VW Golf hatch boot big enough for a large dog?

Elika0215

Not money related but taking a punt. Although any tips on purchasing one as a cash buyer would also be welcome.

Am looking at a buying newish VW Golf hatch. I also have a 33kg large Retriever (who is awesome by the way!).

I know there are bigger cars out there but I had a Grand Scenic for 11 years or so and would really like a change from MPVs, SUVs and Estates.

The Golf has a low boot and a tiny lip (with the adjustable floor) so that ticks the boxes.

Does anyone have a dog of a similar size and a VW Golf (or similar size) - if so, I'd like to hear whether it works for you.

Thanks.

AdrianC

You could... and I know this is going to sound strange... test drive the car and take the dog with you.

Quick google finds this photo.




Doesn't look like the depth at parcel-shelf height is going to be much fun for the dog. Sure, you can fold the back seat, but...

sheramber

When assessing a car boot for our two dogs we got hold of the boot measurements and made a cardboard version to these measurements. The we tried the dogs inside the cardboard model.

With the hatch I would be wary of the height available. Can the dog stand and sit up?

motorguy

Elika0215 wrote: »

Not money related but taking a punt. Although any tips on purchasing one as a cash buyer would also be welcome.

Am looking at a buying newish VW Golf hatch. I also have a 33kg large Retriever (who is awesome by the way!).

I know there are bigger cars out there but I had a Grand Scenic for 11 years or so and would really like a change from MPVs, SUVs and Estates.

The Golf has a low boot and a tiny lip (with the adjustable floor) so that ticks the boxes.

Does anyone have a dog of a similar size and a VW Golf (or similar size) - if so, I'd like to hear whether it works for you.

Thanks.

It would be fine for short journies, but not great for big frequent journies.

A Golf estate would be better for regular long journies.

We've a 35KG Retriever and he was fine in the boot of our A class for short journies

Elika0215

AdrianC wrote: »

You could... and I know this is going to sound strange... test drive the car and take the dog with you.

..

Doesn't look like the depth at parcel-shelf height is going to be much fun for the dog. Sure, you can fold the back seat, but...

Thank you - I could do that but as the cars are relatively new, I don't think I'd risk it in case there was any damage.

The parcel shelf would definitely have to be removed!

sheramber wrote: »

When assessing a car boot for our two dogs we got hold of the boot measurements and made a cardboard version to these measurements. The we tried the dogs inside the cardboard model.

With the hatch I would be wary of the height available. Can the dog stand and sit up?

Genius! Never thought of that. Or I could do it in reverse and take a cardboard cutout of my dog to the dealers! My kids had a massive bear - I wonder if I could dig it out and compare its size with my boy!!

motorguy wrote: »

It would be fine for short journies, but not great for big frequent journies.

A Golf estate would be better for regular long journies.

We've a 35KG Retriever and he was fine in the boot of our A class for short journies

Thanks - just checked and the Golf has a larger boot space than the A class. We'd only be taking him on a trips up to 15 miles tops as we're close to the South Downs. Maybe a single 150 mile journey once a year but that's it.

building_with_lego

The boot floor can go down a level - 3" or so lower than the image shown above. Would give him an extra bit of headroom!

motorguy

Elika0215 wrote: »

Thanks - just checked and the Golf has a larger boot space than the A class. We'd only be taking him on a trips up to 15 miles tops as we're close to the South Downs. Maybe a single 150 mile journey once a year but that's it.

Yeah our boy just goes in the car to the vets and back for checkups every six months and he was fine in the Merc.

We take him in our Cooper S now, but in fairness we put the back seats down in that.

Should be fine with a Golf.

Great dogs retrievers. We had two but sadly lost his twin brother to cancer a couple of years ago.

Norman_Castle

Elika0215 wrote: »

I could do it in reverse and take a cardboard cutout of my dog to the dealers!

Good idea, nothing weird about that though they might call a shrink or suggest you fold the dog up and keep it behind the seat..

I had a Citroen zx hatchback then a zx estate which I expect are a similar size to a golf. A retriever was ok in the hatchback but much happier in the estate due it being slightly longer and the squarer back. I can't remember how high the lip was on the hatchback was but the lack of a lip in the estate and the extra distance to the seat backs made it easier for the dog getting in and out.

loskie

why not a golf estate? Hatch wont be big enough for your dog

AdrianC

Norman_Castle wrote: »

I had a Citroen zx hatchback then a zx estate which I expect are a similar size to a golf. A retriever was ok in the hatchback but much happier in the estate due it being slightly longer and the squarer back.

I have a ZX hatch. The parcel shelf is a LOT longer than that Golf one, because the rear window's less upright. The dog would have a much easier time in it.

gord115

What about an Octavia,same running gear as Golf,massive boot and much cheaper.