V40 and a Labrador
 

I'm buying a car for the dog. As you do.

Up until 6 months ago, I had a 2008 V50 2.0D SE R Design, which was perfect for our dog (a Lab) but due to airbag problems, it eating 18" tyres (8 in a year to potholes and wear and tear) and a pending MoT was part ex'd for a 2010 Passat 2.0 105BHP Highline Plus Bluemotion. WHAT A MISTAKE!!!!! I could moan about it all day as it's been a complete disappointment, but I won't. However it is bigger than the V50 in the back and the dog could have a party if he wanted.

I want to get rid of the Passat, and other than the airbag and the V50 eating tyres, it was a fantastic car, so I want to go back to Volvo. There seem to be some affordable options in the back of the local newspaper (probably PCP finance)

I test drove a V40 D2 last week, which was fine and I love the look but I think I'd prefer a D3 or a D4 for a bit more grunt. Although having read some of the other posts, maybe 12-15000 miles a year doesn't justify a Diesel and I might be as well with a petrol? The benefit of the new models I guess is you can get the grunt whilst not losing out on economy (still better than the Passat) and 0 road tax!

They didn't have a V60 in stock, so couldn't test drive one of those, although I am cautious about electronic handbrakes.

The question is, has anyone tried getting a Lab into the back of a V40? It wouldn't just be for short journeys either, having just had an 1000 mile round trip to Scotland.

Any comments or options / alternatives will be welcome!

Think you would struggle with a lab in the back of a new V40. Suppose he/she will 'fit', but probably not be comfy. You mentioned PCP deals so presuming you are looking at new, so why not try the V60 or the V70. Huge discounts available and similar in price to V40, yet much more 'dog friendly'

Regards

we carry 2 labs in our v70 with room to spare

Buy a v70

Bin the dog and get whatever you want.

Haha, not getting rid of the dog.... although he is getting on a bit... hmm.... :P I'd prefer to go V60 over V70 I think as I understand it's bigger in the back than the V50 but not the cavern that is the V70? I guess one question is why people are suggesting V70 rather than V60? Or is is just the stereotypical large estate can take everything?

Cheapest V40 D3 is £23,515. Cheapest V60 D3 is £23,340.

Bit of a no brainer, personally :) Though after DTD discounts, it's more like £20k and £22k. But even then, I'd say it was an easy decision, and the V60 D3 SE Nav is available for about the same price as the V60 D3 Business Edition (much larger discounts on the other trims). And the V70 is available in the same ball-park too, but I personally prefer the V60 looks.

Probably because the V70 is HUGE!

A V60 whilst not a 'wardrobe carrier' will be fine I reckon for a lab dog.

Regards

I know of an S-reg passat with 105,000 miles, no rust and nothing significant wrong with it, may be for sale as "she doesnt like it". Carries dogs with ease.
I'd plug it more but I dont fancy trying to find a car she does like for the value of this one.

Ahem....

V60 would be more in line size wise with a V50 replacement. If you're doing long hauls up to Scotland, get yourself one with a real engine though (i.e. D5)! 6 month old D5 R Design through approved used Volvo scheme would probably be in ballpark of a brand new one with the toy engine.