Is the SUV Age about over?

[AtlantaBob]

I mean, yeah, there's something to be said for letting people choose what to spend their money on. But then again, the rest of the world still has their right to criticize the (IMO) silly excesses of SOME who drive SUV's.

To me, they are, generally, annoying as anything, and just increase our tendency to drive everywhere, rather than live in a city center, where things are within walking distance. But, like I said, people should be free to make their own choices, and if we think that alternatives are better, we should make them intrinsicly more appealing, rather than relying on government or something to impose a solution on them. (Yikes, that's getting way too close to P&N).

On another note, is anyone else disturbed by the number of DVD/TV's in vehicles (mostly SUV's) these days? I mean, I like gadgets too, but lulling the kids off to sleep with a Barney tape seems to be taking the cheater's way out--not forging character like those of us who had to go on family vacations armed only with the car tag bingo game.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
I sure as fsck hope so.

I know you love your VW bus & all, but I would never put my family in one...

Take a folding chair out to your driveway and have a friend drive his car into your knees. That'll give you an idea of what it will feel like to have a front-end crash in an old VW bus. The engine's in the back. And you sit so far up front in that vehicle that your knees basically ARE the front bumpers. Not literally, but pretty close.

Text

 

[complacent]

I think it is far mor dangerous having some little a$$hole in a honda civic doing 95 m.p.h. weaving in and out of traffic than it is having a *large* SUV. There are standards these vehicles need to live up to, and the "blind spot" argument doesn't work. Neither does gass guzzling. A Ford Lightning gets no better gas mileage than an SUV. Hell, most trucks get less gas mileage than SUV's.

As far as dings and nicks and scrapes, people with nice SUV's (I know I do this) tend to be more careful with their vehicles. It is the idiot driving the $hitheap VW bus that throws open his doors, banging your car because he won't be able to tell if a little rust on his is missing.

As far as using gas...if that is your concern, we need to ban idiot redneck sports like NASCAR.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: complacent

As far as using gas...if that is your concern, we need to ban idiot redneck sports like NASCAR.

DONE!
good point also...

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: DurocShark
I sure as fsck hope so.

I know you love your VW bus & all, but I would never put my family in one...

Take a folding chair out to your driveway and have a friend drive his car into your knees. That'll give you an idea of what it will feel like to have a front-end crash in an old VW bus. The engine's in the back. And you sit so far up front in that vehicle that your knees basically ARE the front bumpers. Not literally, but pretty close.

Text

Right, and Tom and Ray are SOOOOO reliable as sources. :roll:

And that crushed bus... You really think a different car would have survived better in that kind of wreck?

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
I sure as fsck hope so.

Edit - On a side note, there are some hybrid SUVs on the road now. I saw one parked at the Sam's Club a few weeks back.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: DurocShark

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: DurocShark
I sure as fsck hope so.

I know you love your VW bus & all, but I would never put my family in one...

Take a folding chair out to your driveway and have a friend drive his car into your knees. That'll give you an idea of what it will feel like to have a front-end crash in an old VW bus. The engine's in the back. And you sit so far up front in that vehicle that your knees basically ARE the front bumpers. Not literally, but pretty close.

Text

Right, and Tom and Ray are SOOOOO reliable as sources. :roll:

And that crushed bus... You really think a different car would have survived better in that kind of wreck?

I have an offer for you, both of us do 40 mph & we'll do an offset crash, but I get to drive this: Truck

If your legs are crushed, you pay me $10, if not, I'll pay you $10.

Better yet, put one of your children in the front passenger seat.

Does your bus even have shoulder belts?

I've cranked out a couple hundred miles in a VW bus, they're too light to safely driven during high winds, and they have virtually no protection during a crash.

I would feel fairly irresponsible putting my family in one and driving on public roads.

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: complacent
I think it is far mor dangerous having some little a$$hole in a honda civic doing 95 m.p.h. weaving in and out of traffic than it is having a *large* SUV. There are standards these vehicles need to live up to, and the "blind spot" argument doesn't work. Neither does gass guzzling. A Ford Lightning gets no better gas mileage than an SUV. Hell, most trucks get less gas mileage than SUV's.

As far as dings and nicks and scrapes, people with nice SUV's (I know I do this) tend to be more careful with their vehicles. It is the idiot driving the $hitheap VW bus that throws open his doors, banging your car because he won't be able to tell if a little rust on his is missing.

As far as using gas...if that is your concern, we need to ban idiot redneck sports like NASCAR.

coughcoughblowmecoughcough

My "$hitheap" has more style than anything made in the past few decades. Even cars like the Prowler and PTCruiser are either cute&common or substitutes for penis size or hair loss.

The VW Bus is unassuming, unique, and still cool.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Dopefiend

Originally posted by: aircooled
what model is it?? the link just gives me this:

Sorry, your session may have expired. Please click on 'Return to www.renault.co.uk' to return to our home page.
Renault Home

Oh, sorry
Renault Scenic DCi 100 (diesel, 100bhp, 1.5litre with a socking great turbo).

I almost rented one of these when I was in Spain last month...but ended up renting some Open mini van instead as we had 4 people and a decent amount of luggage (damn woman...if it had just been me and my buddy we would have rented a little sports car). I think the Opel was the Zafira...nothing all that special.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: DurocShark


The VW Bus is a death trap.

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: complacent
I think it is far mor dangerous having some little a$$hole in a honda civic doing 95 m.p.h. weaving in and out of traffic than it is having a *large* SUV. There are standards these vehicles need to live up to, and the "blind spot" argument doesn't work. Neither does gass guzzling. A Ford Lightning gets no better gas mileage than an SUV. Hell, most trucks get less gas mileage than SUV's.

Believe it or not, the Honda Civic going 95mph will do much less damage than the Excursion going 70mph.
And Ford Lightning's are just as bad, true. If trucks are used to haul stuff, sure, but there's no excuse for the Lightning.

Originally posted by: DougK62
Why do so many Jeep drivers seem to hate the Hummer? Sounds like someone is a little jealous...

one of these days I will find the first person to equate hatred with jealousy, and kick the crap out of them.

"Man, I hate murderers"
"You're just jealous"

^---SEE HOW STUPID THAT SOUNDS?? STOP DOING IT!

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: DurocShark

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: DurocShark
I sure as fsck hope so.

I know you love your VW bus & all, but I would never put my family in one...

Take a folding chair out to your driveway and have a friend drive his car into your knees. That'll give you an idea of what it will feel like to have a front-end crash in an old VW bus. The engine's in the back. And you sit so far up front in that vehicle that your knees basically ARE the front bumpers. Not literally, but pretty close.

Text

Right, and Tom and Ray are SOOOOO reliable as sources. :roll:

And that crushed bus... You really think a different car would have survived better in that kind of wreck?

I have an offer for you, both of us do 40 mph & we'll do an offset crash, but I get to drive this: Truck

If your legs are crushed, you pay me $10, if not, I'll pay you $10.

Better yet, put one of your children in the front passenger seat.

Does your bus even have shoulder belts?

I've cranked out a couple hundred miles in a VW bus, they're too light to safely driven during high winds, and they have virtually no protection during a crash.

I would feel fairly irresponsible putting my family in one and driving on public roads.

Now you're talking apples and oranges. The picture of the wrecked bus and a 40mph offset crash have nothing to do with each other.

I have seen firsthand bus accidents. I'm not terribly concerned. It would have to be a truly catastrophic accident to do any serious harm. And yes, I *DO* have shoulder belts. Also, you're comparing a $15-20k vehicle to a $700 vehicle.

Irresponsible? Well, every time we walk out the door we take our lives in our hands. I don't feel irresponsible. I just choose to spend my money on other things. I had a new truck for a while. The $300 monthly payment and higher insurance was rediculous.

 

[DurocShark]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose

Originally posted by: DurocShark


The VW Bus is a death trap.

That's great. Thanks.

:roll:

 

[Shawn]

I sure hope so.

 

[captains]

booooooooo hooooooooooo

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: packmule
Does anyone else think that the end of the large SUV's are about over? I know that they have to be the most un-practicle vehicles made as far as fuel efficiency and just around town driving yet it seems that every soccer mom has a Suburban or Expidition trying to find a place to park at the grocery store.

Actually they are about the most practical vehicle made as far as convenience and versatility. Around here in Pennsylvania they are also a life saver when it comes to driving on treacherous roads during winter. Not everyone has the luxury of taking a train or riding a bike to work.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: DurocShark

Now you're talking apples and oranges. The picture of the wrecked bus and a 40mph offset crash have nothing to do with each other.

I have seen firsthand bus accidents. I'm not terribly concerned. It would have to be a truly catastrophic accident to do any serious harm. And yes, I *DO* have shoulder belts. Also, you're comparing a $15-20k vehicle to a $700 vehicle.

Irresponsible? Well, every time we walk out the door we take our lives in our hands. I don't feel irresponsible. I just choose to spend my money on other things. I had a new truck for a while. The $300 monthly payment and higher insurance was rediculous.

I've been in too many accidents that were entirely someone else's fault, if I'd been in a VW bus I'd have been crippled for life in each of them.

You could own a more crashworthy vehicle for much less than $15-20K.

The apples & oranges analogy doesn't hold up when you consider both vehicles are allowed on public roads.

I'd drive a Corbin Sparrow if I didn't have to worry about what the other guy was driving.

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
I almost rented one of these when I was in Spain last month...but ended up renting some Open mini van instead as we had 4 people and a decent amount of luggage (damn woman...if it had just been me and my buddy we would have rented a little sports car). I think the Opel was the Zafira...nothing all that special.

Ugh, don't even get me started on Vauxhall cars ("Opel" outside of the UK). Plasticy, nasty, underpowered little heaps of donkey crap.

I had a Vauxhall Meriva as a loan car when mine was last in the garage, and it was horrible.

 

[JDub02]

gotta love the mass generalizations ... I drive a full size truck. I've never wrecked into anyone or caused an accident. I don't drive in 2 lanes or take 2 parking spots. I don't have large blind spots because I adjust my mirrors correctly. SUV's serve a purpose, especially up here in the northeast. If a large truck doesn't suit you, fine. It suits me, though and I'll keep driving them.

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
When they can't see the cars around them and can't drive a large vehicle and can't park for sh!t, then it *IS* of concern to me.

Then bash the drivers, not the cars.

When I had my van I could see MUCH better sitting higher. Now I have a much smaller economic car and everywhere I look is a blindspot.

What is your opinion on charging extra large passengers for two seats on airplanes? I wonder if the same people that bash SUV owners are for or against the fairness to overweight passengers.

 

[complacent]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: complacent
I think it is far mor dangerous having some little a$$hole in a honda civic doing 95 m.p.h. weaving in and out of traffic than it is having a *large* SUV. There are standards these vehicles need to live up to, and the "blind spot" argument doesn't work. Neither does gass guzzling. A Ford Lightning gets no better gas mileage than an SUV. Hell, most trucks get less gas mileage than SUV's.

Believe it or not, the Honda Civic going 95mph will do much less damage than the Excursion going 70mph.
And Ford Lightning's are just as bad, true. If trucks are used to haul stuff, sure, but there's no excuse for the Lightning.

I am not saying that it won't do less damage; I understand the physics. You completey missed the point. I drive a 6,200 pound SUV. It gets about 20 mpg highway, and is a few feet longer than your average car. I do not have the luxury of zipping in and out of traffic. I prize my vehicle and don't drive it recklessly. I asserted that people with small sports cars are more likely to drive dangerously than those in an Excursion. Sure, I would rather get hit by a small car doing 100 than an excursion doing 70, but then again, I am more likely to get hit by the sports car.

As far as "no point to a Lightning," the point is that it is fast, a "Corvette killer" as it were. Why does a Civic need to do 100+ mph? Why not limit every vehicle to a top speed of 65? We should also take out anything that adds weights, such as the radio, air conditioner, center console, cup holders and antenna. That way, less damage upon impact...
There is a point to every vehicle. When it comes down to it, there is no reason for a lot of the crap we have on/in our cars. It is about luxury. If I spend 2 hours commuting to work EVERY DAY, I will drive whatever I damn well please. If you want to be altruistic, ride a bike.

 

[Icepick]

Originally posted by: SagaLore

Originally posted by: packmule
Does anyone else think that the end of the large SUV's are about over? I know that they have to be the most un-practicle vehicles made as far as fuel efficiency and just around town driving yet it seems that every soccer mom has a Suburban or Expidition trying to find a place to park at the grocery store.

Actually they are about the most practical vehicle made as far as convenience and versatility. Around here in Pennsylvania they are also a life saver when it comes to driving on treacherous roads during winter. Not everyone has the luxury of taking a train or riding a bike to work.

BS about SUV's being better than anything else in winter driving. I'm in upstate New York. Around here, the first vehicles off the road in EVERY snowstorm are always SUV's. I don't know if it's because they give people a false sense of security or if their owners just tend to be bad drivers.

It'll be nice when the SUV fad finally wears off. And that's all it is, a fad. The majority of people purchase them for status symbols. Most people have no use for the cargo capacity they provide.

 

[alent1234]

people who say SUV's aren't for city driving have obviously never driven in NYC. The roads are so bad that I've had smoother rides out on field exercises while in the army.

 

[SuperTool]

It is past its peak. The SUV image is fast approaching the big station wagon image of the 1970s. SUV does not have offroad rugged image anymore. SUV = soccer mom. And with the image gone, many of the reasons for getting an SUV over a station wagon or minivan are also gone.
High performance sedans and sports cars are back as the symbol of coolness

 

[jammur21]

The scary thing about big SUVs going out of vogue is that all the new high school kid drivers will be buying them as trade-ins begin to pile up in used car lots.