Dog Friendly SUV?

[1215]

I have a 2010 M X5 that's getting pretty tired. Wife has a '12 Exploder (her family owns a Ford stealership) that's also tired. We just adopted our second rescue and were about to pull the trigger on two new vehicles. Someone said to me "there's a reason why those b@stards are so cute"... She's awesome but loves the water, swims like a fish and gets into anything and everything dirty or muddy. And she's probably going to be a small horse. The new one (young blood) already chewed off the back seat belt buckle covers on one of my e36'es.


She (wife, not the dog) wants a Macan. I'm extremely BMW brand loyal but was honestly considering a G-Wagon. I'm not very impressed with where BMW is right now. I'm not going to destroy a G wagon so is there anything with a Roundel that's somewhat gross, disgusting, wet, muddy, sandy, dirty dog friendly?

[ross1]

Sounds like the existing X5 fills the bill.

[BimmerBreaker]

Or a beater E39 wagon if ruining $80,000+ luxury SUV's isnt your thing

[1215]

Yeah we've thought about hanging on to one of the cars. Her Exploder is a piece of junk and the X5 M is getting expensive. My gut says that the Exploder would die on us and the X5 would end up costing more than the depreciation hit of a new vehicle. I understand the problem --I want a unicorn. A car that is dog/beast friendly one minute and the next I can be putting adults in the back and driving to a black tie event. Was looking for others with experience close to this. Thanks.

[eeeks]

When I had my big boy (100lb chocolate lab)... We got a suburban...

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[eeeks]

Honestly... That new Volvo wagon is gorgeous

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[pbonsalb]

Get a police package explorer with the ecoboost from your wife's family dealership and tune it.

[montaillou]

I would get what you want and modify the interior. There are those mats that hold water. I'm sure there are plastic-like things that will cover other surfaces out there.

[pbonsalb]

If you want reliability over the long term, look at Toyota, Honda or Nissan and their more upscale brands Lexus, Acura and Infinity. I like BMW but I don't recommend them to most people.

[PR1AWRet]

I'd stick with the X5 as a beater vehicle if you have any mechanical talent. it's a M, I'd give a left one for it. I'm getting rid of the Corvette for a M and keep the 02 4.4 sport as my second vehicle. I'm a mechanic though. How about a newer X5 3.0 non sport? "Get a police package explorer with the ecoboost from your wife's family dealership and tune it" as pbonsalb posted. Looking for power, reliability, or status quo?