Station wagons are a rarely discussed class of vehicles compared to others. This may partly be because they are hybrids of sorts. A typical Wagon is like the middle ground where Sedans and SUVs meet. Its qualities of weight, fuel economy, and mechanical functionality are more closely related to Sedans, while other qualities like interior volume are on the SUV side. However, Station Wagons are much more, especially performance wagons of modern times.
Station wagons are much faster, stronger, lighter, and have better handling than SUVs. Also, their low maintenance and excellent fuel economy are some of their most outstanding qualities. Yet despite being some of the automotive industry's quirkiest and most unique performance cars, for more than just their sheer practicality and cargo space, many performance wagons are still bargains in 2021. These are some of the best that one can get for cheap.
10 2016 Volvo V60: $15,000
The 2016 Volvo V60 performance wagon is quite an appealing car, despite its length, which is off-putting to some people. It is one of those cars one can buy it for $15,000 in the used car market. The car can double as a family car and daily driver with its comfortable interior and seats.
The T6 AWD R-Design trim is especially interesting, with features like 19-inch alloy wheels, sporty suspension, and adaptive xenon headlights. It has a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine that is capable of producing 325 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
9 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Wagon: $15,000
In many ways, the Japanese carmakers over at Mitsubishi made a win with the production of this performance wagon. Although lovers of the model had to wait for nine generations before they could cruise around in one of these, the delay was worth it.
The Lancer Evo IX wagon offers drivers the best of both worlds. They get to enjoy a sporty performance, thanks to the 286-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and other features like sporty Recaro seats and the Momo steering wheel. They also get to enjoy much interior space, enough to transport family and friends with their gear.
8 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8: $15,000
Dodge is currently doing excellently in the automotive industry with their quality releases in the sedan, coupe, sports car, and SUV segments. The company's performance wagon class is no different, especially the 2006 Dodge Magnum SRT8.
If the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger Hellcat were to have a liftback offspring, that would be the Dodge Magnum SRT8. Under the hood of this performance wagon is a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter V8 engine that can propel the car to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
7 2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X Sportcombi: $7,000
The 2008 Saab Sportcombi performance wagon is among the cheapest, top quality wagons one can get for miles around. It sells for about $7,000 on the used car market. This 2008 model received some main upgrades in its exterior and some small changes in its interior. The front of the car has a distinctive grille that is indicative of the company's origin in aviation.
The car's performance is not ideal with other engine variants, except for the 280-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 engine. The vehicle's body stands erected on GM's Epsilon platform, and the handling is quite decent.
6 2007 Audi S4 Avant Quattro: $14,500
This Audi Wagon at the base level is a practical car, with 21 variants of the model available. Apart from the body style, there are many other options to choose from in terms of engine size, drive train, and transmission.
The Avant Quattro couples an all-wheel-drive system with the very best engine configuration available, a 4.2-liter V8 engine. The engine works with a six-speed manual transmission system and delivers an insane 340 horsepower, providing sportiness and control on a desirable level.
5 2012 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon: $19,000
This 2012 Cadillac CTS-V, although not so widely accepted going by its sales, is a hypercar in disguise. That may be the reason for its low sales as people tend to gravitate more towards hypercars with looks to match. However, the underwhelming looks of this car are not a problem for the target market. It makes for the perfect ride, combining perfectly that sports sedan functionality with the looks of a daily driver.
Beneath the car's hood is a massive 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, which produces 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque. Drivers can either opt for a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
4 1994 Audi RS2 Avant: $30,000
The 1994 Audi RS2 Avant is the most pricey of all cheap performance wagons because it is rare in the US. The vehicle could not be imported into the US based on the country's import laws until 2019. That resulted in scarcity and a spike in the price of units.
This car is the product of a collaboration between Audi AG and Porsche. As one would expect, it has high-performance numbers. Its powerhouse is a 2.2-liter five-cylinder engine capable of producing 311 horsepower and 308 pound-feet of torque, propelling the vehicle to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
3 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Wagon: $5,000
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Wagon at first glance embodies everything a Mercedes is all about. The simplicity, the class, and the luxury in the interior. While the car's features may no longer be state of the art, it certainly ticks many boxes and is practically a steal at $5,000 in the used car market.
This cheap vehicle is a sleeper in every sense of the word, cradling beneath its hood a handbuilt AMG 5.4 liter supercharged V8 engine. The engine produces 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and propels the wagon to 60 mph in 4 seconds.
2 1997 Volvo 850R: $4,300
The 1997 Volvo Turbo 850R wagon is quite a sturdy vehicle. This executive front-wheel-drive car has great interior features, including side-impact airbags and very comfortable seats, apart from the airbags that come as standard. Suffice to say that Volvo paid a lot of attention to safety.
The engine produces about 240 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, and the fuel economy is top-notch. A unit in decent condition costs about $5,000 in the used cars market.
1 2009 Holden Commodore VE Sportswagon: $9,000
This Sportswagon is yet another affordable sleeper. Its 6.0-liter V8 engine produces 362 horsepower and is coupled to a six-speed manual transmission system, giving drivers the raw feel of propelling the vehicle.
The performance and price are not the only positive things to note about the car. Its exterior and interior design are also worthy of mention. Holden achieved a classy, vibrant, and sporty look on the outside of the car. Yet, maintained enough space inside for five persons and all their belongings.