whats best estate car for a small dog walking business?

whats best estate car for a small dog walking business?

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ange40

Original Poster:

8 posts

115 months

Wednesday 24th September 2014
quotequote all
Hi -Im new to forum so hope I don't go on abit!
Im starting up my own dog walking business. Currently I own from new, a 4 year old, very reliable Mondeo 2.0 163bhp diesel hatchback. Now I require an estate car for business (do not want a van as still needed as family car too)which is one of the best estates to own for good economy, excellent reliability and a budget of £12k. Prices of Ford Mondeo 163bhp estates are very overpriced with very high mileage. My current Mondeo only has 25K on it and I do not wish to own any vehicle over 50K.
Any advice please?
thank you

ange40

Original Poster:

8 posts

115 months

Wednesday 24th September 2014
quotequote all
liking the dog van! Interesting re petrol - as a diesel owner of 15 years just presumed id need a diesel? What make/model estate car is a good buy for my budget please?
thank you

ange40

Original Poster:

8 posts

115 months

Wednesday 24th September 2014
quotequote all
Jasandjules said:
If you want to go up to Newfie sized hounds you will need a Passat sized estate. A mondeo should also do the trick.
I don't want to limit myself in work so guess bigger estate car would be best thank you.

ange40

Original Poster:

8 posts

115 months

Wednesday 24th September 2014
quotequote all
Kentish said:
Volvo V70 is a great car to drive & very reliable.
Low load area which is easier for dogs to jump in and usually have a factory fit dog guard too.

BMW 5 series touring is another good choice but the Volvo is bigger.

Have you considered a medium size van with windows such as a Vauxhall Vivaro/Renault Trafic/Nissan Primastar (all the same van with different trim & badge)?

They are very car like to drive (easy to drive) and very refined, well equipped and above all very reliable (after 2006; as the earlier ones had gearbox issues). They have a cavernous load area but don't feel huge to manoeuvre.
Thank you , hadn't thought of a medium sized van with windows. will investigate too.
Would petrol or diesel be best? id be doing short runs and lots of stops.

ange40

Original Poster:

8 posts

115 months

Wednesday 24th September 2014
quotequote all
Kentish said:
Most medium size vans are diesel only. Certainly true of the example I used above but it won't have a DPF to cause you trouble if it is over 2 or 3 years old and you'll get an immaculate example for much less than your budget.

The Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar van is massively popular and for a very good reason (it's a great van).

A ply lining kit would be a good idea too and quite cheap. Use a roller and some varnish to protect it and it'll wash down too.

Sign write it at little expense and it'll look extremely professional.
Thank you Kentish - I'm starting investigating the van situation. Ive found one v interesting one already kitted out for dogs heated & air con!
When you state re sign writing - how do you do it yourself? Something I've no idea about! Any advice again would be appreciated :-).

ange40

Original Poster:

8 posts

115 months

Wednesday 1st October 2014
quotequote all
Thank you for all your advice everybody
Im looking at Vauxhall Viaro or a Berlingo. Looked at ex dog warden vans very over priced for the van itself!! it seems its an extra 2k for the cages.
Just 2 questions : I'm in Castleford does anyone know where I could get sign writing on my van please?
Secondly how do you safely attach dog cages inside a van or Berlingo?