I know we resurrect the car thread every now and then BUT I change my dog car about as often :-)

I bought my 4x4 Kangoo Trekka 3 months ago,( after putting 90K on my Zafira)  I loved the space in the Kangoo  but didn't like the sluggishness of the 4 x4.and I just did think it had the really secure motorway driving feel plus getting the basic kangoo with Air con is a nightmare.

I have sold the kangoo again :-)  pleased to say I got every penny back for it. In fact in E-bays favour I put it on and it was bought in 2 hours :-) as I also put a buy it now at the price I paid for it 3 months ago..  I didn't think it would go so quick.

Anyway this makes me dog car less again. I have my own smaller new car I use for work etc so it is really a dog car albeit maybe a bit extravegant but I think safety on the motorway is pretty vital as I generally have to travel a long way..:-(

I looked a a 18 month old Mondeo Estate yesterday, It is the 2.0 TDCI Ghia X 130 with the full leather spec.   The leather is actually great for my dogs (for some reason chalk blows onto them from other exhibiting breeds :-D) so this isn't a concern. They travel in their boxes also.

I have a Romar trolley just now which I know won't fit in it, the kangoo did accommodate this so I will have to revert back to the low trolley again but I am not too upset about this.

Anyone got a similar model?? any input??

Hi Pam,

OH's car is a Mondeo Estate Titanium - turbo diesel, automatic, all the toys ;)  We use it for lengthy trips as it's cheaper by far to run than my wheels.  TBH, it's a great car, looks lovely, exceptionally comfy, good air flow for the dogs etc but the back section is actually smaller than the Focus Estate which we had before.  Not so much of an issue of course as I'm sure your travelling crates / cage are smaller than ours :D 

However, if I were choosing an estate for travelling regularly down South I'd go for the top model in the Focus - it is less sizeable for parking etc and IMO feels chunkier, ergo safer, than it's big brother.

One of my fave features in Fords is the heated full surface front windscreen - makes driving off immediately a reality instead of a distant dream :D

HTH, Teri :)
testing the water of the www after severe virus problems :rolleyes:

Hi Teri,

Thanks. I loved all the things this car had. Which I have to say I was suprised at never being a " Fordy " person to be honest.

Does the Focus's back sit bench up? The modeo does which I thought was very good also.

Also forgot one thing?? What is the difference between the Focus and the C-max. ( you tell I have never gave a ford a 2nd glance before)

Thanks

Pam

>Does the Focus's back sit bench up?

Ours did (although we never used it like that) but I know they have updated the models slightly so not sure if that's still the case.

I never saw myself as a Ford fan either but have to say that our recent two have converted friends away from BMW and Audi estates because of their roomy interiors (people as well as dogs :D ), reliability and quality features etc.   The VW Passat is a lovely estate - would probably be on my list too, but have only experienced it as a passenger.

Teri :)

Hey Teri,

I am away from BMWs for life i think. I nearly killed myself last year in the snow.  :-)

I think i am a confident driver but after a bad patch of snow last year my BM was gone in 2 weeks. They can add as many wheel, steering gadgets as they like but they are awful in the poor weather. 

OH has a Passat diesel estate - bought it in a hurry as he was car-less after his Volvo was written off. He groaned and mumbled for ages about it, comparing it unfavourably to his beloved 10 year old Volvo 960, but, two years on he is warming to it and it is certainly a very good workhorse, economic and comfortable :) :)

Daisy

>What is the difference between the Focus and the C-max

Just seen the edit Pam :)  I think the C-max is one of those higher ones more like a mini people carrier style.  All the manufacturers seem to be leaning towards introducing the style (not for me but hey, whatever floats boats :D )  I guess they are handy if you need more head room for example although the head room in the ordinary Focus IMO is excellent compared to most regular cars.

HTH, Teri
(who does NOT have any connection to cars, sales, promos etc :D )

HTH, Teri
(who does NOT have any connection to cars, sales, promos etc :-D )

No but you do hairy dogs ;-)  if you can trust anyone it is a hairy dog owner ;-) :-D

Have you looked at any of the mitsubishis, ive had mine now for 6 yrs, ive got the Lancer Estate, but you can get other models. not had a bit of trouble with this car.

I could scream looking at cars :-))  So hard to get everything you want in one car. 

I quite like the shoguns :-)

I've got a 15yo LWB Pajero (a shogun imported from Japan) It lacks a few of the mod cons up to date Shoguns have but it goes a bomb, drives very nicely, tows well, has masses of room and (touch wood) hasn't given a bit of bother.

I have a Mondeo but it's the 2.0 Zetec automatic, and I love it. Blue, if I were you I would snatch their hand off for the Ghia X, I'm a 'Fordy' through and through. They are spacious and reliable, so if that's what's known as boring, so be it. You go for it girl :D

Dawn R.

I have a Scenic. Like it as the 3 back seats either fold down or can be taken out completely separately. It also fits a dog crate inside ( got a big one) without having to fold it down. When all 3 seats are out the space is massive- gives you another boot size again. Like driving it too cos it feels high up & you can see everything.

I have put a deposit on the Modeo , I didn't really need to top spec one but it is so beautiful . I am actually well impressed with Ford on this one.  It has every extra I think I can think of. Even the wing mirrors come in automatically etc. The cream leather suits me better than the black interior for the white dogs :-)

well if you're looking at estates - I love my Skoda! I bought it last year and got the fully spec'd 2.0 TDI with the DSG automatic transmission. I've driven at least 40 different cars and this is the best transmission I've ever used. The mileage on the diesel is great (Newcastle to Dorset on less than 3/4 of a tank). Plus it's the same engine, transmission and brakes as VW and Audis at much less cost.

mmm can we say heated leather seats :)

The new skoda roomster looks really useful, for dogs and all....

We have had 2 Mondeos, both TDCi's. OH traded in a Scorpio Cosworth estate, massive room (passengers and dogs), leather,all the toys and huge power! So refined, the worst mistake he says he ever made was trading it for a Mondeo. :-(

Both Mondeo's we booted out within a year (new ones) both had major rear suspension troubles after only 20-30K. We got a Mercedes C class estate, not the biggest boot but a bigger image ;-) :D ours wasn't the most reliable but was excellent on long motorway journeys and economical too.:-)  After some starting problems it has gone and the dogs now travel in an old Escort van! :D  Loads of space for dogs and starts every time!!!

OH is now looking for another Scorpio............;-)

We have also been looking at the Roomster but does anyone think it is approprate for two retrievers and not small.  we have a megane at the moment but it is two and half years old and we are looking to change it soon.  they are quite happy in the megane but we have problems when we go away especially with luggage space, we do have a box on top but still struggle for room.