[XutvJet]

Ever since Toyota took some ownership stake in Subaru, their materials quality has increased substantially. The current gen Outback is proof of that. Sure, it doesn't have quite the solidness and material finish of my entry level BMW (M235), but it's not miles off. If Subaru could work a bit more on making the seat more German/Volvoish, they'd really be getting somewhere. With that said, our loaded Outback 3.6R was $13K less than my M235. That's a bargain, IMO. As a shadetree mechanic, I thoroughly love the simplicity and ease of servicing of most Subarus.

With that said, the OP appears to want something higher end. Based on his criteria, I'd probably be at Volvo checking out their wagons and crossovers. They've really changed things up recently. Benz will soon be coming out with their version of the Outback based on their wagon chassis and they look pretty killer. That's what I'll buy the wife in our later years.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Ever since Toyota took some ownership stake in Subaru, their materials quality has increased substantially. The current gen Outback is proof of that. Sure, it doesn't have quite the solidness and material finish of my entry level BMW (M235), but it's not miles off. If Subaru could work a bit more on making the seat more German/Volvoish, they'd really be getting somewhere. With that said, our loaded Outback 3.6R was $13K less than my M235. That's a bargain, IMO. As a shadetree mechanic, I thoroughly love the simplicity and ease of servicing of most Subarus.

With that said, the OP appears to want something higher end. Based on his criteria, I'd probably be at Volvo checking out their wagons and crossovers. They've really changed things up recently. Benz will soon be coming out with their version of the Outback based on their wagon chassis and they look pretty killer. That's what I'll buy the wife in our later years.

Yeah part of the problem here is I need to do something now (within a month or two) or not at all. I can get out of the Allroad lease very easily with maybe $500 coming out of my pocket to disappear it, but wait til fall when the new one is coming out, more miles, another model year etc. it's going to be a lot tougher (more expensive). Said another way, he's in a nice enough car as is. If I am going to throw money at something I'd prefer it to be a nicer car, not pay to disappear the car he's currently driving. Should have just got all the safety stuff when we got the Allroad last year, but he had no interest in it and didn't want me paying for it. I blame Volvo, he drives mom's S60 with everything and is always like "oh that's nice, why don't I have that? let's get me that."

[Drifa]

I know you said he has no interest in the polestar, but i've got a XC60 AWD T6 in the garage, and honestly I can't think of a bad thing to say about it. Handles great with reasonable get up and go, not too tall and has plenty of room without feeling too big to drive. I will say the difference in the AWD and non AWD versions is night and day though when you get in the corners, so if you're looking for something enjoyable to throw around it's a must. Also the T5 version is underpowered...

Just my 2 cents

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Drifa

I know you said he has no interest in the polestar, but i've got a XC60 AWD T6 in the garage, and honestly I can't think of a bad thing to say about it. Handles great with reasonable get up and go, not too tall and has plenty of room without feeling too big to drive. I will say the difference in the AWD and non AWD versions is night and day though when you get in the corners, so if you're looking for something enjoyable to throw around it's a must. Also the T5 version is underpowered...

Just my 2 cents

Had an XC60 fully loaded R design big engine. Really nice car totally agree. Swapped the low profile tires for something beefier but otherwise no complaints about that car. Mom's on 5th S60 in as many years dealer keeps putting her in a new one with more stuff for the same lease payment as her old one every Christmas. Think dad is just Volvo-ed out.

[CanadianGatorBacon]

OK, even though I haven't driven a Land Rover since the nineties, I'm gonna throw this one out there, because not one has mentioned them ... Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. They're probably a decent height, and you can get the safety features and 4x4 for about the right price (judging by your dad's car history).

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by CanadianGatorBacon

OK, even though I haven't driven a Land Rover since the nineties, I'm gonna throw this one out there, because not one has mentioned them ... Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. They're probably a decent height, and you can get the safety features and 4x4 for about the right price (judging by your dad's car history).

That's funny I haven't looked at Range Rovers since the same time you did, had a major hard on for a County LWB. The Disco Sport may be worth a look, didn't know such a thing even existed. Evoque no b/c I've driven one and it's a BITCH to see out of. If it were not for the grand kids though the coupe version may be interesting because the doors are so big. My buddy actually suggested the convertible Evoque and I told him to put down his crack pipe.

Now that you say that though, makes me think that new Jag may be worth a look. F Pace with the big engine.

[CanadianGatorBacon]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Now that you say that though, makes me think that new Jag may be worth a look. F Pace with the big engine.

Discos/LR4s have always been one of my favorite looking SUVs, although I found them a little unnerving to drive on the highway because of their height, I like that the F22 keeps me close to the ground. Unfortunately, all of the Land Rover designs are going round because of pedestrian safety and fuel economy.

The problem with the Jag is timing. Not out until the fall.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by CanadianGatorBacon

Discos/LR4s have always been one of my favorite looking SUVs, although I found them a little unnerving to drive on the highway because of their height, I like that the F22 keeps me close to the ground. Unfortunately, all of the Land Rover designs are going round because of pedestrian safety and fuel economy.

The problem with the Jag is timing. Not out until the fall.

Was actually just told 3-4 months, but I don't buy it. The other thing with Jag is it is going to lease like garbage if we decide to go the lease route. The XE I was looking at they told me 46% residual.

Apparently he sat in a 328 GT on the way to the office today (local guy didn't have a 335) so that may be the lead horse now. Driving the 335 on Saturday.

Was also reminded that we have a small window in a few weeks where mom will be out of town for a couple of days, would be much easier to just do whatever he wants then and have her pissed off for a day or two and get over it rather than weighing in. He'll drop a few "my son got me this, and it cannot go back, sodon't ride in it if you don't like it" and the storm will eventually pass.

[BEM-S4]

Well after 3 hours and driving everything within reason at the dealer the winner is a fully loaded 328 xDrive sport wagon. Go figure!

Was shocked he liked the X1 a LOT more than the GT which he thought was too big. Wagon was the clear favorite though. Guess you can't teach an old wagon guy new tricks. Trying to out a deal together in the next day or two so he can drive it to 3 year old soccer game next Saturday.

Thanks everyone for the help really appreciate it.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Well after 3 hours and driving everything within reason at the dealer the winner is a fully loaded 328 xDrive sport wagon. Go figure!

Was shocked he liked the X1 a LOT more than the GT which he thought was too big. Wagon was the clear favorite though. Guess you can't teach an old wagon guy new tricks. Trying to out a deal together in the next day or two so he can drive it to 3 year old soccer game next Saturday.

Thanks everyone for the help really appreciate it.

Good luck and many safe and happy years and miles for him yet to come!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Good luck and many safe and happy years and miles for him yet to come!

Thank you! Gotta get the deal done first fingers crossed it will be done Monday.

Think the icing on the cake was the saddle brown leather. Really looks nice and if we end up with the mineral grey / saddle combo I'll do the same when I get a 435 or 440. Will give mom something to make fun of us about.

[Mywifes335]

I really pushed for a CPO CTSV wagon but ended up getting an X3 28xdrive.

It is, after all, my wife's car...

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

I really pushed for a CPO CTSV wagon but ended up getting an X3 28xdrive.

It is, after all, my wife's car...

I was pushing hard for the 335GT. Paul Miller has an exec demo 2015 with 5k miles on it that was leasing out in the high $300s with taxes. Lot of car for the money. Oh well, now I spend my days dialing for dollars and trying to get the exact wagon he wants for a good buy within the next month.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I was pushing hard for the 335GT. Paul Miller has an exec demo 2015 with 5k miles on it that was leasing out in the high $300s with taxes. Lot of car for the money. Oh well, now I spend my days dialing for dollars and trying to get the exact wagon he wants for a good buy within the next month.

Demos and BMW NA cars are great values.

I had a 2001 530i sport with 8k miles that I bought for $10k under sticker.

[Merc for hire]

I would go seek out a manual RWD E46 or E90 wagon.

Very rare but once you find one, buy it and maintain the heck out of it!

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

Demos and BMW NA cars are great values.

I had a 2001 530i sport with 8k miles that I bought for $10k under sticker.

Yeah if you can find something set up the way you want they are THE BEST. This one was a $60K car, listed for $44K. Got the GF a 3-diesel a while back $50K got it bought for $38K.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Merc for hire

I would go seek out a manual RWD E46 or E90 wagon.

Very rare but once you find one, buy it and maintain the heck out of it!

Ha, we are choosing cars based simply on getting his bad hips and knees in and out of it easily. Manual is a BIG no.

[BEM-S4]

Just got the deal done. Out of Allroad and new 328 xDrive sport wagon will be built next week. BSM, saddle leather, burl walnut, luxury, premium, drive assist, drive assist plus, nav, 18" wheels w AS tires, enhanced BT, sun shades and a complimentary set of all weather mats and trunk liner.

We all knew Sun Motors was great for the parts discount but damn they did a nice job on the sale. I'm a big fan.

Thanks for all the help guys really got the ball rolling on this and very glad it got done so quickly. Now the waiting begins.

[SteveInfante]

That's awesome. Congrats. I'm sure he will love it when it comes in.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by SteveInfante

That's awesome. Congrats. I'm sure he will love it when it comes in.

I hope so we are running out of options!

[BillD1953]

I split my driving between the 228i 6MT bare bones and my MB 350 ML...
both GREAT vehicles

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by BillD1953

I split my driving between the 228i 6MT bare bones and my MB 350 ML...
both GREAT vehicles

ML too tall or would have looked at it. Nice machine. Although if the ML were an option we would have just kept the Porsche.