Which comfortable dog-mobile for £5k?

[rscott]

R E S T E C P said:

rscott said:

We ended up with a Focus Titanium X - plenty of room in the back for them both as it's a very square foot, plus that version has upgraded seats. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable in most directions and is extremely comfy on long runs. Seats are very nearly as comfy as those in the 9-3 Sportwagon it replaced.

Titanium X would be the Mk3?

I have tried out a couple of Mk3s, but the seats are identical in all models from Zetec to Tit-X (other than half leather trim or coloured bits, but the seats are the same). I found them a bit flat for me and also no tilt adjust even on the Tit-X. I like nice big bolsters and lots of thigh support - that was missing.
Focus would have been the ideal choice otherwise. Perfect size and feels nice to drive.

Yep - 2011 model year. Just checked with the other half and you're right. Seats don't have tilt adjustment.

Have you considered the diesel ST? Depending on your usage, it might be an option?

[R E S T E C P]

rscott said:

Yep - 2011 model year. Just checked with the other half and you're right. Seats don't have tilt adjustment.

Have you considered the diesel ST? Depending on your usage, it might be an option?

Only the ST-3 has tilt adjustment. Diesel ST-3 estate fits the bill perfectly in every way other than being 4 times more than the £5k budget...

[brman]

R E S T E C P said:

Thanks for the replies, some good options to consider

brman said:

Afromonk said:

Mazda 6 estate?

My Mom has one of these for taking the dog to shows inc a cage and accessories, all fits well and is very comfy... Audi A6 estate might be another option?

Mazda 6 is a definite option! I've heard lots of praise about them, but do you know if any came with tilting seats?
Audi estates hold their value too well, I'm not sure the older ones are worth the asking price. But I will have a look.

I am not sure about the later 6's, mine is a gen1 facelift and has the tilt combined with height adjustment (like most cars nowadays?). Very easy for both me and my wife to get comfortable (5'11" and 5'7" respectively). I generally find decent steering wheel reach adjustment is more important.

As to Audi's, I know what you mean but perhaps that is because people think they are worth spending the money on? For 5k I would have thought you could get a decent one?

[74merc]

Subaru Outback. It has to be one of the most comfortable cars out there. Plenty of suspension travel without being too rolly-polly in the corners. If you're looking specifically for a manual, then you'd have to go for a 2.5 litre. Avoid the diesel at all costs!

[ZX10R NIN]

Mercedes C280 Sport Estate
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

C180 Sport estate
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[otolith]

R E S T E C P said:

I did think about a 9-5. Isn't there a risk of very expensive breakdowns with parts not being available?

I haven't had any trouble sourcing parts or found them especially expensive.

[Shotaro]

Subaru Legacy, great cars, not very expensive. The only thing I would say they are missing is parking sensors, it's not a major worry but it is a relatively long car

[R E S T E C P]

Quick update to this, in case anyone else is looking for something similar.

I've tried out a few of the options:
X-Type - No clutch foot rest which is a deal-breaker for me.
Saab 9-5 - Driving position isn't quite right. It had seat tilt, but even at maximum tilt it was too flat.
Subaru Outback (2009) - Quite flat narrow seats. Central tunnel is too obtrusive.
Mondeo Mk4 Titanium X - Very nice soft seat base with big supportive bolsters, very good driving position, overall nice to sit in. It would be 100% better if the seat base could tilt further. But it's still not bad.
Mazda6 2008-2012 (any trim other than SL) - Similar to the Mondeo, not better, but I prefer the Mondeo.
Mazda6 2008-2012 SL - HEAVEN. Seriously it's like they made the car for me! With the SL electric seats, everything falls perfectly into place. It is the most comfortable car I have ever sat in, and the pedals/wheel are absolutely perfect. But it's very rare in estate form (doesn't exist at all in hatchback), and it's only available with the diesel engines which get an absolute slating for reliability.

I'm leaning towards a Mondeo Mk4 at the moment...

[fooby]

Anyone recommending Subaru, I don't know about current models, but the Gen 4 Legacy / Gen 2 Forester seats are crap. Hardly any support, base not very adjustable and too short.

[itcaptainslow]

Rover 75/MG ZT. Your budget will buy a brilliant one and the 75 will be probably the most comfortable "cheap" car you've driven

[eltax91]

And yet you still haven't tried the Accord, second best seats I've ever tried, after an S60

[R E S T E C P]

eltax91 said:

And yet you still haven't tried the Accord, second best seats I've ever tried, after an S60

My parents have an Accord estate. I don't think I could have the same car as them, for reasons.