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I've got 8k for a used car... Baby #2 on the way and the jetta wagon isn't cutting it.
what I will do with it
Trips to northern Michigan during all seasons with family and dog.
Some two tracking (for camping - which broke both coils and struts on the rear of the jetta).
Carting myself to work (only 10 miles on pothole laden third world roads).
Tow a small (2400lb) travel trailer.
I work on our cars doing all repairs. I've pulled the motor and trans on the jetta. Rebuilt heads replaced timing belts, struts you name it. I find the inline 4cyl jetta (nonturbo) very easy to work on.
Short list:
Sienna minivan
4runner
Tahoe \ Yukon
Outback wagon
I'd like as much safety and ease of repair as possible. I'm aware the 4runner 6cyl has issues with calipers freezing, occasional head gaskets and weak rear diff. The sienna is a pita to work on but might do the trick, and Tahoe's like to eat pitman arms and the electrics tend to suck.
What do you all think? Mpg is not a concern.
Outback will run forever and get through anything and you could get a pretty recent one for 8k. Certain years have a head gasket problem but if you can do the work -- or not, fine.
A Volvo XC70 wagon can be a good replacement for the Jetta, without going the SUV route as well. I would look for one that is 2004 or newer, since the early second generation XCs had some transmission problems until 2003. Try to find a one-owner vehicle that is well maintained by a family who knows Volvos, not impossible, but also depends upon the part of the country. Safety scores are very good for a family vehicle, too; and the wagon handles well in wintry conditions, though not with the ground clearance of a larger SUV.
I would tend to prefer the Land Cruiser/Lexus LX over the 4Runner, but that's not a slight on the 4Runner, just that the Land Cruiser offers a bit more room, with a third row that can be utilized, even with the side fold seats.
If you do not need such a large vehicle, why not look at a Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4? You can find a good example within range, and the CR-V is very thrifty to operate, especially as it is a FWD vehicle until the rear wheels slip and then it has AWD capabilities. Slightly larger, you could likely find a first generation Acura MDX or Honda Pilot for the proposed budget.
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All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
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