Ok,for ages now all i've had are sports cars (3 S2000's,lotus,Z4) but i need to get a second car so i can go further afield with my dog for days away.(i'm getting bored doing the same old walks)So i need something big enough for him to be comfy in the back,but that i can put a dog guard between the front/back of the car.Ideally thinking something that has a bit of go,but cheap to maintain (and insure) as it will probably get even less use than the S2000.I was thinking of a golf,could i get something decent for

 

Colin, I've owned an S80 which was a tremendous car for distance driving but if I'm being honest the S40 is a little bit cramped compared to the competition (Volkswagen Golf/passat ,Skoda Octavia and Mondeo). Also the estate version doesn't have a particularly decent boot capacity.

For the money I would strongly suggest the Mondeo Estate, cheap to buy, insure, run so you wont mind wrecking it, Skodas are also pretty good for that kind of thing but more expensive. I also drove a Mk4 Golf estate for a while which was good but the Mondeo was much better.

Have a chat to Martin J while he's still working for the car sales folk he might have something decent and knowing his shocking relationship with his employer will probably be able to tell you exactly what you will get away with paying .

 

Integra DC2 TypeR (UK or Jap)

Question solved

 

ITR is far too good for a beater

I had an S40 as a hire car for work once (can't fit 3 auditors into an S2000 ), and it was better than I expected - engine revved quite well and sufficient gizmos to make it feel semi-luxurious for longer trips. Didn't feel small.

Not sure it's ideal for a beater though, as compared to less "premium" brand stuff parts won't be cheap.

Mondeo estate makes more sense at that price range as Danny says.

 

Has to be an estate IMO, your dog will thank you for the extra space.
Only ever owned a Volvo estate, but it was a great car for the dogs. Also good for doubling as a removals van.

 

I just nipped down to kirkcaldy to look at a couple of cars.Freelander seemed ideal as it had tons of room but i hear they're shockingly unreliable and parts are

 

How big is your dog?

 

He's a 13 month old weimaraner,not massive but big enough to need a bit of room to be comfortable i think.

 

I'd try and get a V70 or the like TBH. You'd be surprised how little room there is in the back of most estates. Mind you, I did have 2 to trasnport.
Take him along and ask the dealer if he (your dog) can test it out.

 

The v40 is quite spacious, I can get 2 greyhounds in it.
They are very comfortable and have plenty of spce to move.

I got the dealer to throw in the steel dog guard, definately better than the mesh one that most people use.

I have the 2.0 LPT and it can shift quite well, stealth mobile when it comes to boy racers trying to overtake you.