Want a more fuel-efficient DogCar? We have suggestions
By Keith Turner
August 28, 2008
As the average price of gas has skyrocketed over the past few years, dog-loving families are searching for ways to stretch their travel budgets without having to downsize their vehicle picks to the point where their pups are out of the picture.
But just because you’ve been used to dedicating your large SUV or minivan as your top DogCar doesn’t mean you have to now sacrifice space and utility for dollars and cents. In fact, there are many smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles that work perfectly well as a potential DogCar.
Our team of dedicated DogCars.com reviewers combed the most recent batch of makes and models in search of vehicles that were high in mileage (averaging at or near 25 mpg), low in price (based at under $25,000) and perfect for dog-lovers. These vehicles have the versatility and flexibility to handle daily DogCar duties by featuring rear-hatch entries, fold-flat seats and relatively roomy cargo areas.
We came up with a list of the top five (six, actually, because of a tie) DogCar choices that meet all the above requirements for capable cruising with your canine. We also added some other top choices to check out as well.
It’s called the DogCars.com “Top 5 at 25.” And it’s over on our DogCars.com Web site.
Y’all need to start looking for cars with higher mpg ratings. 24/25 is not very good these days. I wouldn’t buy a car that got that kind of mileage.
Comment by Janice in GA — August 28, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
Well, now Janice, it sure is a good mpg if your current DogCar is a Suburban!
Check out this piece on my “day job” site about hybrids:
http://www.ourgreencommunity.org/story/22
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 28, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
Hubby is buying a 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen diesel as his next dog car. It reportedly does a real world 40-50 mpg. This will replace his 25 mpg 2001 VW Passat wagon, into which we can fit two large slightly modified wire dog crates, and is a seriously nice ride.
The Jetta wagon is only a tiny bit smaller than our Passat wagon, and — by our measuring tape — should do the same job.
http://www.popularmechanics.co.....57807.html
Europeans have a bizzilion options for very high fuel efficiency wagons and vans that make excellent dog cars. We are only just starting to see these vehicles in America.
Comment by LauraS — August 28, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
We’re absolutely going to see a lot of changes and choices coming, but for now … we’re all kind of scrambling on the mpg front.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — August 28, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
I totally agree with the Honda Fit! I got 41 mpg in mine when traveling a long distance on the interstate. I use gas saving strategies to boost it that high (tire pressure, cruise control, no hard breaking or speeding up, when exiting and no one’s behind he, coasting up instead of breaking, lucas oil, regular changes, etc.)
Comment by Amy — August 28, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
Wow, I’m actually going to make a note of some of these and pass them onto my dad for cars-in-general. He’s in the market, but doesn’t want to loose the space of a truck, but I don’t think it’s the way to go.
Comment by Christine S — August 28, 2008 @ 6:52 pm
Christine, I HIGHLY recommend he look at the Fit if he wants cargo room. The seats fold completely flat. In addition to the critters, I run a small business. I needed lots of cargo room while still getting good mileage and it absolutely had to be inexpensive. My brother calls it my golf cart, but I love it. And he’s terribly jealous of the mileage (he drives a small pickup).
I drive a manual, which helps with mileage and the pick-up for accelerating is a little better.
Comment by Amy — August 28, 2008 @ 9:56 pm