Mom needs to buy a used van.

[articsteve]

If it makes you feel any better I bought a Suburban just for my dog.

[11jules11]

Thanks articsteve, I appreciate it.
I only found this forum because I was trying to research some different vehicles before buying something. You all seemed to have so much good advice for others that I thought I'd give this a try. I'm no car buff or anything, just a regular mom trying to buy a decent vehicle. I just happen to have 2 dogs as well. There's so much out there that it can be very overwhelming when trying to choose.
I'm sure there are other forums out there for those who want to give their opinions about pets.

[mar1990]

If it makes you feel any better I bought a Suburban just for my dog.

Jeez, and some people about rich parents buying expensive cars for their kids.

Where is that tongue in cheek icon.

[EV Dan]

If it makes you feel any better I bought a Suburban just for my dog.

And do the police send tickets to your kennel or his condo? 

[articsteve]

If it makes you feel any better I bought a Suburban just for my dog.

Jeez, and some people about rich parents buying expensive cars for their kids.

Where is that tongue in cheek icon.

It was a big dog. 

Below pic is a good representation of a big male. 

[UmroAyyar]

Thanks articsteve, I appreciate it.
I only found this forum because I was trying to research some different vehicles before buying something. You all seemed to have so much good advice for others that I thought I'd give this a try. I'm no car buff or anything, just a regular mom trying to buy a decent vehicle. I just happen to have 2 dogs as well. There's so much out there that it can be very overwhelming when trying to choose.
I'm sure there are other forums out there for those who want to give their opinions about pets.

You'll get lots of great advice about cars, I am a Car Commoner as well. I came here for advice and lost my way, can't leave. This forum is quite different in some aspects, we do tend to go on a self-assumed-philosophical discussion of one's needs. You can ignore the banter, opinions are good hearted here.

So far people are only opining about minivans, thats being on topic. Nobody has suggested a Volvo or Subaru as of yet.

On your used car list, Sienna sounds better provided its in a good condition. The rear seats fold flat in the floor and looks like you won't be taking out the 2nd row seats with the child seat installed permanently.

[airbalancer]

Sure I understand that -- my cats are family too and I use to have a dog, but we never took him places.

He LOVED to ride in the car, once and awhile we could take him to see my grandparents dog and run around he loved the car ride because of the destination -- but I can't imagine taking my dog with me to do errands.

I agree, still don t get why someone would a cat, except if you are out on a farm

How dangerous is it to have dogs ride around in a car and have them become missiles if you get into an accident 

[wing]

Why does it matter if I take my dogs out of the house everyday? That doesn't really help me very much.

We take our dogs to various dog parks for exercise everyday. Or on the weekends, take them with us on a hike. Or, take them to the vet. We didn't get 2 dogs so they could sit in the house and rot all day every day.

Anyway, thank you to all who have replied with advice about a vehicle.

Like I said I was just CURIOUS -- no need to get all defensive.

Those are good reasons -- taking your dog to dog parks is a great reason.  That's all I was wondering -- I guess we never had a need to because our yard was very big.

[articsteve]

How dangerous is it to have dogs ride around in a car and have them become missiles if you get into an accident 

How dangerous is it to drive a motorcycle, a sled at night, an ATV or for that matter just get out of bed each day. 

[averagejoe]

'04 Sienna is the way to go hands down.
My mom has been driving Sienna's around for a long time and loves it!

[barrie1]

I would suggest the GM vans as well as they do give very good milage. Anyone who owns a Dog and really enjoys them takes for rides as its a good way of socializing them to others. My Dog gets rides all of the time and is a excellent watch dog as well when I am away from my vehicle. She is fully trained not to just attack people unless they do something which endangers either her or any member of our family. Extremely great around small children as well and does not chase Cats except out of our backyard.