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Startech, the division of Brabus that tunes and accessorizes Chrysler Group vehicles, has now turned its attention to the Jeep Wrangler. European Jeep drivers can now upgrade the Jeep’s appearance with set of the firm’s good-looking Monostar alloy five-spoke wheels. Tubular steel rocker panel guards will also be offered for both the standard Wrangler and the longer Unlimited (shown), and a chrome-rimmed spare-tire cover can be added to dress up the rear. Overall, the exterior accessories are tasteful and subtle — so much so that apart from the wheels, you miss them at first glance.
Performance upgrades aren’t ready yet, but they’re coming. A tuning kit for the 2.8L CRD engine and a sport exhaust are said to be on the way. Finally, Brabus/Startech can do just about anything to upgrade vehicle interiors, and the Jeep is no exception. From a new steering wheel to a full leather interior (silly for a Wrangler, if you ask us), the only limiting factor is likely to be the customer’s budget. Startech’s press release is pasted after the jump. Hopefully, the accessories will be available through Brabus’ US outlets as well.
[Source: Startech]
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Station wagons have been a slowly dying breed in the U.S., but in Europe they’re as popular as crossovers and SUVs are here. Unfortunately, the wagon’s lack of popularity means that most automakers don’t make many. But there are still plenty of two-box specials coming out of Europe that will fit your needs quite nicely. We searched for 10 used wagons under $20,000 and we found plenty of luxury, utility and value. We think you’ll like what we’ve found.
Chrysler
Price: $19,599
Mileage: 48,851
If You Bought It New: $30,450
Engine: 2.0-liter four cylinder, 200 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 4
Selling Points: The A4 Avant carries roughly the same footprint as the sedan, but with a whole lot more cargo room. We’d add that the Avant – that’s Audi for “station wagon” – may even be better looking than the sedan, and that never hurts.
Price: $19,950
Mileage: 50,307
If You Bought It New: $36,100
Engine: 3.0-liter inline six, 230 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 4.5
Selling Points: The BMW 3-Series wagon may be one of the most fun-to-drive station wagons ever to hit the road, and it rewards its owners with far more space than the better-selling sedan. The JD Power dependability rating of 4.5? That’s icing on the cake.
Price: $18,991
Mileage: 27,271
If You Bought It New: $31,315
Engine: 5.7-liter V8, 340 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 2.5
Selling Points: The Dodge Magnum is one of the bigger wagons on this list, and it’s definitely the most powerful. And we love the fact that the Magnum is relatively rare. Chrysler stopped producing the wagon back in 2008 because it wasn’t selling and so there aren’t many on the road.
Price: $18,491
Mileage: 43,818
If You Bought It New: $52,300
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 268 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3.5
Selling Points: The E-Class wagon is elegant-looking, roomy and luxurious. That’s a terrific combination for any wagon, and it doesn’t hurt to have the Tri-Star on the grille.
Price: $17,998
Mileage: 44,550
If You Bought It New: $34,150
Engine: 2.6-liter V6 168 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 4.5
Selling Points: If the E-Class is too big for you then the C-Class should fit like a glove. While not as powerful as the other wagons on this list, the C Class does carry a JD Power Dependability Rating of 4.5, a big plus for any used vehicle.
Price: $19,998
Mileage: 20,243
If You Bought It New: $29,615
Engine: 2.0-liter four cylinder, 210 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3.5
Selling Points: The Saab 9-3 SportCombi is underrated in almost every way. It looks great, drives well and since it’s a Saab you’re virtually guaranteed that your neighbors won’t have one.
Price: $17,991
Mileage: 34,455
If You Bought It New: $27,245
Engine: 2.5-liter four cylinder, 250 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 2.5
Selling Points: Subaru drivers are a different breed of car owner, and that’s a compliment. There is something to be said for buying for the sake of utility and value instead of bling. But in the case of the Legacy wagon it actually looks good, too.
Price: $19,995
Mileage: 14,578
If You Bought It New: $21,425
Engine: 2.5-liter five cylinder, 170 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3
Selling Points: The Jetta is a well executed wagon that doesn’t carry the luxury stigma of many of the other vehicles on this list. For $20,000 you can get one that is nearly new and with very low miles.
Price: $19,440
Mileage: 41,000
If You Bought It New: $29,805
Engine: 2.4-liter five cylinder, 168 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3.5
Selling Points: Volvo has been making wagons forever, and the V70 may be the best of the breed. Safe, reliable and a lot larger inside than it looks, this wagon actually has some attractive curves, unlike the boxy Volvos of the past.
Price: $19,651
Mileage: 61,671
If You Bought It New: $29,590
Engine: 2.5-liter inline five, 218 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3
Selling Points: The V50 is a lot like the V70, only smaller and better looking. And since the V50 is smaller that means you can get the powerful, turbocharged T5 model with relatively low miles for under $20,000.
PRESS RELEASE:
STARTECH Refines the New Jeep. Wrangler
Legends are immortal and in the automotive world that is especially true for the Jeep. Wrangler, the ‘mother’ of all off-road vehicles. To customize the latest version of the American 4×4 and to make it even more exclusive STARTECH is developing an innovative and exclusive accessories program – for the short wheelbase and the new long wheelbase version.
In a first step STARTECH offers custom-tailored light-alloy wheels, some initial exterior modifications and exclusive interior options.
The polished STARTECH Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels attract attention at first sight. The striking five-spoke wheels lend the new Jeep. Wrangler a more exclusive appearance. But that’s not all: Mounted with sporty on- and off-road tires in size 285/50 R 20 front and back they give the SUV even more agile handling characteristics while at the same time improving driving safety.
While the STARTECH design program for the new Wrangler is still under development, the first stainless-steel components will be available shortly. Sturdy tubular side guards for short and long wheelbase models protect the rocker panels of the Jeep and partially hide the Jeep’s frame from view. The spare wheel cover with high-gloss stainless-steel ring adds the finishing touch.
The new Wrangler generation for the first time includes a model with diesel engine. The STARTECH motor engineers are currently developing the STARTECH SD 4T tuning module for the 2.8-liter (171 cu. in.) common-rail turbodiesel engine.
STARTECH sport exhausts will soon be available for all engine and body variants of the Jeep. The fully stainless-steel exhausts feature one characteristic oval chrome tailpipe each on the right and left, and produce a more sonorous engine sound, while at the same time optimizing power yield.
The interior of the Jeep can also be upgraded stylishly with STARTECH accessories: Highly polished scuff plates welcome driver and passengers, and the ergonomically shaped STARTECH sport steering wheel adds to the ambiance.
Additional customization requests can be fulfilled by the company-own STARTECH upholstery shop. Partial and fully leather interiors made from especially soft yet durable Mastik leather satisfy even the most discriminating tastes.