Decent wagon for dogs

[warcalf]

Just looking for a bit of advice on a decent 4x4.

I've a budget of around £5K, looking for a 4x4 for my X2 labs (maybe more in the future). I do a lot of shooting, so space is essential alongside reliability.

Offroad capability isn't essential as I'm not doing any serious off-roading where I'm going. I can get most places in my golf (company car), the few places I can't get to are due to ground clearance. I also don't want a truck as I prefer having the dogs in with me.

Shortlist from my own research;
XC90
Grand Cherokee
Pathfinder
Shogun Sport
Tourag

Cheaper outside considerations;
Sportage
Terracan
Santa Fe

Any thoughts from experience on reliability or what it's like to own any of these would be appreciated. As well as any cars I've overlooked!

Thanks in advance

[loskie]

Subaru Forester or Outback.

Timeless

Classless

Good Off Road

if not doing a lot of miles fuel mpg isn't an issue.

Lower for older dogs to jump in and out.

[119]

You are better off with a 4x4 estate rather than a faux 4x4 as they can be quite high and tricky for dogs to get into, especially when they get older!

[Paddymcc]

For labs you might be better with an estate than a jeep as they are prone to hip issues as they age.

A 4x4 would be quite high for them jumping out / into

[sherman]

Suzuki Vitara
Landrover Discovery
Landrover Freelander

[SAS Tom]

Lexus RX300/350/400h

[Dusty964]

A guy I used to shoot with had the exact set of requirements as you.
He bought himself a Volvo XC70.
It's decent off and on road. Has plenty of space and, well, I'd bloody love one for the same purpose.

[jamesbilluk]

Dacia Duster 4x4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407181...

A6 Allroad
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404098...

Or this generation of A6 Allroad maybe..I've always liked the look of them
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408132...

I would also say the A4 Allroad, but they seem very high milage for 5K

Skoda Octavia scout
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202408132...

A nice Lagacy outback
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17124912

Edited by jamesbilluk on Tuesday 20th August 23:52

[Jag_NE]

If I could get to most places with the company car I’d question if the few I can’t reach are worth sinking 5k and probably another 2k per annum in running costs

[braddo]

Dusty964 said:

A guy I used to shoot with had the exact set of requirements as you.
He bought himself a Volvo XC70.
It's decent off and on road. Has plenty of space and, well, I'd bloody love one for the same purpose.

One of these would be perfect.

[troika]

Outback

[carinaman]

Paddymcc said:

For labs you might be better with an estate than a jeep as they are prone to hip issues as they age.

A 4x4 would be quite high for them jumping out / into

That's my experience.

[Yomamaisasnowblower]

Our dog wagon is an elderly Ford S-Max. Has a huge flat square space (even larger with seats down) and is lower to the grounds compared to an SUV thing which makes it easier for the dogs. Dogs also like the rather large rear windscreen to stare out of!

[Jimjimhim]

Jag_NE said:

If I could get to most places with the company car I’d question if the few I can’t reach are worth sinking 5k and probably another 2k per annum in running costs

I was thinking the same thing, just doesn't seem worth it to me.

[alscar]

With your budget in mind and to include reliability and running costs Outback seems a decent call.
Obviously with a larger / higher up 4x4 you can get foldaway dog ramps.
We have a classic Defender for our Lab ( singular now ) and for when longer journeys are needed he’s quite happy in my wife’s RS4.

[warcalf]

Jimjimhim said:

I was thinking the same thing, just doesn't seem worth it to me.

Yeah but I'm 6'5, and being that tall and having one lab in a golf GTE with all my shooting gear is cramped to say the least.

Any (tall) pigeon shooter with a small car and more than one dog, will know inadequate and uncomfortable a small car feels.

I'm also a young single male, I have my own house and my dogs. Investing in my hobbies and making the experience more worthwhile is a decent investment to me!

[LimmerickLad]

We had a Mitzubishi Outlander for the dog which has a dropdown on the tailgate but youngest wrote it off unfortunately and our big 13yr old dog has to be lifted into our Jeep Cherokee that we replaced it with.

[A500leroy]

Rav4