Richard Quinn
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:03 AM |
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OT - Dog friendly car choices
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?
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Guinness
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:04 AM |
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Toyota IQ?   
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coozer
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:06 AM |
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Again another vote for the MG ZT 260 (just cause I want one)
1972 V8 Jago
1980 Z750
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omega0684
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:10 AM |
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octavia estate?
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tegwin
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:12 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Guinness
Toyota IQ?
My thought exactly!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Would the last person who leaves the country please switch off the lights and close the door!
www.verticalhorizonsmedia.tv
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nick205
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:12 AM |
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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).
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vinny1275
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:12 AM |
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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
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thefreak
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:14 AM |
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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.
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:16 AM |
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Scooby WRX you seen the MPG they get? you might as well buy a truck
Fame is when your old car is plastered all over the internet
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MikeR
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:20 AM |
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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.
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Richard Quinn
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 10:42 AM |
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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
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02GF74
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 11:09 AM |
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surely it has to be ......
a Rover.
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 11:20 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Richard Quinn
The dog is an Alaskan Malamute and is already pretty substantial at 9 months old (~ 39kg).
I think you have it all wrong, given the type of dog you should be looking at one one of these...
linky
Fame is when your old car is plastered all over the internet
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britishtrident
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 11:39 AM |
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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.
[I] “ What use our work, Bennet, if we cannot care for those we love? .”
― From BBC TV/Amazon's Ripper Street.
[/I]
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speedyxjs
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 11:54 AM |
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Scooby legacy. Just dont get the diesel. The petrol engines are pretty good. Loads of room and bullet proof reliability 
How long can i resist the temptation to drop a V8 in?
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MikeR
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 11:58 AM |
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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).
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Gergely
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 12:45 PM |
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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...
Our build pictures
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Mr Whippy
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 12:46 PM |
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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).
yeah already it almost twice the weight of mine, I would like to get a Deerhound but no idea how I'd manage to transport it to the beach 
Fame is when your old car is plastered all over the internet
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handyandy
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 12:54 PM |
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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 
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Richard Quinn
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 04:02 PM |
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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)
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MikeRJ
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 04:35 PM |
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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...
Totally agree, excellent cars.
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drummerboymike
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 04:57 PM |
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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
(XD)
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handyandy
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| posted on 6/7/09 at 05:15 PM |
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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)
my mrs can,t drive so she has no choice what i drive
with 6 dogs hitched up to the dog cart ( correct name is a "rig" ) i can reach the heedy speed of 24mph cheap miles per gallon tho
andy
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Gergely
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| posted on 7/7/09 at 09:47 AM |
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Ah! I haven't realised it... I have a DEB then... a Doge engined Bike...
 
Bikejoring
Our build pictures
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