Recommendations for 3rd seat wagon?

Hello to the group.
I've been lurking here for about a week and looking at the old threads.

We are in need of a wagon with the 3rd seat option.
Family size is 2 adults, 2 teenage daughters, 1 toddler in a car seat.

We are planning on spending $6,000USD to $10,000USD. Less is better..
Location is Los Angeles, South Bay area.

I am willing to tackle some repair work myself (mechanical only not body
or frame) and will use a good independent Volvo shop
for anything major. Recommendations for one in my area are welcome also.

Is there a consensus on which model/engine type is most reliable?
I need the car to last a good 5+ years of 12K to 15K mile per year driving.

Creature comforts are negotiable. That is, if I can get a better car,
but give up power windows and door locks,
have manual seats etc., that's OK.
BTW, is the 3rd seat a factory option, or can I install one in a car
that does not currently have one?
Availability of 3rd seat and installation components? (From the
dealer, salvage yard, 3rd party suppliers??)

Automatic transmission and power steering are mandatory.

Thanks in advance for replies

Jon
87 VW Cabriolet
94 Kia Sephia

 

Virtually any reasonably well maintained Volvo wagon should meet that
criteria, and yes you can add a 3rd seat if you can find one in a salvage
yard. If I were in your position I'd look for a '90-'93 940 Turbo, new
enough to be not too hard to find in nice shape, but old enough to be
inexpensive. 5 years should be no problem, I'd be surprised if it didn't
last another 15 years if you keep it up. With regular maintenance they
should go at least 250k-300k miles.

 

Teenage daughters are too big for the 3rd seat in a Volvo 240/740. There is
a weight limit on these seats, can't remember what atm, but it's something
like 40 kilos. Plus there is no leg room for anyone over about 4 foot. I
should know cause my teenage daughter ftaty refuses to share the third seat
with my 6 year old son these days cos of her long legs. A toddler is too
young to leave on their own in the 3rd seat, but there is plenty of room in
the back seat for three. I just bought a newer estate without the 3rd row,
and have an old estate with the 3rd row (factory fitted) gong to the scrap
yard.