Background
In Europe, station wagons or estate cars are often seen as a sporty, roomier and more prestigious alternative to a sedan. Driving a wagon in Europe implies that you have something more exciting to do after work. In contrast to Australian wagons, wagon styling in Europe defines a neat line between practicality and presence. Suspension and size are also closer to the sedan versions.
Why are European wagons so different? Wagons are not cheap to develop or build when they require extra strength in the roof and sides to allow the huge rear opening. In Australia, large fleet purchases like Telstra or a big sales fleet can make or break the profitability of a local wagon so they tend to be styled and packaged for maximum carrying capacity on an extended Fairlane or Statesman wheelbase. This in turn dictates heavy duty suspension, raised ground clearance and tough, long lasting interior trim. If you need a stable towing platform, power to spare, low repair costs, all road capability and huge luggage space, there is nothing from Europe that can match a local Falcon or Commodore wagon.
Because the European wagons are not geared to a commercial market, they can offer a more subtle and refined driving experience, lower fuel costs, compact packaging and the same feel-good factor as the sedan versions. Note how most of them carry names like Touring, Avant, Sports Wagon and Estate so there's no confusion with the MPV-style wagon so popular in Europe. What they can't offer is the heavy-duty load carrying and sustained rough road durability of the locals when their primary focus is smooth and frugal high speed open road cruising and agility in congested cities.
Safety levels are usually exceptional with most European wagons, even those approaching seven years old, offering a full range of airbags, ABS, extra child seating and other safety and convenience features. The used market can also generate some real bargains as they come off lease as the original corporate or professional owner moves onto the next one. Used examples have to quickly fall behind a range of competitively priced new models. Most require premium unleaded or at least the new 95 RON Euro blends but this is not a worry when all feature small, efficient engines punching out performance well above their weight.
Note: All European models this recent should come with a documented history from a specialist in the marque outlining a detailed maintenance schedule. All models have a high proportion of aluminium in their engines that dictate special coolant and regular changes. Regular fluid changes for the complex hydraulics that incorporate ABS and other safety features are also critical. Replacement of key parts like brakes, dampers, radiators, hoses, exhaust, wipers, tyres, engine seals and belts and lights with sub-standard non-genuine parts can ruin these cars and can cost a fortune to reverse.
A selection of used Euro wagon alternatives to a 4X4 in the $20-40,000 range:
Audi A6 Avant 1998-2001
Why? Audi's revolutionary new A6 styling translated into a tight, chiselled-looking wagon that looks as fresh today as it did on its December 1998 release. It came in two versions, a frugal 2.4 V6 with 121 kW/230 Nm as a front drive only or a punchier 2.8 V6 with 142 kW/280 Nm as a Quattro all wheel drive. The Quattro carries an extra 140 kg so the choice is not clear cut unless you must have all wheel drive. Both models come with all the fruit including classy wood grain dash, steering wheel sequential Tiptronic auto, leather, luggage cover, cruise control, climate control, front and side airbags and alloy wheels. Roof rails allow a variety of bike racks and other fittings. Audi's longitudinal drivetrain generates a tighter turning circle than most.
Price? New they cost $83,600/$103,600 but now the 2.4 starts at around $20,000, the 2.8 Quattro from $25,000.
Volvo V70 2.4/2.4T/T5 Wagon 2000-03
Why? Volvo offers the most grunt in its V70 R wagon, a snorting, wicked, slightly harsh performance brick that saw race track duty in Europe. It has few peers as a family and fun carry-all. Based on the earlier slab-sided V70 wagon, it was sold between 1997 and 2000, originally with 176 kW which climbed to 184 kW in 1998 then 195 kW in 1999. Yet not everyone rates performance above style which is where Volvo's March 2000 landmark change can deliver the goods.
Two years after the new S80 range, Volvo added its new but traditional "shoulders" styling with its extra curves and bulge below the side glass to the V70 wagon to deliver a stunner. Since overshadowed by the big price cuts and extra value in the current XC70 range, this later V70 front drive range can be great used buying. It arrived in two versions, a 2.4T with a light-pressure turbo 2.4 five cylinder and 147 kW/285 Nm or the T5 which featured the final heavy duty V70R high performance turbo engine with its special 2.3 block and 184 kW/330 Nm. The new style brought extra refinement and while the V70R's race track edge was blunted, its T5 replacement was a better family and performance compromise. Transmissions included a sequential auto and rare manual option. A non-turbo 2.4 20 valve version was added to the range in September 2000 with 125 kW/230 Nm and the promise of 6.3 litres/100 km highway economy.
Prices? The 2.4 non-turbo starts at $24,000, the light-pressure 2.4T starts at $28,000 while rarity and demand ensure that a T5 starts from $35,000. An earlier V70R will span the $20-35,000 range depending on age and condition with the very last topping $40,000.
Saab 9-5 Wagon 1999-02
Why? The Saab 9-5 Estate arrived with striking looks and clever packaging with a driver feel better than expected in May 1999. Saab made a point of presenting its back seat with the same angle as the sedan, essential as it was aimed at earlier 9000 liftback owners. The clever "must-have" 9-5 feature is the sliding load floor that will support 200 kg and comes out to meet you for loading and unloading. The feature list is huge as expected with high quality trim, multiple airbags front and rear and outstanding Saab ergonomics. Launched as a 2.3 S/SE with turbocharger and 125 kW/280 Nm, it came with a choice of manual or auto. A 2.0 ltr low-pressure turbo version arrived with 110 kW/240Nm in July 1999. Its flatter torque curve delivered better economy with performance that felt little different at low engine speeds. The first major facelift in November 2001 assigned new names including Arc, Linear, Vector and Aero to the various levels.
Prices? The earlier 2.0 ltr version is a bargain starting at well under $20,000. The more powerful 2.3 versions are priced from $20,000 for an early one and will top $30,000 for the later models. The later Linear models start in the low $30,000 range.
Mercedes-Benz E230T/E240T/E320T Wagon 1996-02
Why? One of the safest and most sophisticated wagons with rear drive, extra space and three-pointed star prestige, the new W210 series wagon was launched as a simple and frugal 2.3 ltr four only with 110 kW/220 Nm in October 1996. Boasting huge luggage space, only its five-speed auto saved it from being a stodgy, if safe and stylish family load lugger. All later E-class wagons have rear suspension self-levelling, an important feature with their load capacity. The E230 was an interim model until the all new Mercedes-Benz V6 engines arrived in mid-1997 first as an E320T then an additional E240T which replaced the four cylinder E230T version in January 1998. The E320's 165 kW/315 Nm and its light weight transformed this W210 wagon series with its performance and outstanding economy. The E240 V6 engine delivered 125 kW/225 Nm, not a big advance over the earlier E230, but its smooth delivery and engine note were in another league. For many Mercedes-Benz fans, the W210 series was a benchmark in styling and quality.
Prices? Earlier orphan status of the E230T drops prices to just below $30,000 while the more desirable and newer E240T starts in the mid-$30,000 range. The sought-after E320T starts in the low $40,000 range for an early example.
BMW 528i/530i Touring/Sport Wagon 1997-2004
Why? The Germans were on a roll during this period with quality engineering and slick styling without the oddball looks and quality shortcuts of some of today's models. Despite its similarity to the smaller 3-series, the E39 5-series wagon was one of the most handsome of its era when it arrived in April 1997 as the 528i Touring. It retained the sedan's sophisticated suspension and rear drive cleverly adapted to the wagon with self-levelling. Its liftback added separate opening for the rear glass. The M52 2.8 ltr six-cylinder engine with chain-driven camshaft delivers 142 kW/280 Nm making the 528i a good compromise between performance and economy but there is no provision for a rear third row seat. A major facelift at the close of 2000 replaced the 528i with the 530i Touring Executive, later joined by the Touring Sport in March 2001. A new M54 six with double VANOS valve timing and larger 3 ltr capacity lifted power and torque to 170 kW/300 Nm. Fresher frontal styling make this final series particularly desirable.
Prices? Age is bringing the earliest 528i examples into the low $20,000 range but a good late model will quickly cross into the $40,000 range. The final 530i will typically start in the $50,000 range as they trickle off their first leases.
Peugeot 406 SV Wagon 1999-04
Why? Peugeot's mammoth wagon is easily overlooked but its smooth V6, style, magic carpet ride and huge carrying capacity deserves better. It arrived in February 1999 with the sedan's proven V6 after it was launched as a diesel a year earlier. The diesel can be a worthwhile alternative but its 82 kW makes more sense as a long distance rural cruiser than for city short hauls especially when the first examples came as a manual only. The body design and detailing is intended to deliver maximum convenience and strength for the standard three row seating with key structural components made in alloys containing vanadium and titanium hence the lighter weight than expected. The first V6 versions had 144 kW/267Nm for a blend of economy and performance. A major facelift arrived in August 1999 with a high-tech diesel that slashed fuel consumption to as little as 5 litres/100 km in some open road situations. The SV petrol version featured styling and cabin revisions. Another facelift in September 2001 introduced an automatic option for the diesel and a revised V6 petrol engine with 157 kW/285Nm.
Prices? The early diesel wagon can be found under $20,000 but the petrol V6 version and later diesel starts at around $20,000. Expect to pay $30,000 and more for the final V6 version.
Volkswagen Passat Variant 1998-2002
Why? The Passat generation released locally as a wagon in December 1998, reverted to being a variation of an Audi, in this case the larger A6. Base engine was Audi's efficient turbocharged 1.8 four cylinder engine with twin camshafts and 20 valves for 110 kW/210 Nm. Coupled with a 5 speed Tiptronic auto, it offers a choice between 1.8 ltr economy or the performance of a much bigger engine. Buyers also had the choice of Audi's 2.8 V6 with 142 kW/280Nm, also coupled to a 5 speed Tiptronic. Not as luxurious as the Audi A6, the Passat's compact size holds more than expected courtesy of a practical shape that may be a little too boxy and plain for some. Volkswagen addressed this in November 2001 with a major facelift that freshened up both the cabin and exterior. A year later the 1.8 Turbo was dropped and the wagon continued with the V6 only.
Prices? Clearance pricing ahead of the all new Passat due soon have brought prices within reach. Early 1.8 Turbo examples have dropped below $20,000 but the V6 starts at $20,000 and peaks around $26,000. The classy late 2001 facelift starts in the high $20,000 range with either engine and peaks at over $40,000 for the last examples.
Rover 75 Club/Connoisseur Wagon 2001-04
Why? Listed as a wildcard because it can too easily be forgotten which can make it great buying. More luxurious and better equipped than expected at the price when it is still so new, the Rover 75 is a victim of the company's recent collapse but that doesn't make it less of a car which was engineered by BMW. It features a relatively efficient 2.5 ltr V6 that delivers 130 kW/240 Nm. The entry Club version offered a Getrag 5 speed manual option as an alternative to the 5 speed auto. Like its former 5-series BMW stablemate, the Rover's liftback features separate opening for the rear glass. Although the rear suspension was also BMW-inspired, the Rover was front drive. With plenty of wood grain and leather, it certainly looks the part.
Prices? The Club version can start in the mid-$20,000 range while the luxury Connoiseur will usually fetch an additional $5000.
