Car Choice: Is a Ford or a Volvo the best car for dogs?

Rachael Jarvis has an unusual request: she has £4,500 to spend on a spacious family car for London that may also be used in a dog walking business

The Ford Mondeo estate has a large boot, perfect for dogs (Ford)

Practicality trumps everything here, so for this week only we’ll park the “Car for the Heart” option and offer a choice between two similar estates. And no, neither is a Rover...

A Car for the Head (1)

I think that London is a distraction. The size of the car does not matter that much, in itself: it is really the size or availability of the space to park it which is the defining restriction. I think that the estate car is very underrated and still represents excellent value for money, despite the popularity of “cross overs” and SUVs. So if parking space is no object, logically the Ford Mondeo is an excellent choice. Rachael would get a wonderfully practical vehicle which is perfect for her family and it has a large separate boot area that would be perfect for dogs. A 2009 1.8 TDCi Zetec Mondeo Estate would be within budget.

The V50 benefits from Volvo’s long flat load bays

A Car for the Head (2)

Perhaps the more logical choice for London, as anywhere if parking is going to be such an issue, would be a compact MPV. The problem can be that the boot area in these designs is compromised, as, if the rear seats are being also used, the boot space is much more restricted. If not, then the rear bench can be pushed forwards, and the boot area is then available for luggage or dogs. Given that, I think that is safer and more practical to stick with an estate model, and the Volvo name is a reassuring brand. Volvo make the best estates with long flat load bays. A 2010 V50 1.6 which would even manage a useful 40mph around London should also be around £4,500.

If you would like James Ruppert to help with your car choice, email james@bangernomics.com. For more motoring views visit freecarmag.com