We're potentially looking at swapping SWMBO's current hunchback for something a little more (large) dog friendly. I have suggested the usual
suspects in terms of estate cars but have been met with the response that they are a bit boxy and boring. Ideally, we could do with a lower tailgate
entry but, as long as there is sufficient flat landing area (read big boot), the dog would be ok getting into something like a 4x4 (which the missus
quite fancies). My thoughts are that something like a bugeye Scooby WRX sportwagon or a Zafira VXR would be more practical.
What would people recommend?
Toyota IQ?
Again another vote for the MG ZT 260 (just cause I want one)
octavia estate?
quote:
Originally posted by Guinness
Toyota IQ?
dropping tailgate you say...?
4x4 you say...?
sounds like you're after a Range Rover Sport HSE to me 
Failing thatand if you like your current Scooby then what about a Forester or Outback?
In any case, I really don't think a Zafira is the right way to go (IMHO).
What kind of budget / age / mileage do you need to consider? I heard on the radio the other day that you can get range rover sports for under 20K
now....
Also, just how big is the dog? German Shepherd? St Bernard?
This stuff should help us give you more focussed answers..
Cheers
Vince
My 3y/o dumb ass lab loves my 02 A4 Avant. I use it for work too, lots of space in the boot for IT junk and munches the miles at 50mpg.
Scooby WRX you seen the MPG they get? you might as well buy a truck
g/f got a 7yo black lab.
Fits in a alfa 146 but its not got a lot of space. I've got a focus and it would probably be a lot better in that.
Thanks for the replies so far. MPG isn't really a problem as it will probably only do about 5k miles a year. The dog is an Alaskan Malamute and
is already pretty substantial at 9 months old (~ 39kg). Budget wise it's either an older 3rd car "hack" at £2-3k or a 2nd car
replacement at up to £10k.
The key to the choice is ease of her getting in and out so either a low load height or a higher, but longer flat load bed.
Thanks
surely it has to be ......
a Rover.
quote:
Originally posted by Richard Quinn
The dog is an Alaskan Malamute and is already pretty substantial at 9 months old (~ 39kg).
Zafira engine access is terrible this makes even simple repairs time consuming and expensive
Also Vauxhall have been having a rash of engine problems related to engine oil getting toasted turning to tar. (If buying a Vauxhall/Opel or Saab
change the oil at half the recommended intervals and use only 5w/30 Fully synthetic).
If you are shopping for an estate in the 3k price range an MG ZT or Rover 75 makes a lot of sense.
Scooby legacy. Just dont get the diesel. The petrol engines are pretty good. Loads of room and bullet proof reliability 
Ah - you've got a monster. Girl here has them and drives a Hoooooooge massive 4x4.
(although she's got 2 or 3 of the beasties).
I suggest an Octavia RS estate. That's what I have because of the dog...
Best car i ever had, entertaining, quick and reliable. You will not regret it...
quote:
Originally posted by MikeR
Ah - you've got a monster. Girl here has them and drives a Hoooooooge massive 4x4.
(although she's got 2 or 3 of the beasties).
i drive a van purely for the sake of the dogs, got 8 dogs, 7 huskies & a GSD,
thats why i,m building the Roadster as want to drive something that gets the adrenalin pumping
the suggestion of the Range Rover sounds nice.
andy
ps.... i,ve got one of those cart things 
DEC! - Dog engined cart. I like that idea although, at the moment, her geography and inquisitive nature might mean having to allow a bit longer for
journeys.
Andy - I've said before that you must have your hands full. I can't see my missus agreeing to a van as she has already said estate cars are
a bit dull. Has anyone got any experience of older Rangies? 4.6's seem to go for pocket money these days (can't imagine why)
quote:
Originally posted by Gergely
I suggest an Octavia RS estate. That's what I have because of the dog...
Best car i ever had, entertaining, quick and reliable. You will not regret it...
Stretch the budget and get an Audi Rs4 Avant. I went in one at work experience last week best estate i've ever been in
quote:
Originally posted by Richard Quinn
DEC! - Dog engined cart. I like that idea although, at the moment, her geography and inquisitive nature might mean having to allow a bit longer for journeys.
Andy - I've said before that you must have your hands full. I can't see my missus agreeing to a van as she has already said estate cars are a bit dull. Has anyone got any experience of older Rangies? 4.6's seem to go for pocket money these days (can't imagine why)
cheap miles per gallon tho Ah! I haven't realised it... I have a DEB then... a Doge engined Bike...
Bikejoring