Which small car for a large dog do I need?

[Vanderwork]

I'm looking for a cheap runaround that my teen can learn to drive in, that will also be required to transport a Labrador. So, either a decent sized boot, or seats that fold flat will be a necessity. The other thing to bear in mind is insurance cost of course, but the needs of the dog are the priority! Any ideas?

[Wilmslowboy]

Bought, my 17-year-old daughter a VW Up (3 door) - great little car and perfect for her to learn to drive.

There was a week gap between selling the wifes V70 and buying her BMW touring, and the Up became the dog car.

Two choc labs - not amused , easy for them to go on the rear seats (with makeshift covers)

[Rh14n]

We had a Ford Ka which with the back seats down provided ample room for two spaniels. Small and easy to drive with low insurance for the kids too.

[henrycrun]

Don't forget the dog guard.

[Pica-Pica]

Better than a VW Up! is a Seat Mii or Skoda Citigo.

[caelite]

Suzuki Jimny. Slow, cheap as chips to insure, unkerbable wheels, not likely to be written off by slow speed scuff (body on frame), old school to drive which teaches good habits, lots of accessories available, including B-pillar dog guards, you can also remove the back seats all together and put a basin in the back, the kits aren't extortionate.

With a good set of tyres it'll also get you too and from the shops in any weather or apocolyptical event. In my experience girls seem to like them as they are 'cute'.

[steve-5snwi]

Honda jazz is all you need

[ZX10R NIN]

Skoda Fabia

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Chevrolet Lacetti

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

206 SW

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Megane

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Zetec-S]

We used to take our Labrador out in my old Mk5 Fiesta. Boot was (just about) big enough without having to fold the seats down.

[SteBrown91]

My girlfriend can get her mums 44kg horse of a golden doodle (think stockyness of a retriever with the height of a standard poodle) in to her mk7 fiesta. He can’t move much but he does fit for short journeys. A Labrador will be fine in one

[Vanderwork]

Thanks all, I do like the practicality of the Jazz, and good to hear positive dog tales about Fiesta. I love the idea of the Up! for a learner, but the chocolate lab just isn't selling it to me as canine comfort sadly.

[Dolf Stoppard]

Pica-Pica said:

Better than a VW Up! is a Seat Mii or Skoda Citigo.

Cheaper, yes. But why 'better'?

[sparkythecat]

Just bought a Boot Buddy liner and dog guard for the wife's recently acquired Kia Rio.
Viszla seems to like it

[blueST]

A W169 Merc A Class. This is where Dr Who got the idea for the spacious nature of the Tardis from.