Cheap Dog Wagon
Discussion
We're looking at getting another dog and I've been thinking of getting another car to commute with as I can't face another winter commuting on the bike I don't think.
So I'm going to start trawling the classifieds for something around the 1k mark that will transport, me and my two labs around. My commute is only 11 miles each way and probably wouldn't use it for anything other than karting to the two dogs around into the lakes for a walk, to that end economey isn't too important as I don't reckon it will get used all that often*
So I'm going to start trawling the classifieds for something around the 1k mark that will transport, me and my two labs around. My commute is only 11 miles each way and probably wouldn't use it for anything other than karting to the two dogs around into the lakes for a walk, to that end economey isn't too important as I don't reckon it will get used all that often*
- My other halfs car is a 07 Astra 3 door, does everything we want it too other than the boot is too squished for 2 dogs for any length of time, and TBH it's too small for me on longer journeys, I'm 6'4" and powerfully built. The other half is from Oban which is about 4.5 hours door to door from our home so something reliable enough to tackle that journey could be a bonus. The alfa wagon SOTW looked like a good buy for the money but don't know if I'd be brave enough.
T5's are mighty cheap these days, my uncles had several and always liked them. However I'm thinking they're maybe a bit too big given what I need? We don't have kids but on the other hand a big estate would be ideal for folding the back seats down and chucking our moutain bikes in..... and handy for DIY loading up going to the the tip etc as I often do.
60 said:
Vauxhall Omega estate?
Lots of car for the money vs Volvo is newer, less miles etc. My neighbour owns one (non estate) so I'll have to quiz him on ownership as he's had it for years.http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2868119.htm
andrew311 said:
T5's are mighty cheap these days, my uncles had several and always liked them. However I'm thinking they're maybe a bit too big given what I need? We don't have kids but on the other hand a big estate would be ideal for folding the back seats down and chucking our moutain bikes in..... and handy for DIY loading up going to the the tip etc as I often do.
I'd say for two dogs it would be ideal. With the seats down the space is great. Also you need to think about reliability at that kind of money. They're good work horses and hard to break, keep it serviced and it will serve you well. bamberwell said:
And for only 2.5 times the budget.cat220 said:
andrew311 said:
T5's are mighty cheap these days, my uncles had several and always liked them. However I'm thinking they're maybe a bit too big given what I need? We don't have kids but on the other hand a big estate would be ideal for folding the back seats down and chucking our moutain bikes in..... and handy for DIY loading up going to the the tip etc as I often do.
I'd say for two dogs it would be ideal. With the seats down the space is great. Also you need to think about reliability at that kind of money. They're good work horses and hard to break, keep it serviced and it will serve you well. Another vote for the Volvo's. V70's and 850's are fantastic estate buys. Rommy, reliable, cheap to buy.
Mega-mileage, but looks a tidy car: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2866072.htm
andrew311 said:
The alfa wagon SOTW looked like a good buy for the money but don't know if I'd be brave enough.
You could fit an entire Alfa 156 SW in the back of a V70... nearly. It only looks like a biggish estate from a distance. My black lab always looks thoroughly pissed off when he jumps in the back of my Alfa and immediately slams into the back of the rear seats. It certainly wouldn't be much fun for two of him. Used to have a V40 which regularly transported a couple of dogs in the back, no complaints from either hound with that one either.chriscoates said:
Mega-mileage, but looks a tidy car: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2866072.htm
Hmmmmm that is nice for money, now where my cheque book...... High miles are going to go with the territory given the age and nature of the typre of cars I'm looking at, however I cannot be arsed getting anything that will turn into a money pit other than usual servicing etc.Here is what the PH classifieds throw up from suggestions around the 1k mark.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2868119.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2815780.htm
and some other options for my budget
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2706690.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2839956.htm
andrew311 said:
So generally speaking, given the age/mileage of what I'll be looking at am I best looking at N/A? I can safely say I've never owned anything with a turbo but driven plenty of TD's.
Are you thinking about reliability? No reason why they should be any more unreliable than an n/a car. All of Saab's lineup has been turbocharged since the late 90s IIRC. My 900 is on its original turbo after 20 years and 185,000 miles!Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff