Question about hatch/trunks space in STI

Jasper007 · 05-06-2008, 10:58 AM

I am going to buy an STI this fall, or order for the 09 year.

I saw the specs in regards to dimensions from the prospective buyer thread (think that was area I located).

Anyways, I have a German Shepherd in the 100lb range that i take to the park on a daily basis.

I was curious if anyone else transports a larger size dog in the hatch area (and do they fit) or do you just put them in the back seat?

If anyone does this, and has pictures, that would be great

Or, if you have pictures with the trunk loaded with stuff, I would like to see (just trying to get some mental image of this.

Its really important that I can transport him, otherwise I will have to buy the FJ Cruiser my wife wants me to get

I love both, however I like the STI just abit more

Thanks.

Jasper's height at the shoulders is around 29.5 inches. If the area in question is smaller, I am sure he can figure out that lying down will be his only option.

I just don't want him packed in there like a sardine.

Thanks again.

Jack

tshrey · 05-06-2008, 11:02 AM

I don't have any pics readily available, but with the back seats folded down he will have plenty of room. Stand up height will be close, I'll measure tonight. To give you an idea of space, I picked up a 46" flatscreen TV with the car and the hatch closed...

supermarkus · 05-06-2008, 11:09 AM

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX and STI

has most of the dimensions and measurments you need. The big question is the rake of the back window. It may be too shallow to allow your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably. Your best bet is to hit up a dealership and see if they'll let you test fit the dog.

Joel-STi · 05-06-2008, 11:38 AM

I've got a 90lb Dobe that has gone on long road trips with me. Seems like enough room for her. Usually the less room, the safer the dog. Just gotta be carefully closing the hatch due to the rake of it.

Wales Garage · 05-06-2008, 11:39 AM

as long as an animal right activists dosnt see you, you'll be fine. if you are one than your gonna need a smaller dog.

Jasper007 · 05-06-2008, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the replies

If worse comes to worse, I could always put him in the back seat, and utilize one of these...(He may have more room in the back seat).

These may give you an idea of what he looks like, in size

This is Jasper in the back of my Wrangler

Cage I built for Jasper

A couple pictures of Jasper standing

My trip to the park is less then 5 miles in length as well.

I was also curious if you could in fact remove the entire back seat? If that would give me even more room, and it would work, I would do it.

Thanks again,

Jack

G-REX · 05-06-2008, 12:53 PM

One of the primary reasons for getting the 08 STi was so I could get my 120ish pound German Shepherd in there to take to the park/vet, etc. Got divorced so I lost the family SUV and I knew there wasn't a way to get him around comfortably in an 05 STi.

Haven't put him in there yet, just got the car last week, but no question about it with the seats down he'll fit fine. With the shade thing that covers up the area removed you might even be able to get him in there with the seats up. I might try, or have to do that someday since I have two car seats in there mostly full time. Like everyone else said watch the rake of the hatch when closing it.

I'll try to get some pictures of him when he's in there for reference. I've still got much dogproofing to do because I know he's going to claw the hell out of the bumper, plastic trim, and whatever else.

Brand · 05-06-2008, 12:55 PM

I've got a year-old female GSD, around 75lbs, that rides ~50 miles in the car with me every day. She rides in the hatch with the back seats folded down. She has plenty of space, although I don't think she is as tall as your dog. I can even pack her kennel and her in the car at the same time and she has room to sit or lie down.

Gorgeous dog by the way

Jasper007 · 05-06-2008, 06:18 PM

I measured my back area of the jeep.

Side to side, it's 36 inches (basically between the wheel wells).

front (back of front seats to back of rear door)-35 inches.

Height 43 inches.

Jack

STI 08 · 05-06-2008, 06:33 PM

i think he should fit just fine.
lucky dog btw, gets to go to the park everyday! i used to take my lab to the beach once every week or 2 during the summer and i thought that was alot.

**Digitalfiend** · 05-06-2008, 06:45 PM

I have a yellow lab that is about 70lbs and thought of putting him back there as well. It would probably be slightly tight for him, mainly due to the slope of the back window and the tilt of the rear seats. With the seats down, I could fit about 4 of him back there.

I was able to transport a 4ft by 5 1/2ft Fat Albert spruce from the nursery with the seats down and had no issues.

As I said, tomorrow I'll get you a picture of my dog in there just for reference (plus I'm curious

)

Jasper007 · 05-06-2008, 06:59 PM

Thanks everyone,

I really do appreciate all the help everyone has offered

Jack

hairlesswookiee · 05-07-2008, 12:34 AM

she likes to ride in the backseat so she can hang her head out the window.

**Digitalfiend** · 05-07-2008, 04:02 PM

Sorry it took so long but here you go...70lb Lab in the back:

Video:
http://www.digitalfiends.com/downloa...BeauInBack.wmv

It's do-able for my dog BUT I would feel more comfortable putting the seats down. Not as safe for either of us, but it's a little cramped back there, mainly because of the way the seats tilt back and the slope of the hatch. Floor room is perfectly fine.

The other thing to consider is that the trunk is not considered part of the passenger compartment, so it is effectively a crumple zone. I'd rather have my dog in the back seat because at least that way in a rear end collision he'd be somewhat protected.

Jasper007 · 05-07-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digitalfiend

Sorry it took so long but here you go...70lb Lab in the back:

Video:
http://www.digitalfiends.com/downloa...BeauInBack.wmv

It's do-able for my dog BUT I would feel more comfortable putting the seats down. Not as safe for either of us, but it's a little cramped back there, mainly because of the way the seats tilt back and the slope of the hatch. Floor room is perfectly fine.

The other thing to consider is that the trunk is not considered part of the passenger compartment, so it is effectively a crumple zone. I'd rather have my dog in the back seat because at least that way in a rear end collision he'd be somewhat protected.

Thank you very much, I appreciate you taking the time to do that for me

Yes, with the seats down (if they were), more room. But I do agree about your assesment in regards to having your dog placed in the back seat (safer like you mention)

Thanks again.

BTW, your Lab in very nice looking, looks like your pup is in really good shape, plus I love the shape of his/her head.

Jack

05-06-2008, 10:58 AM	#1
Jasper007 Amateur STI Driver Fav Mod: Coming Soon Posts: 14 Join Date: May 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Question about hatch/trunks space in STI I am going to buy an STI this fall, or order for the 09 year. I saw the specs in regards to dimensions from the prospective buyer thread (think that was area I located). Anyways, I have a German Shepherd in the 100lb range that i take to the park on a daily basis. I was curious if anyone else transports a larger size dog in the hatch area (and do they fit) or do you just put them in the back seat? If anyone does this, and has pictures, that would be great Or, if you have pictures with the trunk loaded with stuff, I would like to see (just trying to get some mental image of this. Its really important that I can transport him, otherwise I will have to buy the FJ Cruiser my wife wants me to get I love both, however I like the STI just abit more Thanks. Jasper's height at the shoulders is around 29.5 inches. If the area in question is smaller, I am sure he can figure out that lying down will be his only option. I just don't want him packed in there like a sardine. Thanks again. Jack This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

05-06-2008, 11:02 AM	#2
tshrey STI Driver Car: 08 STI Fav Mod: Removing the window sticker Location: Underground Atom Smasher Posts: 233 Join Date: Feb 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI I don't have any pics readily available, but with the back seats folded down he will have plenty of room. Stand up height will be close, I'll measure tonight. To give you an idea of space, I picked up a 46" flatscreen TV with the car and the hatch closed...

05-06-2008, 11:09 AM	#3
supermarkus Spec C Club Car: 08 STi, SSM Location: Edmonds Washington Posts: 1,441 Join Date: Dec 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX and STI has most of the dimensions and measurments you need. The big question is the rake of the back window. It may be too shallow to allow your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably. Your best bet is to hit up a dealership and see if they'll let you test fit the dog.

05-06-2008, 11:38 AM	#4
Joel-STi Amateur STI Driver Car: Silver 08 STi Fav Mod: AP Stage 1 Location: 39.5° N 119.86° W Posts: 39 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI I've got a 90lb Dobe that has gone on long road trips with me. Seems like enough room for her. Usually the less room, the safer the dog. Just gotta be carefully closing the hatch due to the rake of it.

05-06-2008, 11:39 AM	#5
Wales Garage Junior STI Driver Car: 08 OBP STi Fav Mod: Boobies........oh, for a car Boost Location: Hunting DrewBears<3 Posts: 164 Join Date: Nov 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI as long as an animal right activists dosnt see you, you'll be fine. if you are one than your gonna need a smaller dog.

05-06-2008, 12:38 PM	#6
Jasper007 Amateur STI Driver Fav Mod: Coming Soon Posts: 14 Join Date: May 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI Thanks for the replies If worse comes to worse, I could always put him in the back seat, and utilize one of these...(He may have more room in the back seat). These may give you an idea of what he looks like, in size This is Jasper in the back of my Wrangler Cage I built for Jasper A couple pictures of Jasper standing My trip to the park is less then 5 miles in length as well. I was also curious if you could in fact remove the entire back seat? If that would give me even more room, and it would work, I would do it. Thanks again, Jack Last edited by Jasper007 : 05-06-2008 at 12:48 PM.

05-06-2008, 12:53 PM	#7
G-REX STI Driver Car: 08 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: AP Stage 2 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 293 Join Date: Oct 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI One of the primary reasons for getting the 08 STi was so I could get my 120ish pound German Shepherd in there to take to the park/vet, etc. Got divorced so I lost the family SUV and I knew there wasn't a way to get him around comfortably in an 05 STi. Haven't put him in there yet, just got the car last week, but no question about it with the seats down he'll fit fine. With the shade thing that covers up the area removed you might even be able to get him in there with the seats up. I might try, or have to do that someday since I have two car seats in there mostly full time. Like everyone else said watch the rake of the hatch when closing it. I'll try to get some pictures of him when he's in there for reference. I've still got much dogproofing to do because I know he's going to claw the hell out of the bumper, plastic trim, and whatever else.

05-06-2008, 12:55 PM	#8
Brand STI Driver Car: DGM 08 STI Fav Mod: cobb AP Location: Denver Posts: 297 Join Date: Jan 2008 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI I've got a year-old female GSD, around 75lbs, that rides ~50 miles in the car with me every day. She rides in the hatch with the back seats folded down. She has plenty of space, although I don't think she is as tall as your dog. I can even pack her kennel and her in the car at the same time and she has room to sit or lie down. Gorgeous dog by the way

05-06-2008, 06:18 PM	#9
Jasper007 Amateur STI Driver Fav Mod: Coming Soon Posts: 14 Join Date: May 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI I measured my back area of the jeep. Side to side, it's 36 inches (basically between the wheel wells). front (back of front seats to back of rear door)-35 inches. Height 43 inches. Jack

05-06-2008, 06:33 PM	#10
STI 08 Junior STI Driver Car: 08 STI Location: CA Posts: 180 Join Date: Apr 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI i think he should fit just fine. lucky dog btw, gets to go to the park everyday! i used to take my lab to the beach once every week or 2 during the summer and i thought that was alot.

05-06-2008, 06:45 PM	#11
Digitalfiend Super Moderator Car: 08 DGM STI Fav Mod: My wife :) Location: Brooklin, Ontario Posts: 5,515 Join Date: Oct 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI I have a yellow lab that is about 70lbs and thought of putting him back there as well. It would probably be slightly tight for him, mainly due to the slope of the back window and the tilt of the rear seats. With the seats down, I could fit about 4 of him back there. I was able to transport a 4ft by 5 1/2ft Fat Albert spruce from the nursery with the seats down and had no issues. As I said, tomorrow I'll get you a picture of my dog in there just for reference (plus I'm curious )

05-06-2008, 06:59 PM	#12
Jasper007 Amateur STI Driver Fav Mod: Coming Soon Posts: 14 Join Date: May 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI Thanks everyone, I really do appreciate all the help everyone has offered Jack

05-07-2008, 12:34 AM	#13
hairlesswookiee Senior STI Driver Car: 2008 WRB STI Fav Mod: Cobb AccessPort Stage 1 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 355 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI she likes to ride in the backseat so she can hang her head out the window.

05-07-2008, 04:02 PM	#14
Digitalfiend Super Moderator Car: 08 DGM STI Fav Mod: My wife :) Location: Brooklin, Ontario Posts: 5,515 Join Date: Oct 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Question about hatch/trunks space in STI Sorry it took so long but here you go...70lb Lab in the back: Video: http://www.digitalfiends.com/downloa...BeauInBack.wmv It's do-able for my dog BUT I would feel more comfortable putting the seats down. Not as safe for either of us, but it's a little cramped back there, mainly because of the way the seats tilt back and the slope of the hatch. Floor room is perfectly fine. The other thing to consider is that the trunk is not considered part of the passenger compartment, so it is effectively a crumple zone. I'd rather have my dog in the back seat because at least that way in a rear end collision he'd be somewhat protected. Last edited by Digitalfiend : 05-07-2008 at 04:14 PM.