Why so much hatred for 4x4's & SUV's?

Tozer

MrsE wrote: »

Exactly.

I personally don't like sports cars for me, I personally think with a 70 mph speed limit then whats the point in owning one, BUT the same could be said of my 4x4 that doesn't go off road:D

If its passed its road tests & it legal to drive, taxed, insured & MOTed & paid for by the person driving it to suit them, then surely its up to each of us what we choose.

I think people who gamble/drink/smoke waste their money, they prob think a 4x4 is a waste of petrol money (I tend to visit the petrol garage more than my last little car:rolleyes: ), but the point is, IT'S MY MONEY, I EARNED IT, ITS NOT A DSS CAR, surely its up to me to choose the car & model I like.

The last person that tried to tell everyone what sort of car they could have was Hitler with the old VW Beetles:rolleyes:

I have to disagree with the "whats the point of a sports car if the limit is 70" field of thought. Top speed is not an issue for me. Its all about handling, acceleration and general performance.

Totally agree with your views on freedom of choice.

The one thing I would say - and I am not saying this to inflame - is that 4x4 drivers often seem to have poor driving skills - perhaps brought on by a feeling of protection. It is really noticeable when driving a low-down car. Motorbike and bicycle riders say the same.

moonrakerz

babydaisy wrote: »

We have a 4 x 4 ...........we tow a caravan ............ am not sure why we are unpopular members of the community.............. I have to do the school run in the Sorrento

Oh dear, you really don't have much going for you, do you ! :D

LandyAndy

MrsE wrote: »

I've adjusted my typo.

I did see it but didn't think anyone would be petty enough to pick me up on it.

Actually I think its supposed to be rather bad form to remark on peoples spelling & grammar, unless absolutely relevant to the thread. Which this is not.

Is it?

It shouldn't be.;)

However, I won't point out the grammatical errors in your post:cool: .

cyclonebri1

MrsE wrote: »

Thats what I started this thread for, to get to the real reason.

Size & engine size & gas guzzling just don't cut it. As loads are not huge gaz guzzlers.

Is it some sort of snobbery? Are 4x4 drivers the new chavs, does our society need a victim they can pick on & look down upon?

The truth is there isn't an inherent didlike for 4x4,s

What your thread has achieved is to show that the majority are either stongly in favour or strongly against. I feel I sit in the middle the only gripe I have is that due to thier size when they are used badly they make a bigger mess, whether its parking on the pavements or whatever.

Also don't know if its been mentioned but I understand if you hit something bigger than yourself, say a lorry or a tree, you are possibly going to come of worse than in a typical modern car type car. The passenger safety rating are very low for certain types as I understand it?

netlang

Good on you babydaisy. I too live in Surrey and drag a caravan and horse box around the UK. My daughter teaches horse riding to disabled children so we sometimes have to take a horse to the pupils.

Flying is so much more anti-social but hardly anybody complains about that

When we tow with cars that are too small we get complaints, when we tow with a SUV we get complaints yet caravanning is one of the fastest growing holiday pursuits. Last year I towed with a Mitsubishi Warrior Pickup (during the floods) and people were very appreciative when I helped them out with the truck. Try putting wet carpets in the back of a saloon/estate car. This year I have a CRV (which is really an estate car on steroids) but I too have got the odd note from ill informed people just getting on the green bandwagon. I do not fly, I recycle, compost organic waste, cycle when I can (mainly to keep fit), do not use supermarkets unless absolutely necessary (farm shops selling local produce are preferred), I even shop for a couple of elderly neighbours so that takes a couple of journeys per week each off the road, I work from home 3 days a week and I drive around 10000 miles per year so even in a SUV this is much greener than doing 20K in a Mondeo up and down the motorway adding to congestion. I feel I am doing my bit.

If climate panic is coming then perhaps we do all need 4 x 4 to get around in the future. The Police and Highways people patrol the motorway in 4 x 4's so what’s the problem? Some SUV's are now more economical than many cars I noted the Freelander now does over 40MPG - it is all about freedom of choice.

I just wish people would stop knocking the 4x4 as it has its place in society. Two seater cars or electric cars with their high pollution costs in the manufacture process do not seem to be classed as environmentally unfriendly. When I no longer require a SUV/4x4 I will get something else but until that time enjoy :beer:

MrsE_2

LandyAndy wrote: »

Is it?

It shouldn't be.;)

However, I won't point out the grammatical errors in your post:cool: .

As I said, pedantic & rude:rolleyes:

Proves not all 4x4 drivers are nice!

wolvoman

What a silly debate. Not calling anyone here silly, just the whole thing about 4x4s.

I mean what is a 4x4? A Fiat Panda 4x4? What about a Land Rover when it's set in 2-wheel drive mode? Or a 2-seat Porsche 911 Turbo that comes as standard with 4 wheel drive?

I can't help but feel that many of those who claim to be against 4x4s often also reveal they don't like powerful sports cars, or expensive luxury saloons either - which tends to reinforce the view that this has nothing to do with the environment or safety but is little more than the green-eyed monster shouting.

As to the question of whether anyone needs a 4x4 in a town or city? So what? I didn't realise we lived in a country with so little freedom that we have to now declare some kind of desperate need or national importance to every decision we take to buy something. Anyone who thinks that needing something is a pre-requisite to having something is either a hypocrite or a fool - and possibly both.

Inactive

MrsE wrote: »

What proctects them & their families.

Speaks volumes, stuff any other poor sod that they mow down.:rolleyes:

Anyway, whatever form of petty defence that you may put up, you will still be seen by the majority of other road users as the Chavs of the road.

Now mind you don't get your wheels dirty.. :rotfl:

Tozer

Inactive wrote: »

Speaks volumes, stuff any other poor sod that they mow down.:rolleyes:

Anyway, whatever form of petty defence that you may put up, you will still be seen by the majority of other road users as the Chavs of the road.

Now mind you don't get your wheels dirty.. :rotfl:

I don't think thats fair at all. Where has the poster said "stuff any other poor sod that they mow down" or anything like it?

Calling someone a chav by reason of the car they drive is offensive and doesn't take the debate any further forward. Suggest you tone down your comments or post elsewhere.

LandyAndy

MrsE wrote: »

As I said, pedantic & rude:rolleyes:

Proves not all 4x4 drivers are nice!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

You missed a full stop.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: