MotoringFile Review: Pooch Style Car Mats

C4 Apr 10th, 2008 Link

Aren’t dogs supposed to be belt restrained inside cars?

Ron Michael Apr 10th, 2008 Link

One of the first accessories I bought for my 2007 MCSC was a Pooch Style mat. It’s been great. And the company is fantastic. I had a few issues when I first got it regarding with how well it stayed put and the size, and the company made some changes to their design based on my feedback and sent me a free replacement. And just recently they made some further design changes to help keep the cover in place better when the top is down and the dog is not on it, and they offered to add the modifications to my current cover for free!

And as C4 says, you ABSOLUTELY MUST have your dog buckled in. Without a seatbelt, in an accident or emergency stop s/he will go flying without something to hold them down. They should be as mandatory as baby seats. I personally use and recommend the one sold by Champ K-9. It’s one if not the best on the market. I buckle it right to the child seat latch. One warning - unlike Pooch Style, Champ K-9’s customer service is horrible and slow. But it’s worth the wait. I feel very safe driving around with the top down and the dog in the back.

Johnna Apr 10th, 2008 Link

The Pooch Style mat is not only incredibly functional, the quality of the sewing is very high quality. Juliana and her mom do an amazing job with these mats. I’ve bought many lesser-quality yet higher-priced items at dog boutiques to save my car from MiniMutt damage but nothing can compare to the Pooch Style mats. For the money, I’ll go with Pooch Style!

mike Apr 10th, 2008 Link

+1 Buckle in the pups.

LTL M CPE Apr 10th, 2008 Link

If found out about PoochStyle.com from some NAM postings about a month ago while researching whether the Clubman could work as my dog transport car. I noticed on their site the various options and that cargo area covers were and option with Clubman versions coming soon. I sent an email to inquire about that.
My initial email led to several emails back and forth and a couple phone conversations with Juliana and I soon had a custom cargo cover two weeks before I had a car. I was just floored by the responsiveness and attitude of Juliana. This purchase was probably the best buying experience I have ever had.
The item itself is very well made and the little touches mentioned in the review are a nice surprise in today’s world. I wish the cover was wider right behind the seat, but otherwise it covers the floor very well.

I wholeheartedly reccomend Poochstyle.com.

Jim

02 DS/W MCS
08 HC/S Clubman

Deb Apr 10th, 2008 Link

I just had to say, very cute long-haired dachsie in the photo! Looks like the long-haired version of my sister’s little guy.

I don’t currently own a dog but plan to in the future, so thanks for the review. The Pooch Style mat looks like a very useful product!

Sooby Apr 10th, 2008 Link

I bought a pet sheet cover for my BMW from the dealer, and now used for my MINI cooper. It was a bit oversized, but perfectly fit on MINI. The material is quite durable, and you may taka a look at any BMW dealer.

Lee L Apr 10th, 2008 Link

WRT harnesses. Personally, I have never seen one that would actually keep the dog in place or keep them from moving less than 3 or 4 feet in a collision before a whiplash style stop, so I am not sure it will do much to protect the dog at all. Plus, have any harnesses been crash tested?

Giant breed dogs do fit in Clubmans - Official - MINI2 - MINI Forum Apr 10th, 2008 Link

[...] of a small company that I’ve had friends tell me about - and they make things for the Clubman. MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile Review: Pooch Style Car Mats The owner, Juliana, is very pleasant to deal with and returns emails very quickly. Of course [...]

rkw Apr 10th, 2008 Link

Plus, have any harnesses been crash tested?

You didn’t Google it!

http://www.immioutdoors.com/petbuckle/sledtest.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_yyCS49D6k

emergo Apr 10th, 2008 Link

I just purchased a PoochStyle dog mat, and I love it. They provide friendly, personal service, and I got TWO dog biscuits with my order! :) Seriously, it is a very well constructed and stylish seat cover. The velcro seams allow you to use your seat belts if you like. Excellent workmanship, excellent product.

Kennedy Apr 10th, 2008 Link

Thanks for the review Ken. I think something like this is a great review, if for nothing else to identify a good product that others may not have been aware of.

One additional question for your review: How well does it cover the cargo area if you flip the seats down and use it on the back of the seats?

Marcel Apr 10th, 2008 Link

I purchased one a while back and it’s been great. The design could be further improved by making it more “one seat down” friendly, but the current fit, material and construction are already very good. Very impressive customer service as well.

Fini Apr 10th, 2008 Link

Has anyone compared these to the factory cargo cover? I know they seem to be about as expensive.

Kevin Apr 10th, 2008 Link

Nobody mentioned (perhaps it is too obvious to mention?) how well this cover doubles as a way of protecting the back seat from the harmful effects of children? Children are wonderful treasures, of course, and not harmful terrors, but sometimes their wonderfulness gets out of control. And what about protection from the indentations that kid seats make in MINI upholstery?

DeathCab4QT Apr 10th, 2008 Link

So Ken, 4 outta 5? Downside was?

Pyrrhusmj Apr 11th, 2008 Link

Bought my first poochstyles cover at the dragon last year and loved it. Since then we have purchased a cover for when the seats are down and the boot is exposed (cabrio) and they have held up very well. On top of that my wife decided she wanted one for her Volvo V70, poochstyles designed one for us and my wife never removes the pad. Awesome company and product.

Michael

Roccorocket Apr 12th, 2008 Link

DeathCab4QT Apr 10th, 2008 Link
So Ken, 4 outta 5? Downside was?t

As someone else pointed out it would be nice if it were possible to split the cover when the need to lay one seat down to carry longer items. I was surprised to find this was not an option. With the flexibility of Pooch Style they will probably find a way to offer this type of seat cover.

Kevin Apr 10th, 2008 Link
Nobody mentioned (perhaps it is too obvious to mention?) how well this cover doubles as a way of protecting the back seat from the harmful effects of children? Children are wonderful treasures, of course, and not harmful terrors, but sometimes their wonderfulness gets out of control. And what about protection from the indentations that kid seats make in MINI upholstery?

While writing the review I almost included the idea of using this cover with children in the car. I just could not imagine anyone letting the little ones eat ice cream while driving the twisties. But it did cross my mind. The cover would come in handy with little ones in the back on a long trip.

Kennedy, The cover works just as well with the seats down. My car gets used to haul all kinds of stuff and the cover works fine. I do recommend consulting with Pooch Style to be sure you get a cover that will fit you MINI and your needs.

Coruscation Apr 13th, 2008 Link

Long time readers will remember this product:
http://www.bridger.us/mini/accessories/unreleased&new/pages/A0039721.htm
a rear seat cover for Victor the Cleaner motoring goodfellas.

Aussom Apr 13th, 2008 Link

I have the cargo liner for the R53 - which completely covers the rear seat and cargo area up to and including the rear tailgate, side panels and rear of the front seats. In addition to the dog, I’ve used it for transporting goods without damaging the MINI’s finish. Highly recommended accessory.

Clubman Load Area Cover - MINI2 - MINI Forum Aug 7th, 2008 Link

[...] buy some velcro and a moving blanket? Here’s a review of Poochstyles’ stuff from Motoringfile: MotoringFile � Archive � MotoringFile Review: Pooch Style Car Mats First love: MC CVT Indi Blue/White ‘04 Past MINI: MC CVT PW/Black ‘06 Present MINI: MCa Clubman [...]