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Thread: Why Don't Wagons Sell?

  1. #1
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    Question Why Don't Wagons Sell?

    So after reading several threads here, a question lingers in my head:

    Why don't we buy more wagons?









    - They're roomy
    - Provides comfort of a car with the utility of a minivan
    - Looks cool
    - Goes fast (some of them haha)
    - Enthusiasts love 'em

    So why don't they sell? Why does North America have a fascination with the crossover SUV when a wagon can do all those things?

    Or is it because there's no wagon that's priced aggressively to against these crossovers? An E63 AMG wagon is $100k while a CTS-Vagon is >$50k easy.

    Discuss.
    Last edited by flipstah; 07-25-2013 at 12:40 PM.

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    when people hear wagon, they think of

    And women prefer the higher seating position of the SUV, so they can see over other cars and feel safer
    heloc that shit

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    Because Americans don't buy wagons, because women like to sit higher, "feeling safer", and most men would prefer to be seen in a SUV like car, rather than a wagon. It's not "manly" to drive a wagon

    I get a lot of grief for my Audi estate from my friends, but I love the thing.
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    They're certainly big, but I don't know if they are the BEST I've tasted.

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    It is also because gas is cheap in North America.

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    Because most people like the look of their non wagon equivalent or think "wagons are gay".

    If I could take the cts-v or the wagon, id take the non wagon
    Hittin' every hole


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    There have been some awful sweet wagons come out in the last few years. Seems the only wagons that sell well are Subarus. SUV/CUV have killed wagons.

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    Because we hate utility

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    I had a constant revolving garage of vehicles until I got my WRX wagon and now that I have it the plan is to drive it into the ground. It's perfect for what I need out of a daily driver and when the time comes for something more fun at least I'll always have a practical car to fall back on.

    Gratuitous photo:

    click for larger version
    » Click image for larger version
    Last edited by Perfect Dark; 07-25-2013 at 12:41 PM.

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    Default Re: Why Don't Wagons Sell?

    Originally posted by flipstah
    ... while a CTS-Vagon is <$50k easy.
    No it's not. Not even close.

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    Default Re: Re: Why Don't Wagons Sell?

    Originally posted by Disoblige

    No it's not. Not even close.
    Oops. Wrong sign. FAIL.

    Edited.

    I don't think the height factor was the one that killed the wagon because the Jeep existed with the wagons and they were doing fine.

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    ...
    Last edited by Sugarphreak; 07-21-2019 at 12:57 PM.

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    So another question - are any of these real station wagons or are they glorified 4 door hatchbacks. Back in the 60-70's, wagons either had fold down tailgates or they had swing-to-the-side tailgates but all of what is considered a modern wagon is in reality a 4 door hatchback. Even all of the SUV/CUV's are just bigger versions of a hatchback - I remember when SUV's had roll down rear windows and a tailgate that flopped down just like a station wagon.

    So when is a vehicle considered a wagon and when is it considered a 4 door hatch? Case in point, a 2013 Mini Countryman or a 2013 Honda Fit - are they 4 door hatches or a 4 door wagons (in the modern sense)? They both have that side window behind the rear door which would seem to fit the loose definition of what a wagon has evolved into. What about a 2013 Chev Sonic - missing that extra side window but fits in nicely in the class of vehicle that the Fit does. So what is a wagon?
    Last edited by speedog; 07-25-2013 at 01:23 PM.
    Will fuck off, again.

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    Default Re: Why Don't Wagons Sell?

    Originally posted by flipstah
    Why don't we buy more wagons?

    - They're roomy
    - Provides comfort of a car with the utility of a minivan
    - Looks cool
    - Goes fast (some of them haha)
    - Enthusiasts love 'em

    So why don't they sell? Why does North America have a fascination with the crossover SUV when a wagon can do all those things?
    Very good question.

    When I bought my 335i in 2009, the ONLY wagon option in the line at the time was the 328xi, which is not what I wanted. (may have only been AT too, can't recall). They sell very few and hence the rarity. If they had offered a 335i wagon I would've very strongly considered it over the sedan.

    The next summer I was in Munich and got a tour of the BMW plant where they built my E90. The production line I saw on the tour was the sedan and wagon line (same line). The production split at that time was approximately 50/50. Obviously the first thought that came to me was... where the fuck are all those wagons going (because they sure as hell don't come over here). Wagons are hugely popular in Europe.

    They just haven't ever caught on here, and I suspect as someone else already eluded to we are stuck with a stigma from the past from the revenge of the nerds style domestic full size wagons.

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    Originally posted by Perfect Dark

    click for larger version
    » Click image for larger version
    Fantastic daily.

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    It's all about perception.

    Just like Minivans. It is by far the roomiest and most practical of all "family" vehicles, yet everyone wants an SUV instead, which are often less roomy, worse on gas, and more expensive. Station wagons fall into the minivan category for lots of people.

    Also, a lot of wagons are hideous. The Germans are the only ones putting out good looking wagons (IMHO) and the entry price is high. That weeds out even more people.

    More than anything it comes down to perception. People don't want to tell people they drive a minivan or station wagon - women especially want SUV's for this reason, along with the "safe" feeling of a large, high, SUV.

    The RS6 wagon is my all time favorite. Such a perfect vehicle. The CTS wagons look the worst IMO, almost as bad as the CTS coupe.
    Last edited by Mitsu3000gt; 07-25-2013 at 01:52 PM.

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    I can see a point being made about a wagon being slightly louder than a sedan, also there is the lack of security in carrying your Picasso (Married with Children ref.) in the rear of a wagon as opposed to a locked down trunk. Modern day wagons just look better to my eye, as do mid 70's to mid 80's Mercs.

    I'll bet more gay guys drive SUV vehicles than drive wagons, so much for the manly theory. I'll further the bet to include hairdressers and male church organ players as SUV owners.

    I am open with my desire for a brand new Landcruiser and somewhat secure enough to admit it.
    Last edited by CanmoreOrLess; 07-25-2013 at 01:55 PM.

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    You're generally sacrificing a cars looks for 3-4 cubic feet of extra storage space.
    Vettel's #1

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    D pillar - a wagon has to have a D pillar.

    Some B-class competitors - the 2013 Honda Fit and the 2013 Ford Fiesta are wagons while the 2013 Chev Sonic is a 4 door hatch.
    Will fuck off, again.

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    Same fun factor as a car, but you can haul around a table saw if need be. It's win/win in my eyes.

    I'd blame the amount of space in North America. People like straight line speed, which an SUV can provide, and have the space to own and park 2 vehicles (an SUV and a sports car).

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    Originally posted by CapnCrunch
    You're generally sacrificing a cars looks for 3-4 cubic feet of extra storage space.
    Storage space is just a small part of the equation. Clearance for larger items is the big plus for station wagons, as well as isolation for a dog. There's only so much you can choose from at Ikea in a sedan with the seats folded down. Although somehow I surprised myself and was able to bring home a 55" TV in the box as well as a kids bike in the CLS last month...

    Originally posted by SEANBANERJEE
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