Dog owners are a special breed of drivers. When they shop for a used car they have a list of requirements that can be quite different from other drivers, which tends to make the process a bit of a challenge.
Must-haves
Some of the typical items/features dog owners look for when purchasing a used car include:
- Easy to clean interior
- Durable and strong interior
- A safe place for the dog to lie down and sit while in motion
- The ability to keep the dog separate from passengers
- The car must be easy enough for dogs to get in and out of on their own, or for you to lift them in and out of it
- Windows that allow for ventilation where the dog will be
The top five
Keeping these must-haves in mind we’ve come up with a list of the top five vehicles that are bound to please the dog owners out there.
Kia Soul: If it's safety that you're concerned about then you'll appreciate the fact that the Soul has side curtain air bags. In addition, this one provides space for your dog to lounge in the back. Keep in mind if you have a large dog crate this one may be a bit too small.
Jeep Wrangler: If you don't care about added bells and whistles for you, and you're just looking for a robust vehicle that can handle a variety of terrain while keeping your dog comfortable, this is a great option.
Honda Element: If your dog is the kind that loves getting messy then the waterproof interior, including the seats, in the Honda Element will really speak to you. The problem with this one is that it may be hard to find since the last year it was made was 2011.
Ford Flex: The 2012 Ford Flex makes for a great option for dog owners. The low profile on this one makes it easy to get in and out of, it seats up to seven passengers comfortably, and thanks to the room in the back you can stow large dog crates.
Dodge Journey: Where the Journey really stands out is in its large amount of cargo space. This means the pets can be safely stowed in a crate and out of the way of the driver and passenger. There is even an optional cooler in the dash that you can use for keeping cool water and treats for your dog.
Final thoughts
If possible, when test-driving the vehicles you may want to ask if you can bring your dog along just to see how it works out.
