Did Anyone Buy Thier Doodle an SUV?

[Pat & "Tucker"]

I just bought a new SUV. Had a smaller sportier car, but it was time for an update.  All kids are grown and out of the house, no DH, so it's only me and the dogs ( doodle and Yorkie most often the only ones in the car).  I could have bought a a smaller car probably $6-7,000 cheaper, better gas milage, better looking but felt I just had to by an SUV for Tucker- you know- more comfort, safer, dog appropriate.  Did anyone else buy their doodle an SUV or similar situation?  Hope I'm not the only one!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

My current SUV gets better gas mileage than my Honda Accord. So not all SUV's are gas guzzlers. And it isn't always just for comfort, as many feel safer driving a bigger car considering the traffic everywhere. But I do agree with you that they are dogs and as long as they are treated well and with their human, they would sit on the floor in a huddle if that's all the room they had, just to be with you for an adventure.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

This is true Sue, I feel safer and the milage is good. I think it is really a crime that the auto manuf. are allowed to sell those very small cars with the "great" gas milage. Honestly, they are death traps.

[Melissa & Porter]

I don't think small cars were death traps until the average size of the cars on the road doubled and even tripled. Thinking along these lines, we should drive 18-wheelers.

I watched a movie from the 70s recently and was struck by how small the cars were then. But people had the same amount of luggage back then. And dogs for pets too :-)

I have a big van, so I am not casting stones here, but I think small, well-built cars are extremely safe. My husband commutes in a Mini Cooper S. (Knocking on wood here about how safe it is because bad stuff can happen in any car.) He gets around 35 mpg when he obeys the speed limit on the highway i.e. goes 65 not 78. It's handling is remarkable too: accident avoidance. Most SUVs have a high center of gravity which makes turning at a high speed very dangerous, and most people are not conscious of this--they don't drive their SUV as if it were a truck.

If my family could have only one car, I think it would be a pretty big one. So, I understand the desire for a big car and even the feeling that it is necessary now that everyone else drives one. But this is in no way ideal in my mind. I would prefer it if somehow everyone drove smaller cars again, and people had to attach stuff to their roof to travel.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good thinking!

[Pat & "Tucker"]

Agee- if all cars were small - we'd all be a lot safer! ( like in the islands!) Nothing like those huge pick-ups and tractor trailers barreling down behind hind you, especially in a small car and light turns red! OUCH! I got a ticket for going through a red light camera- It was either saving me or getting the ticket! Hate those tailgaters! Doesn't always matter how safe you drive, it's the other crazy on the road that's the problem. Did you see those little "Smart Cars"(dumb). A dealer up the road has a few of them displayed out on the road- what a shame because it's the young ones that are buying them because they are afforadable- the highest risk group. Bicycle wheels look safer.

[Melissa & Porter]

I realize now which cars you were referring to as death traps. I don't know much about them, but they do seem like motorcycles with a shell...scary.

[F, Calla & Luca]

That's good news about the gas mileage.

[Carol and Banjo]

I thought my pickup truck loving DH had gone mad....he just opted for a new Impreza over a new pickup.....so Banjo could be more comfortable!

[Pat & "Tucker"]

Te Impreza is a sharp little car- are you sure your DH wanted Banjo more comfortable? LOL. Lots of luck with the new car!

[JBAdorableDoodles]

I bought my doods a Jeep Compass and they love it!

[Ann Kendig]

Ohhh I want one of those!!!! I just sold my old Jeep..I miss it. It still looked good after 10 years!!

[BG and Gavin]

I think I got a doodle to go with my SUV! Gavin travels with the split rear seat turned down behind the driver with a harness which is teathered to the shoulder belt. He mostly lies down in this position on the highway, but likes to sit up and put his head out the window while going through towns. BTW, he was on the way to the groomer's in this shot.