]

Really?

That's very good to know. I'll put that on the list of things to wait for.

2015 seems like a big year for wagons.

The Legacy's been unveiled, Outback likely to follow at NYIAS.

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2014/02/2015-subaru-legacy-at-the-2014-chicago-auto-show.html

[2o6]

CVT WRX?

[MX793]

CVT WRX?

I'm assuming he wants a wagon/hatch.  No more WRX hatch/wagon...

[Laconian]

Too thirsty, too many driven wheels. Don't care about AWD. Kind of a crummy interior.

[2o6]

LRX Evoque


CLA "Shooting Brake", if it ever comes here

[2o6]

Not the prettiest thing out there, and not sure if 100% headed to the USA, but it looks right up your alley.

[ifcar]

The CLA has terrible interior room and that's always been one of his priorities.

[BENZ BOY15]

I guess I'll start this thread. TSX lease is coming up in <1yr. We have the option of buying it outright, of course, but we're looking at possible replacements in case there's something more enticing.

The successor will almost certainly be another wagon of similar size, either new or new-ish (~3 year max age, ~30k max miles). Price cap is mid 30's.

We test drove the 2014 Jetta Sportwagen today, will follow up with my impressions.

Other cars we are going to look at:
* New Volvo V60 T5 FWD
* 2015 Jetta Sportwagen, when that becomes available
* 2015 Outback, ditto
* 2015 Audi A3 Sportback (when and if)

Used maybes:
* CTS
* 3-series
* A4

I'm thinking the V60. Volvos have really come a long way and although I didn't drive the V60, it looked/felt amazing when I encountered it at NYIAS last year. It's not that big, but has enough room for whatever you're carrying along. It also looks nice.

But if you pass on that, I'm thinking a used 3 series or the A4.

[MrH]

Too thirsty, too many driven wheels. Don't care about AWD. Kind of a crummy interior.

Wat?!  How can you not care about AWD?  At this point, I don't think I'll own another FWD car again.  I've seen the light.

[Laconian]

It's simply not needed. The climate doesn't necessitate AWD, nor does the exciting sport of stop-and-go commuting lend itself to exploiting AWD's dynamic advantages.

[Raza]

Audi A4 Avant 2.0T Quattro 6 speed. Done.

[Raza]

Wat?!  How can you not care about AWD?  At this point, I don't think I'll own another FWD car again.  I've seen the light.

There's no light in writing off an entire class of cars for no reason. AWD, RWD, and FWD when done well are always going to be good. I've driven many FWD cars that were a lot more fun to drive than plenty of the AWD and RWD cars I've driven. You, my friend, walked back into the darkness.

[Raza]

Also, if you don't care about AWD, I would just keep the TSX. It's one of the best looking wagons that we've gotten in recent years. Automatic only sucks, but you seem not to care about that either since you got rid of your Miata and got all domesticated.

[Laconian]

2 hours of stop and go per day means that automatic is awesome.

[J86]

You should consider working or living elsewhere!

I have a 12 minute walk to work and that's about my max comfort level.  I had an 18 min drive but wasn't happy with it

[Eye of the Tiger]

2 hours of stop and go per day means that automatic is awesome.

I start to lose my mind after more than 30 seconds of clogged up traffic. Would an automatic fix that?

[Soup DeVille]

I start to lose my mind after more than 30 seconds of clogged up traffic. Would an automatic fix that?

Modern science is still working on ways to fix your mind.

[Madman]

Used 2012 Audi A3 Sportback TDI?  Assuming you can find one, that is.  Diesel fans hold on to their cars forever, so good low-mileage used ones are as rare as rocking horse poo.

The 2015 Volvo V60 T5 starts at $35,300 (plus $925 destination charge) and, knowing how expensive Volvo options can be, can quickly escalate above your budget.

I imagine the 2015 Golf wagon will be a step up, quality-wise, from the current Jetta Sportwagen.  You might want to hold off making a decision until the Mk VII hits the showroom floor.  On the plus side, the TDI gets phenomenal mileage and even the most optioned-out version imaginable will still be way under your budget.

Another thing to consider is the buyout on the TSX.  I'm sure the lessor doesn't really want the car back, so are they willing to sweeten the deal to get you to keep it?  Might be worth looking into.

[GoCougs]

It's simply not needed. The climate doesn't necessitate AWD, nor does the exciting sport of stop-and-go commuting lend itself to exploiting AWD's dynamic advantages.

Hmmm. A powerful performance car benefits quite a bit from a (performance-oriented) AWD system in a wet climate in everyday driving. The Accord with ~90 hp less would easily be into TC when taking off in wet, esp. when it counts like taking a free right on a red light or accelerating on a long sweeping freeway on ramp. The Accord's TC was violent if not dangerous - power cut was immediate and severe owing that the system had only the one axle to work with. The G37x just grips and shoots and in the off chance I do hit TC (have to try fairly hard) it's so subtle I can't feel it working. Guy I ski with is shocked at wet weather performance and grip (he's a car nut, but of the RWD BMW type). I'll always have AWD for my daily driver from here on out. (It's also a big help with skiing and gravel road driving.)

[mzziaz]

How about the new MB C-class wagon? Do you get it?