How many of you drive SUV's?

Glowing

From that other thread 'Owning an SUV means .....", there seems to be a lot of SUV haters around. How many of you drive an SUV for non-work purposes?

I for one, detest the things - I think they're completely unnecessary for 90% of the owners, and it seems they are only a status symbol. (I particularly have a problem with 'ladies who lunch' driving their darling Lorcan to school in an oversized BMW 4x4, and nearly knocking me off my bike in the mean time). I can understand the 'oh its safer for me and my family' argument, but unfortunately, that means it's a lot less safe for the rest of us.

Don't throw the 'begrudger or you're only jealous' argument at me, because I could afford one if I was stupid enough to blow my savings on one.

So... how many of you are out there?

super_furry

I see an SUV and I automatically think 'twat'. Might be unfair on the 5% that actually need one, but not so much the rest.

tech77

Whatever about anything else, i do notice they make up a fair percentage of the speeders/tailgaters on our roads (in my experience anyway).
I would presume partly stemming from a feeling of invincibility even if involved a collision. :rolleyes:
So can't say i like them.

ScumLord

There's allot of suv drivers out here in the country but they make proper use out of them I suppose. If an suv has a hitch on the back of it I wouldn't begrudge them the vehicle but no one living in a city needs a 4x4 for any reason. And it's not exactly right that the people who do actually need them get taxed to the eye balls because of inner city dick heads who just want a status symbol.

A quick and easy solution would be to ban suvs with back seats. That would target the snobs who misuse the vehicle.

biko

I have a normal car but would buy an SUV if I needed one, to carry sheep or such. And then an old Defender, so I don't get confused with soccer mums.

Jay P

I saw a funny ad actually the other day, just highlighting the change in suvs. It was for a VW I think, and the ad went something like this:

The new VW *insert name* SUV
BElongs in the city.

I mean, is this not a paradox?

the GALL

I got one for the wife she drives over 200km a day to and from work the n11 route (she's not in the city we dont have kids) we also use it going camping bringing the mountain bikes out on the weekends etc etc so we do use it and give it a bit of stick.I dont give a fiddelers what people think and if I did see someone key it, I would defend my property in a violent manner, But buying one to drive 'lorcan' to school and to drive up to the shop to get the milk and parking/driving it without consideration for other road users it totally wrong the same if you drove a mini or a fiesta(not that theres anything wrong with a mini or fiesta). A p**** is a p**** no matter what they drive.

Wook

SuV's with slick tyres....

hate the bloody things, they make it unsafe for me to drive on the road, blocking my views.

Burn the things

the dee

I don't drive but my dad has a multi-person vehicle. It's very big. But he has 4 step-children, one baby, his mother and myself and my brother and sister that regularly need to be taken places. Not all at the same time but the car is usually full except when he's driving it to and from work.

People probably see him alone in there and think he doesn't need it, but he definitely does.

Andy-Pandy

Yep, i do and i love it, its for work though, and is a comercial.

kaimera

I drive a 6.6L H1 Hummer. I it.

Does that count?

Rb

Sit outside Alexandra secondary school around the time that school finishes up and you'll see all the mummys with their Range Rovers and BMW X5s, or alternatively go for a stroll around dundrum town centre car park and you'll see a load of women driving these around and/or doing a fcking shít job of parking it.

It's retarded and they can make all the excuses they want, they're trying to copy the "soccer mom" from the US or look like they've just stepped out of Desperate Housewives. They're pathetic.

On my way to work, on three separate occasions I've had a woman in one of these things almost crash into me. They can't drive, wtf are they doing behind the wheel of such a vehicle. I suppose, from a womans point of view they probably feel it less when they get in one of their little "fender benders".

Degsy

rb_ie wrote: »

Sit outside Alexandra secondary school around the time that school finishes up and you'll see all the mummys with their Range Rovers and BMW X5s, or alternatively go for a stroll around dundrum town centre car park and you'll see a load of women driving these around and/or doing a fcking shít job of parking it.

It's retarded and they can make all the excuses they want, they're trying to copy the "soccer mom" from the US or look like they've just stepped out of Desperate Housewives. They're pathetic.

On my way to work, on three separate occasions I've had a woman in one of these things almost crash into me. They can't drive, wtf are they doing behind the wheel of such a vehicle. I suppose, from a womans point of view they probably feel it less when they get in one of their little "fender benders".

Bunch of idiots.Its not like they have to ford streams to pick the kids up.

Glowing

rb_ie wrote: »

Sit outside Alexandra secondary school around the time that school finishes up and you'll see all the mummys with their Range Rovers and BMW X5s, or alternatively go for a stroll around dundrum town centre car park and you'll see a load of women driving these around and/or doing a fcking shít job of parking it.

It's retarded and they can make all the excuses they want, they're trying to copy the "soccer mom" from the US or look like they've just stepped out of Desperate Housewives. They're pathetic.

On my way to work, on three separate occasions I've had a woman in one of these things almost crash into me. They can't drive, wtf are they doing behind the wheel of such a vehicle. I suppose, from a womans point of view they probably feel it less when they get in one of their little "fender benders".

I live in Dublin 14 and I think thats why I have such a problem with SUV's - they're EVERYWHERE! Jees, its like they have this desperation to fit in and to look rich - I mean I'd love to see a soccer mum drop her kids off in a clapped out '91 Nissan Bluebird. Better still, how about getting off their backsides and WALKING!

Edit: No offence to Nissan Bluebird drivers, in fact, good on ya!

Wertz

Hate HATE being stuck behind 4*4s on the road, especially in slow moving traffic because they block my view of what's happening ahead. You could say vans and lorries do this too, but there's a reason they're on the roads; I can't honestly see the reason why anyone needs one of these in urban environs.
Similarly I hate them behind me, because they're usually tailgating bastards and when they've their lights on, it's blinding because of the height.

Duckjob

As somebody who rates a car more on how well it tackles a twisty road than on how much it costs, I despise them.

They're ugly and a waste of money in my opinion. Still, each to their own I suppose.

ScumLord

Really this new emissions taxing system should have focused on cities. If you live in a built up area and drive an suv you should be taxed more than a farmer that drives an suv out the country. Soccer moms and the like should be targeted.

Glowing

The unfortunate truth is that those who can afford to drive an SUV in the city probably can afford to pay more tax ..... and that would make them look even RICHER! Wow, great!

DaBreno

Lolz. A huge amount of hatred on this for the ol 4*4's. No one will even admit to having one! I wouldnt mind one meself if it was offered to me, I like the look of the Audi Q7. Regarding the Parking, bad driving etc, surely the fault is the people behind the wheel. They sound like idiots no matter what they drive.

ScumLord

DaBreno wrote: »

I wouldnt mind one meself if it was offered to me, I like the look of the Audi Q7.

Someone in town has one of them they're a class looking suv. But it is completely unnecessary an Audi car would more than likely be a much better vehicle all round in every way.

Glowing

Yeah I'd love to drive one cos it looks like fun! (i'll NEVER buy one though)

But I think if you are a bad driver anyway, your bad skills are even more exagerated in an SUV, being more difficult to park, worse visability, physically taking up more of the roadspace etc.

wildsaffy

I love my SUV!!!

His name is Michael (after Collins) and he's a beaut.

Mahatma coat

A) I absolutley 100% need one for work, I tried to drive the 3 Series into the forest about 8 months ago and it cost me an exhaust and a front shock plus a tow truck back to Brisbane

I'll drive whater the hell I want thank you very much

I love my landcruisers, even for nippin round town ( which is why I bought the BMW in the first place) I'll take the cruiser.

Rb

Degsy wrote: »

Bunch of idiots.Its not like they have to ford streams to pick the kids up.

Glowing wrote: »

I live in Dublin 14 and I think thats why I have such a problem with SUV's - they're EVERYWHERE! Jees, its like they have this desperation to fit in and to look rich - I mean I'd love to see a soccer mum drop her kids off in a clapped out '91 Nissan Bluebird. Better still, how about getting off their backsides and WALKING!

Edit: No offence to Nissan Bluebird drivers, in fact, good on ya!

I think not only do they want to look rich (it could well be their husbands company car for all we know), but I think they want to feel like their in charge of the roads by having the biggest car on it(i.e power in their eyes)
, which I guess would make sense because most of them are housewives afterall.

You're right though, they are everywhere.

thebman

I don't mind people owning one as long as they are dirty and have a tow bar. Landcruiser is the right job for someone that needs one for a job.

A lot of the ones on the road can't even handle off road or on road driving very well but people are stupid enough to buy them despite that.

Red Alert

How many people that own them have ever engaged the 4x4 mode?

Mahatma coat

brim4brim wrote: »

I don't mind people owning one as long as they are dirty and have a tow bar. Landcruiser is the right job for someone that needs one for a job.

A lot of the ones on the road can't even handle off road or on road driving very well but people are stupid enough to buy them despite that.

ah yes, the Hyundai Santa Fe - "show the world you know Fu(k all about Cars"

Glowing

Red Alert wrote: »

How many people that own them have ever engaged the 4x4 mode?

Sure they probably have that on all the time - thats an awfully big curb beside Lorcan's school. And sure lets pump some more CO2 into the admosphere while we're at it.

Rb

Glowing wrote: »

Sure they probably have that on all the time - thats an awfully big curb beside Lorcan's school. And sure lets pump some more CO2 into the admosphere while we're at it.

Not to forget those pesky speed bumps they're putting everywhere these days

Dudess

Weren't they specifically designed for harsh terrains?

prendy

what a crap argument...each to their own.
theres alot of stuff out their that mightnt be needed in the world but make peoples life a bit better....

i dont really agree with cheap labour but i dont hate everyone for wearing Nike runners even though they dont run.

fact is SUV's are a very very comfortable method of getting from A2B and thats why most people purchase them.

and no i dont own one.

Glowing

prendy wrote: »

theres alot of stuff out their that mightnt be needed in the world but make peoples life a bit better....

They're certainly not making my life better - quite the opposite in fact.

Dave!

If you're gonna criticise people for pollution from their SUV, then you had better not take an airplane to any holiday destinations this summer.

Technically I drive an SUV, but unfortunately my Ignis gets laughed at by other cars......

wildsaffy

Glowing - its all about you lol

My emissions are lower than most cars - I don't bleat on about high emission cars and what they are doing to my environment.

I work hard and deserve it so bleat elsewhere lol

OllieMac

Glowing wrote: »

From that other thread 'Owning an SUV means .....", there seems to be a lot of SUV haters around. How many of you drive an SUV for non-work purposes?

I for one, detest the things - I think they're completely unnecessary for 90% of the owners, and it seems they are only a status symbol. (I particularly have a problem with 'ladies who lunch' driving their darling Lorcan to school in an oversized BMW 4x4, and nearly knocking me off my bike in the mean time). I can understand the 'oh its safer for me and my family' argument, but unfortunately, that means it's a lot less safe for the rest of us.

Don't throw the 'begrudger or you're only jealous' argument at me, because I could afford one if I was stupid enough to blow my savings on one.

So... how many of you are out there?

Not a big fan of them, but at the same time, the majority of people on bikes are a complete pain in the ass...cycling on the road beside cycle lanes, no lights on bike, weaving in and out of traffic.

Mahatma coat

Dudess wrote: »

Weren't they specifically designed for harsh terrains?

Drive one over harsh terrains, then try the same in a LandCruiser, the Hyundai was designed for tossers who think that size is all that matters, the cruiser was designed for people who need to get places only a 4X4 can go.

I have a 60 Series wagon and a 75 series ute, as of yet I have not encountered a situation either of mine couldn't handle, we had a guy show up in the forest one day in a hyundai, he couldn't even get up the hill out of the paddock

ScumLord

rb_ie wrote: »

I think not only do they want to look rich (it could well be their husbands company car for all we know), but I think they want to feel like their in charge of the roads by having the biggest car on it(i.e power in their eyes)

Vans rule the road (well trucks do but) no one should ever tussle with a van mainly because van drivers more than likely aren't paying the insurance bill so won't be all that put out should you bump into them.

DaveMG wrote:

If you're gonna criticise people for pollution from their SUV, then you had better not take an airplane to any holiday destinations this summer.

True but they're part of the problem and every little helps.

Dudess

What's especially comfortable about them though? You practically need a step-ladder to get into the driver's seat and they're a bitch to park. I really doubt comfort is the driving force (heh heh) behind people who don't need them opting for them.

Dave!

ScumLord wrote: »

True but they're part of the problem and every little helps.

Of course, but I'm just saying that if you have the gaul to criticise someone who's driving an SUV and then take an unnecessary luxury holiday to Australia, then you're a terrible hypocrite.

Mahatma coat

OK the Ute is a bit of a tractor, but the wagon is sublimely comfortable on the road, never had problems parkin one, they have no bigger a footprint than my old Fairlane, no bother to get in or out either, but then I'm 6'1

wildsaffy

Dudess - mine is a joy to drive!:D

Oh I love cars. You could all get a whip round for my next one - the Aston Martin (in Stonaway Grey he he)

Glowing

wildsaffy wrote: »

My emissions are lower than most cars - I don't bleat on about high emission cars and what they are doing to my environment.

Yes, I agree with you there. Its quite possible that your new SUV has lower emissions than my old car. And when we're all taking longhaul flights left, right and center, we can't really fight over relatively small amounts of car/suv emissions. The only solution is to encourage leaving your 'vehicle' behind altogether ... and walking.

But my main gripe is that with their size and presence on the road, combined with bad driving/parking, it can make life difficult for everyone. Harder to see the road in front when you're stuck behind them, and they don't have the same visability either so its much more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians too.

P.S I'm not one of these cyclists who wear black either ... high-vis all the way (and I've still had near-misses with SUV's doing the school run)

Terry

Dudess wrote: »

Weren't they specifically designed for harsh terrains?

No.
They were designed so that people could drive around towns and give the impression that they live in a big country house and not a three bed semi in suburbia.

Mahatma coat wrote: »

Drive one over harsh terrains, then try the same in a LandCruiser, the Hyundai was designed for tossers who think that size is all that matters, the cruiser was designed for people who need to get places only a 4X4 can go.

I have a 60 Series wagon and a 75 series ute, as of yet I have not encountered a situation either of mine couldn't handle, we had a guy show up in the forest one day in a hyundai, he couldn't even get up the hill out of the paddock

I want a ute, just so that I can say I own a ute.

Dudess wrote: »

What's especially comfortable about them though? You practically need a step-ladder to get into the driver's seat and they're a bitch to park. I really doubt comfort is the driving force (heh heh) behind people who don't need them opting for them.

They're comfortable for the fat kids who are not allowed to play on the estate because they might get knocked down by another SUV driver.

wildsaffy wrote: »

Dudess - mine is a joy to drive!:D

Oh I love cars. You could all get a whip round for my next one - the Aston Martin (in Stonaway Grey he he)

We're not giving you any money.
Stop asking.

Dave!

Oh I thought this was about SUVs' emissions!

I have no problem with them in general. In fact I'd love to have a BMW X5, they're gorgeous.

I don't know about you, but I don't buy a car purely on the basis of whether it's "necessary" or not. I don't NEED to drive the car I do. All I need is some transport, and a Nissan Micra would probably serve that purpose for me (just about). I also don't need an iPhone, I could probably still use a Nokia 3210 if I needed to. I don't need to spend X amount on a new pair of jeans or €100+ on a leather jacket; I could just go to Dunnes and get some sh*tty one.

My point, of course, being that we all spend unnecessary money on luxury items when we have that money. If clothes were just a means to an end, then we'd all be wear Dunnes Stores finest. Same with cars really, they're as much fashion items as practical transportation devices. Otherwise all us single folk would be driving those annoying SmartCars.

ScumLord

DaveMcG wrote: »

I don't know about you, but I don't buy a car purely on the basis of whether it's "necessary" or not.

All true and I agree, I love cars the faster the better. That means there also the worst polluters but they're works of engineering brilliance and the world would be a much worse place without them.

But we have to start doing what needs to be done when it comes to cutting down on emissions and making cars economical. We could all be driving trucks to work, they're very safe but that would just be ridiculous.

Having a 4x4 in a city is a complete and utter waste, if you really like driving 4x4s it can be your weekend hobby and done on a course that will really utilise the vehicle.

View Profile

A jez lads your like a bunch of Nazi's!!

I dont have an SUV/4x4 but I would like to have one. I think they look cool. Pathfinder/Navaro are my favourites!
I dont think people should be restricted by others as what vehicle they want to drive.
Its a free country FFS!

We love to go on about all the rich soccer moms driving these polluting machines, clogging up the roads and killing poor cyclists left right and centre. But come on. Is that really the issue??

If I drove a bio-fuel Range Rover people would still be complaining. So its not down to environmental issues per-se. If its the issue of size, well feck it then, lets ban anything bigger than a Micra.

I dont know if people are just Jealous of these drivers or what. It seems so. The lady X5/Q7/Range Rover drivers seem to get the brunt of the abuse. Funnily enough less so than a lady Defender/Hilux driver. Is it because of the prestige associated with the different marques?!

I looked into purchasing such a vehicle but decided otherwise. The ride comfort was a big issue as well as the cost associated with taxing/insuring/fueling one. If I aws wealthy that wouldnt be an issue however. Maybe thats why its the wealthy ones that drive them.

And I hear you speak of the damage these heinous machines inflict upon poor pedestrians. Well first of all, any large metal object hitting you is not a good thing. Whether it be the low slung bumper of a Ferrari or a higher bumper of a Mondeo, they are both going to hurt. The key thing here is dont walk out in front of one!

To be continued...

Glowing

DaveMcG wrote: »

Oh I thought this was about SUVs' emissions!

I have no problem with them in general. In fact I'd love to have a BMW X5, they're gorgeous.

I don't know about you, but I don't buy a car purely on the basis of whether it's "necessary" or not. I don't NEED to drive the car I do. All I need is some transport, and a Nissan Micra would probably serve that purpose for me (just about). I also don't need an iPhone, I could probably still use a Nokia 3210 if I needed to. I don't need to spend X amount on a new pair of jeans or €100+ on a leather jacket; I could just go to Dunnes and get some sh*tty one.

My point, of course, being that we all spend unnecessary money on luxury items when we have that money. If clothes were just a means to an end, then we'd all be wear Dunnes Stores finest. Same with cars really, they're as much fashion items as practical transportation devices. Otherwise all us single folk would be driving those annoying SmartCars.

I take your point Dave - but to consider a car, no matter how nice it looks, to be a fashion accessory is just rediculous and pretentious! (I know thats the way things are unfortunately). This fashion accessory is making life difficult for other road users (unlike your jeans and iPhone!)

Rodney Trotter

There's so much hyperbole about "SUV" s that it's really become a joke.

For a start, I would confidently say that most SUV-haters cannot come up with a definition of what makes an SUV. In Ireland an SUV is nothing like what originally coined the phrase, in the USA. In Ireland we have everything from small Daihatsu, to Large Toyota, and everything in between.

If road safety was a genuine concern for the anti-SUV people, how come we have never heard anything from them about the vans, trucks, busses etc that clog up our roads day and night, all inherintly more dangerous vehicles than any SUV.

If it's the driving behaviour? Why don't they protest with equal vigour about the other dangerous drivers on our roads, whatever they drive?

If it's about function, why don't they protest about all the large cars with empty seats?

If it's about fashion, then why not protest about Lexus, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, all who produce cars that are functionally no better than another manufacturers' offering for much less a price.

If it's about emissions, why don't we hear protests about India, China and USA production of CO2? Ireland's emissions are negligible in term of the global economy and any reduction in Ireland will have ZERO effect on Global climate.
Why don't we have people pushing to reduce the number of flights from Dublin Airport? (A Ryanair jet produces an average of 6 tonnes of CO2 per hour of it's flying time)

Me? I believe in free choice. I believe one should be allowed purchase a vehicle that one likes, and can use. I don't believe and Dublin 4 cyclist, like John Gormley, knows enough about transportation to tell me what I can buy, or drive.

I drive a large NISSAN SUV. I love it. It's practical, functional and safe. It can ride rough-shod over the worst roads in our country, and there are too many of them.

To the knockers? Get a life and run away with your prejudices. The anti-SUV hysteria is pathetic, from jealous idiots, begrudging others what they have.

Just stop and think, would you be prepared to pay the shortfall in VRT if such vehicles were removed from sale? A typical RangeRover contributes €80k in tax to Revenue in it's Purchase Price. Remove that sale and the money will have to come from somewhere.

Femelade

I drive one for work.
Tbh, we do have alot of equipment to drag around, so they are needed.

Petey2006

There is little to no need for an SUV in the city. Sure, country living would be made a whole lot easier with them, but not in the city.

Petey2006

Petey2006 wrote: »

There is little to no need for an SUV in the city. Sure, country living would be made a whole lot easier with them, but not in the city.

That isn't true, there are very few farmers that actually have use for a SUV. Its a vanity thing for most.