Dog Friendly Estate Under 20k

[dementedgopher]

Hey all,

So I'm currently in the market for a dog friendly (aren't they all) estate for sub 20k.

So far the two main candidates are looking like the F31 BMW 3-Series or the Audi A4 Avant B9 (pre-facelift) I'm also leaning towards a Volvo V60, curveball I know. Not going to say I'm a badge snob, but not really that taken to the Skoda Superb/Octavia. Whilst it is extremely practical, the interior just isn't for me and I'd prefer a RWD/AWD option. I have looked in to the Golf, Seat Cupra Leon and C-Class. None of which really tickle my fancy given the specs available within my budget.

I'm not looking for a cream of the crop engine spec. Just recently sold my 340i to fund the move over to an estate and need something slightly more economical and less lairy. That being said, I am still looking at the more potently tuned engines for each of the above (330i & 45 TFSI) but wouldn't be opposed to going for a less powerful engine if the spec was right and then the option for a remap is on the cards later on in the cars life.

Given my lifestyle and lack of children I am ideally looking for the 'compact estate' as opposed to the larger, more practical variants such as the 5-series, A6, V90 etc etc.

Must haves;

Petrol/Petrol Hybrid (currently a logistical nightmare to charge my car at home or at work and don't travel enough/commute isn't long enough to ever justify a diesel)
Automatic
Cruise
Heated Seats
Top spec sound system or one that actually has some punch
RWD/AWD
Android Auto/Apple Carplay or at least the option to retrofit this with OEM/aftermarket parts

Nice to have;

Pan roof
Adaptive Cruise
Heated Steering Wheel
Virtual Cockpit (this is a must have with any Audi)
Memory Seats

Very open to ideas, criticism and suggestions on this.

Edited by dementedgopher on Monday 8th April 14:53

[Trikster]

Just sold my 2019 V60 which proved a great car for the dogs, and we much preferred it as a daily, and aesthetically, than either BMW or Audi’s offerings, and the guy who bought it was going to it after years of Audis / really nice place to be especially in R-Design trim

We only sold it as I’m not commuting anymore and Mrs C had bought a practical car, might be a bit left field for you (or to small) but her Mini Clubman is now our dog car and is a good drive with all the toys - our two medium sized dogs (think small labs) are more than happy with it too

[BenB91]

Golf R estate?

[BenB91]

I should add I have a F11 535i touring which is excellent. I bought it for my dogs / golf clubs / tip run.

I chose the 5 series over a 3 series as it was much more comfortable to drive and the 3 series boot was a bit small.

[dema]

Although I don’t have dogs, I have a family…
Despite its small ish size, the V60 has a large boot that can fit most things in it. I regularly carry 2 bikes in the boot and have moved house with it.
Mine is a D4, not the most exciting drive but super confortable and has been very reliable after 5 years and almost 80K miles.
For the look R trim is the one to go for.
I would suggest a T5 or B5 however, in either forms, check that you are happy with the response from the auto box as it can be a bit sluggish (mine is a manual)

[chrishumes1978]

dementedgopher said:

Hey all,

So I'm currently in the market for a dog friendly (aren't they all) estate for sub 20k.

So far the two main candidates are looking like the F31 BMW 3-Series or the Audi A4 Avant B9 (pre-facelift) I'm also leaning towards a Volvo V60, curveball I know. Not going to say I'm a badge snob, but not really that taken to the Skoda Superb/Octavia. Whilst it is extremely practical, the interior just isn't for me and I'd prefer a RWD/AWD option. I have looked in to the Golf, Seat Cupra Leon and C-Class. None of which really tickle my fancy given the specs available within my budget.

I'm not looking for a cream of the crop engine spec. Just recently sold my 340i to fund the move over to an estate and need something slightly more economical and less lairy. That being said, I am still looking at the more potently tuned engines for each of the above (330i & 45 TFSI) but wouldn't be opposed to going for a less powerful engine if the spec was right and then the option for a remap is on the cards later on in the cars life.

Given my lifestyle and lack of children I am ideally looking for the 'compact estate' as opposed to the larger, more practical variants such as the 5-series, A6, V90 etc etc.

Must haves;

Petrol/Petrol Hybrid (currently a logistical nightmare to charge my car at home or at work and don't travel enough/commute isn't long enough to ever justify a diesel)
Automatic
Cruise
Heated Seats
Top spec sound system or one that actually has some punch
RWD/AWD
Android Auto/Apple Carplay or at least the option to retrofit this with OEM/aftermarket parts

Nice to have;

Pan roof
Adaptive Cruise
Heated Steering Wheel
Virtual Cockpit (this is a must have with any Audi)
Memory Seats

Very open to ideas, criticism and suggestions on this.

Edited by dementedgopher on Monday 8th April 14:53

Got my 2018 golf r estate for sale currently if you message me!

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd forgo the virtual cockpit save some pennies & have a nice V8 instead

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403097...

[Glasgowrob]

Ignore everything above

Skoda superb 280

Anything with canton audio specced and your fine

Pretty much rverythin else on your list is standard fare or optionable