Question:
What kind of transportaion do you favor? (We'll get into the reasons later!)

Choices:
SUV - because they're cool and/or safe
car - because they get better gas mileage
truck - becuase i haul a lot of stuff around
bike/scooter - because everything I need is close enough for me not to need a vehicle
hybrid - because I have the resources (i.e. money!!) to demonstrate my concern for the environment

 

quote:

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Originally posted by Maya:
I agree on your point about driving a SUV.

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Thanks for the support. I really do appreciate it (criticism too, but support encourages to post more on this site because I feel like I'm actually doing something)

On to my next objection to SUV's...
Sometimes they are purchased because of their seating or loadiing capacity, or because of their ability to conquer rough terrain than cars. Seating capacity; as I stated about my friend, many SUV's seat only about five passengers therefore seating must not be a prime concern. But for those that do provide more seating they do not provide more than a van would (which I don't think has as much a likelihood of rolling as an SUV as it is not as top heavy). Loading capacity should only be a concern for those who ferry things on a frequent basis. For those who do so infrequently, having a small trailer would be a more practical (if nothing else because of the financial considerations) option. For those who haul stuff around a lot of the time, those are the people with whom I suppose I am willing to make an exception. Of course a truck has more loading capacity but if you live in a place which is damper than most I suppose you might want to invest in an SUV. But, I do not think (based upon my own observations) that the majority of the people who drive SUVs do so for this reason, therefore they are still subject to my scrutinization.
Many times SUV commercials stress their all-terraiin capabilities. But of course this is impractical for city driving. What good does it do someone to drive a car that can go off-road if the closest you get to nature is a neighborhood park? Country people sometimes do have to worry about steep hills and rough terrain and therefore do worry about owning vehicles which can handle the conditions, however, most of these steep hills are navigated by usage of narrow winding roads. Most of the country roads I've been on are at least narrow if nothing else. This creates a problem as winding roads are harder to navigate with large vehicles and frequently there is traffic going both ways. Where a small car might do fine, a big SUV might have a problem with maneurvering around another vehicle.

I agree on your point about driving a SUV.

quote:

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Originally posted by ICELAND:
Here's something about cars: I don't have one. I'm poor and I'm spending all my money on a trip to Brazil.

http://www.reviewsontheside.com/reviews/images/amores_perros.jpg http://www.alligator.org/edit/issues/98-fall/980910/b10crash.jpg http://www.rambocam.com/huntly1V.JPG http://www.rambocam.com/meremere1V.JPG

This is a terrible topic. Get a horse.

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Yay, finally, a reply!!! Totally agree, I started a dumb topic, it was not meant as a superficial discussion or glorification of these vehicles. I was really rather inclined to vent about my feelings about the ridiculousness of choosing to drive and SUV. The statement of my topic was misleading and I apologize. However, I suppose I will just see where this goes.
I would like to stress that I am not ignorant about the horrors of car accidents. My ex-boyfriend died in one so please don't presume that I am ignorant as to the tragedies which accompany driving.
However, as I'm certain you realize, a horse as a singular mode of transport would be impractical in today's society. Perhaps if I lived on a farm and could therefore be self-sufficient this would be a viable option. But unfortunately, I live in an area where cars are pretty much the transportation you get (no widespread public transit where I live). Cars are an inevitable aspect of many people's lives. Therefore, one must do what one can to minimize the risks.
(Incidentally, I do have a horse but I do not ride it around the city)

Here's something about cars: I don't have one. I'm poor and I'm spending all my money on a trip to Brazil.



This is a terrible topic. Get a horse.

This is so awesome, I'm responding to myself. But it seems that my brilliant post was taken as a superficial inquisition. Really I just wanted an opportunity to express my views on SUVs. Since no one's listening anyways, I might as well vent and see where it goes...
My best friend drives a mid-size SUV (a Jimmy). It has a seating capacity of five, but most of the time she just drives it alone or with her sister. Indeed, it seems that a trend is developing for commuters (well, really the general populace) to rely upon SUVs as a mode of transportation. While I have no business telling my best friend to dump her car I do have an obligation to illustrate my views on the matter in an attempt to enlighten (whether or not I will succeed remains to be seen).
First; my overriding objection to SUVs is that they are gas guzzlers. With oil prices on the rise and ominous warnings about the development of an oil shortage in the future, it is senseless to waste nonrenewable resources. Although there is are explorations of alternate sources of energy being conducted, there is no evidence as to how quickly we will find the answer, and if this will coincide with the limits of our oil reserves. I realize that it is unrealistic to expect a halt of all consumption of natural resources, but I think there are steps that all individuals can take to minimize the consumption.
Well, I'll continue with my points later (if only for my own benefit).
Stupid thread. Oh well, I guess I'd better make the most of the space.

Ooops, let me qualify my question: I am not asking what car you do drive, what car WOULD you drive? There we go.