Yukon?

[Ksullivan]

We have been thinking of a Yukon for our next vehicle. Does anyone have one, and do you like it. Is it easy for your dogs to get into the back?

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I was considering one, but found it too high to get a newf in and too high to let them jump out. I would have bought stairs or a ramp if I got it. Same thing with the Suburban, but many do have them for their dogs.

 

[Whybu1]

I love my older (2002) Grand Cherokee for the dogs. Our newer (2012) Grand Cherokee is a bit high. I would seriously consider a Subaru Forester depending on number of dogs.

 

[Puppypeoplenj]

We had a Yukon and loved it until it died last year. It has a huge cargo area, ig enough for two crates I think, and is a great family car. But you'll definitely need a ramp or steps for the dogs because it's very high to step into, and it really eats through gas (enough so that I've been arguing against getting another). Our old one, the 2002 model, got about 14 mpg at best on the highway, sometimes down to 10.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

If your thinking of purchasing a used, what I will say is I've watched people dump tons of money into them, especially with brake & fuel lines that rot away. (there is other rot that is concerning but that is the most costly) Certain years....I think 99-05 and it's not only Yukons many other Chevy's. It's thousands to fix. We've lifted bodies to get to the lines. So if your going to purchase used, get under it and look before you purchase or have a trustworthy mechanic look over before you purchase. NHTSA is currently looking into the complaints & may spark a recall. You should be able to find info somewhere on-line about the issues. This is just my opinion & experience here on the east coast.

 

[blaue_augen]

We have a Traverse, which is not as big as a Yukon. But Suki goes in an out the side doors which are lower than the tailgate. There are captains' chairs in the middle row and Suki can then walk into the back. Maneuvering through there is tight in the Traverse, but Suki can manage it. I'm not sure how you plan on using/configuring the inside, but maybe using a side door is an option?

 

[Jager's Mom]

We have a Yukon Denali...Love it..but it's not very easy to lift Bear into it (since we have to lift him, he doesn't jump).

 

[Sula217]

I too am looking for a new, large vehicle. I was looking at either Ford Expedition or Excursion. That said, I get a a discount for a GMC car, so I assume the Arcadia/Denali has the same mechanical problems as the Yukon? Sula is slightly disabled so she uses a ramp to get in the car. Right now I have a Saturn Vue and the second row folds flat. She likes being able to lie in the cargo area (no kennel) but up closer to me. She loves looking out the windows (front as well as the sides). A van wouldn't allow her to do that. I need room for her, her wheelchair, the large ramp, luggage, cooler, swimming vests, lots of towels and more. Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ksullivan]

Thanks for all the info. We right now have an Avalanche, but they are no longer making them, plus the back seat is pretty cramped. We have always used a ramp for Sully, but it is so big and heavy I was hoping to get something that he could get in and out on his own.

 

[charlieinnj]

I had a Buick Enclave and loved it. Lots of cargo room but.....required lifting my crew in out of the rear cargo area. Couldn't be bothered with a ramp/steps. When deciding to make my life (and spine...) easier, I couldn't ignore the appeal of the (often dreaded...) minivan.

Bought a Toyota Sienna/SE. Best decision I made. Love it!

 

[DAWNMERIE]

I can't not attest to all the chevy/GM models but I can say the many that we've repaired are the tahoe's, trailblazers, suburban's & denali's but I would advise anyone with any chevy's in those years to be aware of this issue, many are loosing their brakes.

That said, Charlie your Sienna is a vehicle you will be very happy with for many years to come and make sure you do 30K 60K & 90K services and it will last many moons!!! Personally, I'm a Honda gal, I have the Pilot but would love the Element as a dog car. It's on my list!!!

Oh, and the Ford's, stay away from the 6L or the 6.4L motors, major issues. (once again, this is all just my experience & opinion)

 

[Ksullivan]

Those Honda's are good. My daughter has one with around 200,000 miles on it, and has had no trouble with it.

 

[CMDRTED]

We have a Ford Escape as our Newf-Mobile, LOVE IT. Until Ethel passed, it held all 4 Newfs, we drove all four to the Newf National every year it was in Frankenmuth comfortalbly. Smaller wheelbase plenty of room with the esats down. Our preference is the 2009-1012. I don't like the 2013-14 as they look like slick-tops of other brands and don't look like they have as much room as a 2009-2012.

 

[Sula217]

This has all been really helpful. Thanks!

 

[NinaA]

I recently had a Chrysler Aspen (Chrysler version of Tahoe) and love it, except, it is so high that even a ramp was difficult for the dogs to handle. Fully extended it was very steep and that's with the ramp resting on the bumper, not the bed of the car. It became too difficult on old knees and we gave up and did what we call a "dual forklift" to get the girls in and out. Both of us with arms like a fork lift - DH in front, me in back - scoop up together and lower or raise. Actually worked pretty well. Now I'm back to a regular car, and Moonlight pretty much gets into the back seat on her own, but she doesn't like it - can't lay down comfortably.