Good dog cars?

[Sheesh]

We had a 1995 Saturn that we used as our dog car (used to take the dogs to the park, to the vet, etc), so we didn't mess up the interior of our newer Saturn Ion. On Wednesday night, as Mr. Sheesh was turning onto our street, someone rear-ended him. We think that the damage is enough for the insurance company to "total" the car, since it's so old and not worth much money, so we're trying to figure out our options.

I think we'll probably look to buy a used older car that we can use as just a dog car (and second vehicle for those rare times that we need a second car) or we'll trade in our Ion for something with a back area for the dogs (like a smaller SUV).

If you have dogs, what type of vehicle works well for you? For reference, our dogs are both about 60 lbs (one is an Aussie, the other is a mixed-breed shepherd). We're open to a variety of options but want to make the best decision we can because we know we'll have this car for years to come. Thanks!

[doc]

I like my subaru forester for dogs. Then my dog got too big and I had to upgrade, but yours are a bit smaller.

[makbike]

I have a Great Dane (130 lbs) and a Blue Tick Hound (65 lbs) which I haul around in my old 1994 Ford Escort Station Wagon. I fondly refer to as my dog mobile. I also have a 2003 Ford Focus Station Wagon and it was purchased so that I could haul the dogs in it but not until the other car gives up the ghost. Both cars also work equally well when it comes to hauling my bicycles to club rides - lots of room for dogs or bikes.

[Sheesh]

Makbike - Great point! Our 1995 Saturn was also our bike car because it had a roof rack (and our 2004 Saturn has a sunroof so we can't put the rack on it), which means we need to be able to transport bikes with this new, used car, too.

I've looked at some Focus Hatchbacks online and it looks like that might work if we can take out the piece that connects to the hatchback. Anyone know whether this is possible? I've never owned a hatchback before...

Doc - We've looked at some Suburus online and they don't seem to depreciate much (which is great for a new owner, but stinks if you're buying used!). Thanks for the recommendation though!

[spokewench]

I recommend Subarus - I've had two and they are the best cars ever! They are reliable, good to drive, and go forever. I should never have gotten rid of the first one I owned!

[mtbdarby]

I just got a used Honda Pilot - my dream car! It works great for hauling my two dogs (50 lbs and 65 lbs) or for hauling my bikes. I did get a bed liner for the back so it's easier to clean muddy dog or bike stuff. One note if you get an suv: the age of your dogs. My dogs are 10 and 8. My 10 yo is starting to show signs of arthritis and had a hard time jumping in the vehicle. I looked at the forrester and legecy before the pilot and didn't like how either drove, but it's my primary vehicle and I drive about 10 hours a week.

JMO. Happy Shopping!

[LBTC]

IMHO any wagon will work for you. We have the Mazda 6 Sportwagon and LOVE it!! The dogs, both border collies, are 55 and 75 lbs, so they are big enough to count in your survey. They find the wagon quite comfortable, although they definitely prefer it if we have the seats folded down so they can get closer to us.

Previously we had a van that was perfect in many ways, but a complete lemon and total source of frustration. The Toyota Sienna was a good choice for space as the dogs, gear, bikes, luggage and people could ALL fit inside if necessary. And the middle side windows actually rolled down.

The Mazda has not caused us a second of trouble, and I think the dogs like it better as the windows are low enough for them to see out of easily. And, yes, the bikes ride on the roof!

Good luck and have fun!

~T~

[Bad JuJu]

I'm thinking Subaru for my next car--which won't be for a while because apparently Toyotas never die. Anyway, both the Subaru Legacy station wagon and the Forester seem to be popular among my friends with dogs. They're also highly rated by Consumer Reports (the cars, not the friends with dogs LOL). I need a vehicle that will accommodate a rear tow hitch for a bike rack, roof racks for kayaks, and of course, the large chocolatey fellow shown in my avatar , and the Subaru models seem equal to all my requirements.

On the other hand, my neighbor-with-dog just got a Honda CRV and both she and her dog are very happy with it so far.

[Chimiska]

We have a Subaru Forrester, as does our son (with big Golden). The back of the Subaru has a fence that can be put in to keep the dog in the back. And it holds a Golden nicely. Be sure it is NOT one of the "high performance" engines: they REQUIRE hi-test gas. (little 4 cylinder engine, lays flat near bottom of car, making it hard to tip over). Great mileage too. CU really likes it. We like ours.
Chim