11-01-2013, 02:35 PM
Very similar criteria to what I was looking at prior to my CX-5.
Legacy Wagons are getting a little old, but they fit your criteria. GTs are fast but awful MPG.
I wouldnt get an Impreza wagon (or any other compact hatchback), they are too small for carseats in the back.
TSX wagon is probably your best bet aside from awd. 20k might be a stretch though, Ive seen them for around 24k. I would have seriously considered one but the tech in them is circa 2007.
There are 06+ awd 3 series wagons all day for under 20k, but they guzzle premium fuel.
You do owe yourself a test drive of a CX-5. I consider SUV/CUVs to be just as soul-crushing, but Mazda really nailed the handling better than I thought possible in a crossover. Read my project thread for the 7 month impression.
Legacy Wagons are getting a little old, but they fit your criteria. GTs are fast but awful MPG.
I wouldnt get an Impreza wagon (or any other compact hatchback), they are too small for carseats in the back.
TSX wagon is probably your best bet aside from awd. 20k might be a stretch though, Ive seen them for around 24k. I would have seriously considered one but the tech in them is circa 2007.
There are 06+ awd 3 series wagons all day for under 20k, but they guzzle premium fuel.
You do owe yourself a test drive of a CX-5. I consider SUV/CUVs to be just as soul-crushing, but Mazda really nailed the handling better than I thought possible in a crossover. Read my project thread for the 7 month impression.