Yes, the sides on the wagon are the same as the sedan. Wagon=Sedan=7th gen=8th gen
OK, now I understand what you mean. Yeah you want to swap the entire front end for the 8th gen. I did not do that because I wanted my projector head lights, none are available for the 8th gen.
So, considering, you need a LOT of parts. You need the bumper, chrome strip in the grille, head lights, corner lights, hood, fenders, radiator support, maybe the hood latch and hinges, etc. You need to cut the fenders in half and use the 8th gen fender at the lights, like your friend said. Basically copy what he did.