new (to me) car.... what to shortlist

Starting to think about retiring my 10 year old jetta, and not really sure what to buy. So I put this out to NBR for it's collective wisdom.

Requirements:

1: Fuel economy. This is a daily driver, and gas keeps creeping up. (not opposed to diesel… TDI looks good)
2: Available AWD or good snow handling. Whistler has had several big storms roll through in the last couple of years and I have been driving up in the middle of them to get in the Peak chair line. My F-150 costs about 100$ for that trip (see point 1)
3: Cargo room. Skis, bike gear, etc… wagons are cool.
4: New vs Used… not completely opposed to a new vehicle if it is the best option, but 2-3 years old is what I tend to buy.

So NBR - what should go on my shortlist?

Kia or Hyundai.

Santa Fe is pretty nice - does everything you want and will get you through the snow.

Best bet would be to bus / train / bike ride to work tho…

ibsubaru

Budget??

Something like the Audi A4 Avant is pretty neat if you're into that price range - AWD and the 2.0T is relatively easy on gas. Or, if you want smaller, the A3 is available in TDI.

Kn.

Best bet would be to bus / train / bike ride to work tho…

nope.

Bus is easily twice the time, and costs more (carpool with wife). Have run those numbers and it's a non-starter.

Budget??

Something like the Audi A4 Avant is pretty neat if you're into that price range - AWD and the 2.0T is relatively easy on gas. Or, if you want smaller, the A3 is available in TDI.

Kn.

I can't see spending more than 25K.

Base Impreza wagon? It won't get you anywhere with much speed, but it will get you there.

Might wanna check out a Toyota Matrix

Used Honda CRV? 2-3yrs old will be under $25K for sure. Lots of space for cargo, somewhat AWD (not the best AWD system but will get you through), pretty decent on gas and will run forever.

F350 Harley Davidson edition.

and out of left field…

F350 Harley Davidson edition.

They must get good mileage I see 5 of em every morning and afternoon just doin the school run. Although the easier obvious answer is they're all idiots. Does the tiguan come diesel? I know it has awd as an option.

They must get good mileage I see 5 of em every morning and afternoon just doin the school run. Although the easier obvious answer is they're all idiots. Does the tiguan come diesel? I know it has awd as an option.

Doesn't look like it. Jetta Wagon, TDI (with available AWD) would be sweet, but I don't think they make them with available AWD.

Some of the other ideas being thrown out are good to look into though.

2008 A3 with 55k km for $24k?? (not TDI tho)
http://www.northshoreautomall.com/pre-owned

Just a starting point, you could probably find better deals.

Kn.