Reply #12: Pre-1994 Volvo's...

[here_is_to_hope]

Best wagons ever, period.
The red block engines go to 400k easy with little maintenance, some wagons will seat seven, the seats fold down and let you sleep two even at 6'2".
Mileage? How about 34 mpg even with 330k on it!

Ford took over engineering in 1995 so most Volvo's since then suck though the 850's retained the better Volvo engines till they too were phased out.
I found 12 wagons on CL in Minnesota, at prices that would be cheap here.

This wagon sold new for 26k, I would buy this in a heartbeat if it was in Oregon...

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/2120490594.ht...

Yeah, there will be little things to fix but at 5k less than what a little Subbie will go for, you will beat the odds.
If you want faster and front wheel drive...

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ctd/2129991193.ht...

The turbo's require more upkeep as they tend to run hotter but they are freeway fliers.

If you like vintage, here is a nice 240...

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/2129647500.ht...

I have the same wagon with over 500k, I have had to do a head gasket but otherwise, the wagon is mechanically original.
Beat that Chevy.