I'm looking a reliable, economical wagon without nasty maintenance surprises. What are your thoughts on the Peugeot 308 and Skoda wagons around 2010? Or do you have any other recommendations for wagons in the $12,000 price bracket?
I would not be considering any European cars of that age if you want reliability with no expensive surprises along the way. As a rule European cars become more and more unreliable as the years pass and the kilometres climb, and they are expensive to repair. Your best bet is to go for an Asian brand, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Kia.