Hey folks - I'm starting to think about my next car (which I plan on buying / keeping for the long haul)... and one thing that will someday be in my future is a lovely new golden retriever. That being said, I'm considering a the E-class wagon - what do you folks think? Anyone out there have a dog and use their Mercedes for transport? Is a wagon with the gate in the back a good idea for this or should I be looking into their M-class SUVs (I've always been more partial to the car/lower ride)...

Many thanks! Looking forward to hearing your pet stories re: this vehicle, or other suggestions.

- Eric

 

I almost bought a used S500 except for the fact that the previous owner had a dog that damaged the back seat area. I would be cautious and buy the Mercedes backseat cover that is designed for hauling pets around, and obviously will protect the leather seats. In my opinion, dog damage will seriously depreciate the value of your car when, and if, you decide to sell or trade it in.

 

I have an '04 wagon and use it for kids and the dog...It is great and easy for my dog (Black Lab/Austrailian Shepard Mix) to get into...My daughter also loves the rear seat!.

Use the car for whatyou need it for...No need to be so **** about depreciation value...Everything depreciates... I use a cargo cover for the back when I travel with the dog. The wagon has a retractable grill in the rear seats as a partition to keep the dog in the back.

I generally keep my dogs well groomed and then vacuum out the hairs after a trip...

We've had ML's... but prefer the wagons... I get about 22 mpg around town and 27 on the highway...

Enjoy!

 

I have a cover, still in the box never used, $100.00 for anyone that wants it. I can accept credit cards.

 

I Had a ML...and Got rid of it and Bought a Wagon...MUCH Better vehicle for ride and room! I Take Two Large Rottweilers to the office daily..and Its Been a Great Choice for me...Also a Lot more mods for the Sedan/Wagon Vs the ML

For The Rear cargo area..I had a Custom made rear cover that covers the floor/sides and rear door panels that is Water proof..and padded for the doggies...Also had one made for the Wifes 2006 W211..Rear seat/carpet ..front seat backs and door panels...Works Perfect!

 

PM sent.

 

got an E-350...we just came back from a trip to florida and we took the dog. on ebay we bought a dog hammock...they install between the front and rear headrests to protect the rear seats and door area

hammocks run between $30 and $40 off ebay...just look up dog seat covers

 

Got a wagon and dog that travels with me every day. E500 wagon is the best MB I've ever had. Dog loves it in the back with a movefrs blanket on the floor. Used to raise the netting built into the back seat, but no longer need to use it. My dog stays put.

 

My dog rides in my ML and in the second row seat area. She is about 45 lbs and the upholstry does not suffer at all with no covers. She also has no difficulty getting in or out by herself. She seems to prefer the ML over my E for some reason.

 

I vote for an E63 wagon. The back is perfect for the dog. Any other car / ML has too small of an open trunk and the back seats have leather that is not easy to grip. the E wagons are really perfect for dogs and hand cuffed wives.

 

Hahaha! Very funny. Thanks for all the input folks - I am seriously considering a wagon next - it sounds like a nice/easy way of transporting me/pet/and other items ;-)

- Eric