 Who needs an SUV?  I work for a band and haul equipment all the time, but wanted something a little smaller for parking downtown.  The VW wagon ticked both boxes, and was actually the roomiest wagon in this price range.  If you can swing for the diesel, do it, but the base 5-cylinder has quite a bit to recommend it.  Throw in standard heated seats and a telescoping wheel and you get a very refined and functional package for not a lot of money.  Tall guys fit well, and legroom in the back is decent.  Spring for the winter floor mats.  Niggles are few.  First gear is too short, and gas mileage isn't what it should be for a car this size.  Still, I'd buy it again.