<p>H and I are looking to replace our 94 Caravan, which seems to have driven its last mile. It’s our second car, used mainly for hauling kayaks. We’d like to replace it with something new, that could become a first car at some point. Our perameters are: not too expensive, decent mileage if possible, and can haul kayaks easily. Could get another Caravan, but their mileage is not great, and they’re tall (as are most vans and SUVs). We anticipate continiuing to 'yak for many years, and the lifting would stay easier with a lower vehicle.</p>
<p>Wagons are perfect, but hard to come by–many fine alternatives have been discontinued in the past few years. We’ve considered Outbacks. A little pricier and not as good mileage as the Jetta Sportswagen. Also considered a Forester, but they’ve been reconfigured to be more SUV like, taller and lower mileage than they’d been. So the Jetta caught our eye, but we don’t know anyone with one and don’t see them as much as the Subarus. Would love to hear if anyone has experience with them or knows much about them.</p>
<p>Hoping CC hive mind can help–thanks in advance!!!</p>
<p>We had a VW Passat sportswagon years ago and were very happy with it. Sorry my experience isn’t more recent. A friend got a great deal a year ago on a used Audi wagon. My sense is that since so many people want SUVs, dealers can’t give the wagons away so you should have some bargaining power there.</p>
<p>My DH finds that jetta sportwagon to be extremely appealing. I think it has really nice lines</p>
<p>Which engine?</p>
<p>While it is definitely a nice car, be aware that maintenance costs may be high (beyond any bundled free maintenance period) if you are not a do-it-yourselfer. In particular, if you get the dual-clutch automatic transmission (note: manual transmission is available), beware of the cost of changing the fluid. Also beware of the cost of changing the timing belt in an engine that has a timing belt.</p>
<p>Also, read the manual carefully before topping off any fluids, since VWs tend to have special versions of fluids like oil and coolant that are not commonly found in typical auto stores.</p>
<p>H drives a Jetta sportswagon and loves it. He bought it for all the same reasons you listed. It seems to be a good value for the money. He’s a cyclist and its got plenty of room for his bike and other assorted equipment. Gas mileage has been very good. Its handles the road well and its a fun car to drive. </p>
<p>Its only 3 years old, so maintenance hasn’t been an issue.</p>
<p>Another (less expensive) option: Hyundai Elantra Touring.</p>
<p>Thanks all! Well, we bought it. Test drove it and loved it. Ucb–we were thisclose to finding an Elantra Touring to also test drive next, but we decided it would be a touch too small, and less engine (and fell for the Jetta when we drove it) so we skipped it. But that would have been a good suggestion. Mansfield–good to hear the positive experience!</p>
<p>Since you were buying a new model an have completed it, this is just for those who might come upon this thread …,</p>
<p>Do Not Buy a Jetta from the range of about '00 to '05. Without looking at the potential Bad electrical systems.</p>
<p>DDs 2003 Jetta has never had a problem! Still looks great and drives great after nearly 10 years.</p>
<p>H drove a Jetta years ago, it was fine. </p>
<p>I had a coworker whose name was Jetta (parents were German) and yes, she drove a Jetta!</p>