Why I don't drive a 4x4
I once went to pick up a hire car at an airport in the USA, and the bloke behind the desk asked me (as they do) if I wanted to upgrade because they had a special deal on. Instead of the standard car I'd booked, they had a special deal on SUVs (it was actually a good deal - an extra few dollars a day) and I could upgrade right now.

"No thanks", I replied. "I don't like SUVs".

"You don't like SUVs?" replied the Alamo man. "Gee, you're the first person I've ever met who's said that".

But it's true. I don't. I hate that high up driving position that everyone else seems to love. It seems to take away from the feeling of control in bends, and as such makes me feel less safe. I don't like the way they bounce around, and I'm always disappointed at the lack of interior space in such a big vehicle. Also, as a stereotypical Scot, the higher fuel consumption pisses me off.

So why is it that they're so popular? Is it just fashion? Or arrogance? Or what? I need to know.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 12:32, 10 replies)

Men like the perceived position of power
Women like the perceived position of safety.

That's why absolutely anyone who drives one does so like a grade A cunt.
( Kroney, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 12:34, closed)

No all 4x4 drivers are like that
I find it's the ones in pickups, or the larger 4x4's.

My wife's got a Hyundai Tuscon for towing the horsebox. We both drive it like it's a car. It's nice sometimes to be higher up because it's such a contrast to my Cooper S. Softer ride and sometimes even more economical.

You want to watch out for the ones without a tow bar (they've got a big car just for the sake of it) or the builders, who we all know don't care about your life or anyone elses.
(Kliper Filllets Getting noticed by twats on the internet since, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 12:49, closed)

i must admit
i'd have agreed with you on this up till last saturday when i got a lift in a 10plate Range Rover Vogue. It was like sitting in my lounge. Well lush but for the money i suppose it should be.
(Kip, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 14:41, closed)

Yes, but that's getting a lift
I want to enjoy driving too.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 16:54, closed)

yeah
suppose so, will ask to have a drive l8r and see what all the fuss is about.
(Kip, Wed 28 Apr 2010, 8:18, closed)

Its a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

( lion-cake Bad lion-cake, bad., Tue 27 Apr 2010, 14:45, closed)

I use mine for towing
and seating seven people in at times. 4 of which are my offspring, so I think that issue isn't a problem. More like being awake long enough to make use of it....
For days out with friends and family, the old 12 seater comes out.

Vehicles are a tool, and IMHO I use the most appropriate tool for the job. If I was single I'd be driving something a lot smaller
(Sir Tainley Barking Ezekiel 23:20, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 14:53, closed)

I work in Shenfield
It's full of women that "do lunch", in very shiny Range Rovers with no tow bars. Most of them can barely see over the steering wheel, and I've lost count of the number of times I've nearly been run over as they shoot off their drive on the way to school.

I think you can spot who's using them for practical purposes or for status. Glad you're in the former camp.
(Kliper Filllets Getting noticed by twats on the internet since, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 15:42, closed)

The driving position...
I drive an ordinary car - and one thing that pisses me off is when I get stuck behind a "tall" vehicle. That means I can't see ahead: just the big fat arse of the car in front.

I never particularly thought about owning a 4x4 - but I suppose the one advantage for me would be the elevated driving position, meaning that if I were behind another 4x4 then I COULD see in front of it.

Of course, then I might get other similarly pissed-off drivers of normal cars behind me... hehe.

If only everyone's car was the same height. Then there'd be no problem.

Apart from the lorries...grr.
(EuroSong I love horse meat: best of all the animals, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 18:58, closed)

salad dodgers.
Simple. It's so they can fit all their fat fuckin kids in.
(wheelspanner is cleaning the dead flies off his helmit on, Tue 27 Apr 2010, 22:34, closed)