Considering newer car, but my eyes are straying from Ford....HELP!

[falconboy]

OK,

Getting married in August, hope to start a family next year, so looking into a decent newer car (must be wagon). Initially I was looking at a BF Futura wagon. However, I am sorry to have to say, they are boring. Really would like higher performance and luxury (prefer leather), hard to get in a wagon.

So I was straying a bit, shock horror I was thinking of looking at some VY/VZ Berlina 5.7 wagons, or even a VY Adventra LX8. Please don't ban me.

I then discovered the Nissan Stagea 2001 ARX (newer shape). They are a tad smaller, but thought I'd check one out so drove one today. It did not live up to my expectations. Yes, it absolutely flys, but EVENTUALLY. Initial throttle response is pathetic, it needs to get up a bit before it kicks in and takes off. Very disappointing. I did read a post here somewhere where one person mentioned this poor throttle response, and they are right. Not sure if this is a design thing of the turbo or what. Also, the whistle of I assume the turbo sucking air??? would annoy the hell out of me (not to mention the wife would not be happy). They are not as comfy even with full leather as I would have expected, the seats felt a bit cramped, and overall, for $18K to $21K odd just not worthy. Advantage is most of these Stagea imports have low k's compared to our Falcons and Commodores and have all the bells and whistles you could want (this one even had reverse camera)

I haven't driven the Holdens yet, and this isn't the place to discuss it for obvious reasons, but the Adventra seem pretty cosy and high spec, but reviews I've read haven't been great in regards to reliability and warranty issues when they were new. Doesn't give great confidence in getting a used one.

I thought of a Territory, but not a big fan of the '4WD style' of vehicle (I do realise they aren't all 4WD), plus they are still a bit more $$ than I'd like to spend for a luxury model.

The last options is maybe getting back to finding a well priced BF Futura wagon and doing some mods - track down some leather front seats to suit off ebay (hoping Fairmont or someone fits), maybe get the back seat retrimmed to match, and some moderate mechanical mods - cam, intake, diff gears. Problem with the seat idea is often the door trim/pillars don't match and it may end up a drawn out and expensive interior replacement.

Any suggestions? Alternatives?

What else is there in wagons with a tad of luxury?

I'm going to have to spend more than I'd like, so lets say very maximum upper budget $18K with any mods, as long as the mods are going to give half decent gains (more suburban driving, stop start, keen on throttle response and take off rather than top speed).

Thanks.