Need help finding the right car for me and my Golden Retriever

[txhjgirl]

Hi all!

Looking for a new car. Having trouble finding options that fit what I want. Would prefer something with cargo space to accommodate a Gunner kennel for my Golden Retriever, but that is also low enough that it is easy for me to get him in and out of ideally without a ramp.

I think the VW Sportswagon will fit the bill, but would love to check out other options as well. I’m okay if the only way the kennel will fit is with the back seats folded, as I rarely use the back seats for anything other than my dog.

Thanks!

[mommy_peanut]

Any other requirements needed? All wheel drive, rear vents, etc?
Check out any of the Subaru hatchbacks & SUV’s. They are fairly low to the ground & can come very basic or with all the bells & whistles.

[4horses]

What about a Hyundai Accent hatchback? I really like hatchbacks.

[Sobriska]

I am a Subaru person all the way! Very roomy, very comfortable, and safety features second to none. I became a Subaru Ambassador so if you do like them, LMK as I can likely get you a $500 coupon

[Kemosabe]

Without question a Subaru!

[IdahoRider]

Another vote for Subaru!
Sheilah

[anon55755751]

Toyota RAV4? I think you can take the rear seats out for a large flat cargo area. Same goes for minivans, which are good cars for “stuff”.

[CanteringCarrot]

I have a BMW 3 series wagon that is perfect for my Labrador. Large transport box for her in the back, not too high, just enough room. However, it’s crap in the snow since it is rear wheel drive. If you live somewhere without snow, this is fine. I have another car to drive in the snow, so I am not so bothered.

If all weather driving were a concern, I’d definitely check out AWD wagons such as Subaru. I do think a wagon is the way to go!

[txhjgirl]

Thank you guys for the suggestions! Tried out all the Subaru options today and liked the height of the Impreza the best. Also liked the Crosstrek. Outback will be too high w/o a ramp for my old guy.

AWD isn’t a must for me because I live in CA with good easy weather. I commute a lot for work so good gas mileage is a plus.

Also had the chance to drive a used Audi E-tron hatchback. That was pretty neat, but concerned the back might be too tight for the crate.

[BEARCAT]

Minivans are great too! Tons of room, low entry, etc. I have all the seats out in the back so it’s totally flat. Super dog friendly and great for camping.

[Foxtrot_s]

My dog lives in the back of our Subaru Forester - she enjoys the view. But, actually, some cars do not have a carpeted hatchback and plain plastic would be more practical. We bouoght the special Subaru flaps for the back of the back seats, but the hair still gets into them. But the Forester is high - because we find it easier to get in and out ot.

[Another_Poster]

My friends have a Subaru Forester and it’s an amazing car. They LOVE it. I have a honda CRV and it’s been a great dog and farm mobile now. Nothing like making my normal feed store run and packing 16 bags of feed in the back regularly.

[To_the_MAX]

Ford Flex!

Super low to the ground, boxy in shape so kennels will fit easily, and super roomy. You most likely won’t need to put the second row down.

[babecakes]

Interior to match dog hair. :winkgrin:

I hate the black interiors!

[clanter]

just bought wife a 2020 Subaru Forester after reading the repeated suggestions in this thread…truly a nice car that her GSD loves… safety stuff abounds… I shopped insurance First before even looking at the thing… amazingly inexpensive to insure… dealership we dealt with was an easy no pressure dealership.

Biggest problem so far is learning what all it does, the dealership has Classes to help walk new owners through all the switches, alarms, setting and whatever else questions.

[Zu_Zu]

@CanteringCarrot

I have a BMW 3 series wagon that is perfect for my Labrador. Large transport box for her in the back, not too high, just enough room. However, it’s crap in the snow since it is rear wheel drive. If you live somewhere without snow, this is fine. I have another car to drive in the snow, so I am not so bothered.

If all weather driving were a concern, I’d definitely check out AWD wagons such as Subaru. I do think a wagon is the way to go!

? … I tht BMW had AWD SUVs now ? No ?