New dog = new car! 2.5k dog wagon!
Discussion
We have decided to get a family pet and have chosen a Hungarian Vizsla. My wife currently has a Paceman and I have a R53 Cooper S neither of which will really be practical as dog wagons especially when fitting the 2 kids in too... (aged 11 &12)
I’m torn between estates for ease of dog access with loads of space and a 4x4 type as I game shoot and the vehicle could be dual purpose for that.
Both current cars will stay, the R53 becoming a project track car so budget is a consideration. Max £2.5k spend with lower tax and insurance being a bonus. Fuel economy not a major issue as yearly miles won’t be huge.
The car will get used any time we take the dog anywhere including the beach which is local but will also be used for longer journeys and possibly UK holidays so massive knobbly tyres or anything liable to blow up is out!!
I’ve had a e61 5 series which was a disaster so they are off the list... Subaru’s are a no from the missus, anything else would be considered.
Thanks in advance.
I’m torn between estates for ease of dog access with loads of space and a 4x4 type as I game shoot and the vehicle could be dual purpose for that.
Both current cars will stay, the R53 becoming a project track car so budget is a consideration. Max £2.5k spend with lower tax and insurance being a bonus. Fuel economy not a major issue as yearly miles won’t be huge.
The car will get used any time we take the dog anywhere including the beach which is local but will also be used for longer journeys and possibly UK holidays so massive knobbly tyres or anything liable to blow up is out!!
I’ve had a e61 5 series which was a disaster so they are off the list... Subaru’s are a no from the missus, anything else would be considered.
Thanks in advance.
Volvo and Saab’s are high up in the contenders, Mazda seems to be a potential minefield with the Diesel engines...
The D5 163bhp seems to be the sweet spot for the V70 but can’t decide which 9-5 engine would be best for us... my 5 series was a Friday afternoon car so really don’t want to be fixing stuff every week again!
The D5 163bhp seems to be the sweet spot for the V70 but can’t decide which 9-5 engine would be best for us... my 5 series was a Friday afternoon car so really don’t want to be fixing stuff every week again!
Laguna 2 GT 180
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Dynamique 150
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Citroen C5 VTR This & the Laguna/407 are pretty much perfect for this & they're a nice place to be too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Mondeo Titanium X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Dynamique 150
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Citroen C5 VTR This & the Laguna/407 are pretty much perfect for this & they're a nice place to be too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Mondeo Titanium X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
ZX10R NIN said:
Laguna 2 GT 180
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Dynamique 150
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Citroen C5 VTR This & the Laguna/407 are pretty much perfect for this & they're a nice place to be too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Mondeo Titanium X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Like the left field choices there! Hadn’t considered those! Are the French offerings relatively reliable? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Dynamique 150
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Citroen C5 VTR This & the Laguna/407 are pretty much perfect for this & they're a nice place to be too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Mondeo Titanium X
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Would consider the newer shape Mondeo but feel that shape is looking really dated now...
rallyeS2 said:
Like the left field choices there! Hadn’t considered those! Are the French offerings relatively reliable?
Would consider the newer shape Mondeo but feel that shape is looking really dated now...
I wouldn't say there left field just often overlooked & at this price point they represent good value especially something like the Laguna GT.Would consider the newer shape Mondeo but feel that shape is looking really dated now...
They're pretty much as reliable as the Mondeo Passat Volvo etc, the Laguna is the pick of the bunch with the Citroen a good second (remember the Citroen is a 508) choice.
I bought a £1k Astra diesel estate solely because I got a large dog.
That was 3 years ago and in all honesty it has been superb at doing the everyday stuff. I cannot fault it as a tool, it does everything well, relatively of course. Its now at 140k miles and feels like it will hit 200k with ease. So that's the plan!
I'd suggest you try one in your budget, it might surprise you.
That was 3 years ago and in all honesty it has been superb at doing the everyday stuff. I cannot fault it as a tool, it does everything well, relatively of course. Its now at 140k miles and feels like it will hit 200k with ease. So that's the plan!
I'd suggest you try one in your budget, it might surprise you.
When our dog started to outgrow our old car, I bought a Volvo V50 2.0D.
It is a lovely car and apart from the usual consumables and an irritating fault with the DPF it's been solid for the past 40K miles.
Dog is a German Shepherd and currently 50KG so a big lad. He has more than enough room to turn, lay down, stand up and squeeke whenever we drop below 50mph and generally be a pain in the behind.
Seats are ridiculously comfortable, 8/9 hour drives to Northern Scotland can be done without stopping if I want.
If/when this one eventually dies, I'll be looking for another Volvo Estate, only thing I'd change is I'd get a petrol instead.
It is a lovely car and apart from the usual consumables and an irritating fault with the DPF it's been solid for the past 40K miles.
Dog is a German Shepherd and currently 50KG so a big lad. He has more than enough room to turn, lay down, stand up and squeeke whenever we drop below 50mph and generally be a pain in the behind.
Seats are ridiculously comfortable, 8/9 hour drives to Northern Scotland can be done without stopping if I want.
If/when this one eventually dies, I'll be looking for another Volvo Estate, only thing I'd change is I'd get a petrol instead.
Can’t figure out the multi-quote on my phone so will have to go old school!!
ZX10R, thank you for that, I genuinely would have overlooked these, really liking the look of the C5, the wife had a previous Gen Laguna as a company car when we met and it served us well as she was allowed personal use too... had many a trip to the lakes in it... to be fair, the only thing that broke was the key card thing...
Lincsls1 I’ll have a look into those, I’d been looking at Vectra/ insignias but the boot in the Astra looks pretty decent...
CoreyDog
I didn’t think the V50 would be big enough but the Vizsla certainly won’t be as big as a German shepherd so will put it back on the list! Thanks!
ZX10R, thank you for that, I genuinely would have overlooked these, really liking the look of the C5, the wife had a previous Gen Laguna as a company car when we met and it served us well as she was allowed personal use too... had many a trip to the lakes in it... to be fair, the only thing that broke was the key card thing...
Lincsls1 I’ll have a look into those, I’d been looking at Vectra/ insignias but the boot in the Astra looks pretty decent...
CoreyDog
I didn’t think the V50 would be big enough but the Vizsla certainly won’t be as big as a German shepherd so will put it back on the list! Thanks!
Lexus IS300 Sportcross. We've had one for 9 years. Utterly reliable and dependable. Cheap as chips to buy now. Finding one might be the issue. If you're happy going slower, they do a 200, same car, less go, less money. I can't think of any car at this price point that is likely to cause you less trouble.
Edited by Heaveho on Thursday 21st May 00:49
rallyeS2 said:
Volvo and Saab’s are high up in the contenders, Mazda seems to be a potential minefield with the Diesel engines...
The D5 163bhp seems to be the sweet spot for the V70 but can’t decide which 9-5 engine would be best for us... my 5 series was a Friday afternoon car so really don’t want to be fixing stuff every week again!
You said fuel economy isn't an issue, so I was expecting you'd ruled out diesels. So I'd say 2.3 petrol 9-5, 2.4/2.5 petrol V70/XC70.The D5 163bhp seems to be the sweet spot for the V70 but can’t decide which 9-5 engine would be best for us... my 5 series was a Friday afternoon car so really don’t want to be fixing stuff every week again!
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1199044
As a professional dog transporter and Barking Mad franchisee I will offer some advice. 4x4 and lots of MPV type vehicles have higher steps on the back which can be a problem for both small and elderly dogs. Most popular vehicle within our business is the awful Citroen Berlingo for its boot space, low cost and good fuel consumption. Estates offer good room for dogs and family. Most useful feature is the electronic tailgate on my 5 series as it leaves you hands free when releasing and getting dogs into the car. Very handy with excitable Vislas who will go 0-30mph at the first opertunity. Dog guards to stop your dog jumping over are essential and often standard with decent estates. Surprisingly there is little difference in boot space for dogs in the car by going bigger often all you gain is width and passenger space.
ElectricSoup said:
You said fuel economy isn't an issue, so I was expecting you'd ruled out diesels. So I'd say 2.3 petrol 9-5, 2.4/2.5 petrol V70/XC70.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1199044
ohhhhhhhh love that https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1199044
manmaths said:
ElectricSoup said:
You said fuel economy isn't an issue, so I was expecting you'd ruled out diesels. So I'd say 2.3 petrol 9-5, 2.4/2.5 petrol V70/XC70.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1199044
ohhhhhhhh love that https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1199044
ElectricSoup said:
You said fuel economy isn't an issue, so I was expecting you'd ruled out diesels. So I'd say 2.3 petrol 9-5, 2.4/2.5 petrol V70/XC70.
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1199044
I do like that!! The back seats don’t look like they have ever been sat on! https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1199044
P700DEE said:
As a professional dog transporter and Barking Mad franchisee I will offer some advice. 4x4 and lots of MPV type vehicles have higher steps on the back which can be a problem for both small and elderly dogs. Most popular vehicle within our business is the awful Citroen Berlingo for its boot space, low cost and good fuel consumption. Estates offer good room for dogs and family. Most useful feature is the electronic tailgate on my 5 series as it leaves you hands free when releasing and getting dogs into the car. Very handy with excitable Vislas who will go 0-30mph at the first opertunity. Dog guards to stop your dog jumping over are essential and often standard with decent estates. Surprisingly there is little difference in boot space for dogs in the car by going bigger often all you gain is width and passenger space.
Thank you for the advice. That was my main concern with a higher vehicle and I think an estate does the job of the equivalent 4x4 model just as wel if not better in all but the heading off road capability which I can forego. I had noticed that the boot size of quite a few smaller vehicles was similar to bigger models. Makes sense that the boot only needs to be so big and they just give the passenger space a boost... I’m looking at it purely with the dog in mind... suppose I should consider our space in journeys a little bit! 😬
Lincsls1 said:
Here's the boot space on my £1k Mk5 Astra. More than ample for my lovely pooch.
This car is an excellent all round vehicle.
That is truly cavernous for a car that doesn’t look all that big on the outside. Guess this is a prime example of the boot being similar on the smaller vehicles... This car is an excellent all round vehicle.
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