In 2002 Volkswagen released their popular Passat Wagon with a 4 liter W8 engine. If you are scratching your head over the W8, it is basically two V4 engines side by side sharing the same crankcase.

The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 has 275 hp and 273 lbs of torque which will launch it 0-62 mph in about 6.5 seconds with the 6 speed manual transmission (about 7.8 Seconds with the 5 speed tiptronic manual transmission). The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 has a top speed electronically limited to 130 mph in the USA (155 mph in Europe).

Although the Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 will not compete on the back roads with the more appointed Audi S4 Avant, its all wheel drive makes for stable and confident handling.

The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 is relatively rare due to its original MSRP (around $38,000) which was somewhat more than a lot of people where willing to pay for a Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8 was produced from 2002 to 2004. The 2002 and 2003 fall within the $10K to $20K price range. Again with any used car you should consider getting a pre purchase inspection.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon

Mercedes is known for their luxurious interiors and they do not exclude their C series from this reputation. The Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon combines classic lines with a luxurious ride. It is powered by a 215 hp and 221 lb of torque 3.2 liter 6 cylinder engine. The Mercedes C320 Wagon comes with an automatic transmission and is able to go 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds.

Handling is crisp and the transmission is relatively smooth (except for a mild hesitation when you first step on the gas pedal). What makes the Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon so compelling is the luxurious accommodations and beautiful lines.

The rear wheel drive Mercedes C320 Wagon was produced from 2002, 2003 and 2004, but keeping with our $10K to $20K price range we could only include the 2001 and 2002 model years.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

So you are looking for something a little newer to choose from Fahrcar.com’s “Top Hot German Station Wagons” list. Then take a look at the 2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T. Audi combines a very functional yet stylish design into the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T.

The Audi A4 Avant 1.8T is powered by a 4 cylinder 1.8 liter turbo charged engine that produces 170 hp and 166 lbs of torque. The Audi A4 Avant will go 0-60 in about 7.8 seconds. Although the acceleration may not be at aggressive as the other station wagons on the list, the Audi A4 Avant’s real attribute is in its handling with the standard all wheel drive power train.

With the combination of relatively good fuel efficiency, first-rate handling and stand out styling, the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T makes the list. Although the Audi A4 Avant 1.8T has an available 5 speed automatic transmission, we feel that the manual transmission is much better suited with this turbo charged 4 cylinder engine. Pricing for the 2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T’s price range falls on the high side of the $10K to $20K. Again a pre purchase inspection is always a good idea with any used vehicle.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

Beautiful styling and an aggressive power is the only way to describe the BMW 540i Sport Wagon. Its 8 cylinder 4.4 liter engine has 282 hp and a whopping 324 lbs of torque launching this family truckster 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds and does the ¼ mile in about 14.4 seconds at 95.6 mph. With the optional sport suspension the BMW 540i Sport Wagon’s handling is very unlike a typical station wagon. As with all 5 series BMW from this time period the BMW 540i Sport Wagon is rear wheel drive.

The BMW 540i Sport Wagon is only available with a smooth 5 speed Steptronic automatic transmission with the ability to manually up shift or downshift. The comfortable and spacious interior lends itself to long trips. The exterior has classic lines with an aggressive overtone.

This body style was produced from 1999 to 2003. A 1999, 2000 or 2001 should be readily available in the $10 to $20K price range. As with any used vehicle you definitely should have a pre purchase inspection completed.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

So you are in the market for a family truckster, but the car enthusiast in you won’t let you buy a minivan or large SUV. Well her are a few suggestions that will satisfy the both you and your family.

For many years the station wagon was slowly replaced by the SUVs and Minivans. In recent years we have seen the reemergence of station wagons. German car manufacturers, especially, recognize the need for both space and performance in one well designed package. So here are a few options in the used sporty station wagon market from German car manufacturers in the $10k to $20k price range. Please keep in mind these top station wagons are the opinion of the author and represent a short list from a long list of excellent vehicles.

2001 to 2002 Audi S4 Avant – Housing the same power plant as its sedan brother, a twin turbo 6 cylinder engine, the Audi S4 Avant is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Putting out 250 hp and 258 lbs of torque the Audi S4 Avant is able to sprint 0-60 mph in about 5.9 seconds. Utilizing Audi’s legendary Quattro all wheel drive power train this wagon is capable of handling the twisting back roads with ease.

The interior of the Audi S4 Avant is elegant yet functional making this sports wagon a pleasure to travel in. The Audi S4 Avant is available with either an automatic or 6 speed transmission.

The Audi S4 Avant typically is priced on the upper end of the $10K to $20K price range (as of the publish date of this article) depending on condition and mileage. As with any used car a Pre Purchase Inspection should be must.

See the other Top 5 Fahrcar.com Sport Wagons:

1999 to 2001 BMW 540i Sport Wagon
2003 and 2004 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T Manual Transmission
2002 and 2003 Mercedes C320 Sport Wagon
2002 and 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 4Motion W8

So you are looking for German engineering and classic lines, well here is a short list of our top 5 picks for Sporty German cars between $10,000 to $20,000 (as of this publish date). We choose these cars for their performance and overall everyday drivability. Keep in mind that this list represents the opinion of the author. Keep in mind that prices can vary in different markets and the pricing was based off of edmunds.com “true market value” and listings available online on Autotrader.com and Ebaymotors.com.

(They are in no particular order)

1996-1999 BMW E36 M3 – If you needed one word to describe the E36 BMW M3, the word would have to be “handling”. The naturally aspirated inline 6 cylinder engine packs a smooth and sweet sounding 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque (USA version). Capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 145 mph (electronically limited). During its production the E36 BMW M3 was the benchmark for sports sedans.

In 1997 and 1998, BMW offered a 4 door version of this special sedan. Among owners and enthusiasts it is a common belief that the 4 door has a stiffer body. In 1998 and 1999 they offered a convertible version.

Prices range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition, year, etc. As with any used car you should definitely consider having a pre purchase inspection (PPI) completed.

1978-1983 Porsche 911 SC – In 1978 Porsche released the 911 SC with a new more reliable power plant and a much needed galvanized body. Powered by an air cooled flat 6 cylinder engine, the Porsche 911 SC had 180 hp at 5500 rpm in 1978 and 1979, 188 hp in 1980 and 204 hp at 5900Rpm in 1981, 1982 and 1983. The Porsche 911 SC managed 0 to 60 mph in about 7 seconds and had a top speed around 135 mph.

Sporting the classic style that has defined Porsche since the 1960’s, this vehicle is absolutely stunning. Pricing can vary greatly due to condition, but there are definitely some good examples available for under $20,000. Make sure you find a good Porsche mechanic and you should absolutely get a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI).

2000-2002 Audi S4 (B5) – In 2000, Audi released their answer to the BMW M3 in the USA (was available in Europe from 1997). Powered by a twin turbo charged V6, the Audi S4 (B5) has 250 hp and 258 lbs torque. The Audi S4 is capable of going 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds and is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. The S4’s real advantage lies in its all wheel drive system which has been the root of Audi’s identity since the 1980’s.

The Audi S4 was available in as a 4 door sedan and also as the Avant (wagon). Pricing ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on condition. The 4 door sedan in good supply, while the Audi S4 Avant is much rarer find. Again, as with any used vehicle a pre purchase inspection is a good idea.

1997-1999 Porsche Boxster – In 1997 Porsche released this beautiful roadster with a warm reception from the American public. This Porsche was priced within range of a much larger group of people than its 911 big brother. The Porsche Boxster is a perfect example of what a roadster is suppose to be; fast, fun and easy to drive. The Boxster is powered by a smooth 6 cylinder that generates 201 hp and 188 lbs of torque. The Porsche Boxster will run 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds.

A good example of a 1997 to 1999 Porsche Boxster and be purchased between $10,000 to $20,000. The years are chosen based off of the pricing, you may be able to find a 2000 Porsche Boxster under $20,000, but the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Porsche Boxsters are more readily available in this price range. Pre Purchase inspection is once again suggested.

1998-2000 BMW M Coupe- The BMW M Coupe definitely commands a second look. You will either love the look or absolutely hate it. Awkwardly beautiful is how I like to describe this sport coupe. Powered by the BMW M3’s 240 hp and 236 lbs of torque inline 6 cylinder, the BMW M Coupe will sprint 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds.

Handling is excellent and the sound is equally impressive. Pricing for a 1998, 1999 or 2000 BMW M Coupe is on the upper end of the 10,000 to 20,000 range. Once again a pre purchase inspection is suggested.

All of the aforementioned cars are somewhat specialty vehicles that can and do require expensive parts and maintenance to insure they continue to perform.

This is just a short list from a long list of awesome German vehicles. Please feel free to comment on your favorite German car in this price range.