bubbagumpshrimp

I was just looking at used ones online. The older ones (going back to 2010) definitely have a simpler interior design. That doesn't really put me off those. What puts me off about them is the inability to roll the rear windows down. If it wasn't for that...I think I would just go out and buy a used one and save myself a chunk of money. Don't get me wrong...I would MUCH rather be able to handle plywood without needing a trailer. That being said, I tend to only need one sheet at a time...and the local stores will do up to three cuts for free. That takes care of the width dilemma. I will definitely be doing the barn doors. I'm 6'4". I've lost track of how many times I've whacked my head on vertical lift rear hatches over the years. The issue for me is that I prefer the looks of the SWB for the news ones. To me...the SWB maintains the "utility"/van look. The LWB lines look more like a minivan. Pulling up a 200 mile radius search...there is exactly one SWB XLT passenger wagon with the rear barn doors. I could do the LWB...I guess...but then I'd be paying extra for the third row seats, which I would just be taking out (I want one of these for cargo capacity, not people hauling). I guess I could do that and get a few 2x4's to rig up a base for the chairs and set them up in my man cave/garage, lol.

Yup. I've done that for multiple vehicles. It's pretty inexpensive and can be found at any hardware store.

Thank you. That's the type of feedback that I was hoping for. The big thing that I'm looking for (why I'm not just looking at another car) is a more spacious interior and additional cargo capacity. Going from a fairly small car (Jetta TDI)...any additional headroom and cargo space is a plus. It would be nice to be able to slide a sheet of plywood in (ex. Gen 1 van) and have additional vehicle height, but I intend to get roof racks and also have a utility trailer...so I can figure out transporting wider and taller items when the time comes. I'm not expecting a luxury car ride, but I want something that's not as noisy as a commercial vehicle (I've driven big rigs). I would like some creature comforts. ex. Upgraded stereo, sound dampening, bluetooth hands-free phone, etc. Though this would serve double duty for projects around the house, it's primary use would be getting me to and from work. I have a 90lb dog that enjoys the breeze, so the second row power windows (XLT) are a must.

That sounds like roughly the level of thought/effort that went into the sound dampening in my VW.

I'm considering an XLT wagon. Would the XLT (ex. Full headliner, insulation, etc.) address your concerns about road noise?