and SUVs can kiss my @$$

[SirFshAlot]

and that really offends you, TuffGuy? Why? I seriously don't get it.

 

[Doggiedog]

Skoorb. Get outa here. I had 2 VWs. A used 86 GTI 8V and a new 91 Jetta. I loved both cars but they had the worst reliability out there. They wouldn't start in the winter. Little things would go wrong with them. Like the wipers not working, radio conking out, strange rattling noises, water pump breaking, etc. One time, my Jetta was stalling everytime the RPM went below 1000. At stop lights as I approached I would have to hit the clutch and rev the sucker up then brake or else I would stall.

I know lots of people who have Audis. My boss has the new A6 and constantly has problems with it. Like the windows not closing, lights popping out. He said if he had a choice, he'd get another Acura TL which he has for his wife instead because of the numerous problems. My best friend's older A6 had tons of problems too like the heater not working in winter blowing cold air out (it's very difficult to drive with frosted over windows).

Sure it may be a small sample of cars but you go with what you know. I've got nothing against VWs and Audis. My dream car in college was the VR6 Corrado. I love the VR6 Passats ,Jettas and GTIs and the A4/S4s. I was going to get an A4 but couldn't afford it so I went with a Prelude SH a few years ago.

I guess my definition of reliable pertains to the entire car (rattles, squeeks, things popping off.) When it comes to that VWs and Audis just aren't that reliable.

 

[TuffGuy]

I feel that I had pretty clear justification as to why I purchased the vehicle that I did.

yes you did. i have nothing against SUVs as long as they are used for what they were intended for. but around LA people seem to get them as status symbols.

and that really offends you, TuffGuy? Why? I seriously don't get it.

it doesn't offend me in any way. i just think it's funny.

 

[StageLeft]

doggiedog

Well people say hondas are a good car. I've owned one and it was a lemon. I still trust that they make good cars and I got unlucky, I suppose that if things keep falling off your cars that isn't good. I think most people find that overall their cars are reliable - ie, they keep on going. I suppose that doesn't mean that various parts won't die for no reason tho.

 

[Doggiedog]

Skoorb, you can get 200K out of a lot of vehicles if you put money into and maintain them. I expect to drive a car for 3-4 years then get something else. The reason being you are likely to encounter problems as the vehicle ages. With a relatively new car, I don't want to take some time off work to take the car to the dealer to fix a busted dash light. I just happen to know a lot of guys who have VWs and Audis that have to put up with this. That is why I didn't get the A6 and got a GS300 instead, although the Audi with 4WD was really compelling.

 

[mechBgon]

It's not all-wheel-drive, it doesn't tower over small cars, and you don't see TV ads of it plunging through mud, but this is the car that turns my head: Buick Roadmaster Wagon. Room for 8 passengers, a roof rack, tows trailers, can probably haul eight 17" monitors in their boxes , aerodynamic and relatively fuel-efficient (don't have the precise numbers). Probably difficult to roll one, too.

 

[Doggiedog]

That thing is going to end up with the Oldsmobiles.

 

[SirFshAlot]

TuffGuy,
i have nothing against SUVs as long as they are used for what they were intended for

you have a personal issue with control
people have their own preferences; that is why there are so many different products available
not everyone is going to choose the same product as you, nor should they feel obligated or compelled to
whether they use it for what you expect is also their prerogative
even if they never use it all, but let it just sit in front of their house to show off, so what? They bought it for THEIR "use" (or intention), not yours! Don't be so narcissistic to think that others go out shopping with your needs in mind.

 

[mechBgon]

<That thing is going to end up with the Oldsmobiles.>

Hey, I resemble that remark! I actually have the previous-generation Olds variant of that &quot;bubble wagon.&quot; Both generations are RWD, an interesting departure from the FWD norm. Makes for good towing characteristics.

OT to SirFsh: gave ya a reply to your post here, in case you need a hand with that.

 

[Doggiedog]

You mean resent!

If you resembled Oldsmobiles I'd have to put your picture on Am I Hot or Not

 

[vi edit]

mechBgon, hehe, that beast is twice the length of my garage

 

[Russ]

Mini vans OWN! Particularly old, paid for, never breaks down, very low insurance, Ford Aerostar cargo vans.

Russ, NCNE

 

[TuffGuy]

that wasn't my point. due to their size, SUVs are more difficult/dangerous to drive - to other drivers. my friend had his celica TOTALLED by an expedition that was making an illegal left turn. the only thing damaged on the expedition was the bumper and the grill.

and please, do not call me narcissistic.

 

[mechBgon]

and don't forget fuel economy, Russ. I take it you have one.. what kind of mpg you getting?

 

[Double Trouble]

Sounds like there's a lot of people with some serious class envy. I'm glad I bought a couple of nice big giant road monsters to make sure that if a loved one is in an accident they have the best chance of being ok -- whether they are going to the supermarket or to an offroad rally is not relevant.

 

[Doggiedog]

Tagej, its attitudes like yours that cause this goddam ridiculous SUV arms race.

 

[StageLeft]

doggiedog is right. Its attitudes like that, shove people into larger and larger boxes of metal which means that the less well-off people in society are more likely to get killed when hit by you.

I understand the &quot;watch out for yourself&quot; mentality, but I know for sure that many people in SUV's drive like they own the road, and lets be honest - a soccer mom is far more likely to kill somebody in her SUV than in a civic while talking to her friend about some town gossip on her cell phone.

 

[Doggiedog]

It also doesn't have to be less well off.

What about the poor sap who only drives around a Ford Explorer getting demolished by a goddam Excursion? Maybe next time he'll get a freakin EXT? Then what? A goddam Mack Truck?

 

[TuffGuy]

Sounds like there's a lot of people with some serious class envy.

just backs up my previous comments. talk about shallow...

 

[ChrichtonsGirl]

<< doggiedog is right. Its attitudes like that, shove people into larger and larger boxes of metal which means that the less well-off people in society are more likely to get killed when hit by you.

I understand the &quot;watch out for yourself&quot; mentality, but I know for sure that many people in SUV's drive like they own the road, and lets be honest - a soccer mom is far more likely to kill somebody in her SUV than in a civic while talking to her friend about some town gossip on her cell phone. >>



Thanks, Skoorb - that really is what I was trying to say, abeit not as well. I would never say people can't buy whatever car/truck/SUV/POS they want, but it scares the hell out of me when I'm driving along in my Honda (which I like very much, thank you), and I get nearly run off the road by some oblivous dipstick driving a tank down the center of the road. Really, the lanes are only so frigging wide, and when you get someone who doesn't know how/doesn't care to know how to properly drive/handle one of these monsters, they may be safe, but no one else is. There are undoubtedly TONS of SUV owners who do know how to handle them and drive better than I do probably, but these &quot;luxury&quot; SUV's are meant to appeal to those rich dilettantes that use them for their carpool - and it's unlikely that some of them even care whether or not they can safely drive the things.

I like my car, and no, I'm not jealous of SUV owners. If I had 80K, I'd probably consider buying one, but I know for my purposes and driving competence level, I only need a car. I don't haul or tow stuff, if I'm buying something big I either have it delivered or get my dad's pickup, and I'm not interested in becoming a bus driver hauling around more than four people.

I never though any of the SUV owners here were the bonehead drivers I'm talking about, but if you are, just stay away from my car.

 

[Fatdog]

&quot;Then what? A goddam Mack truck.&quot;

Funny thing happened to me. I was a truck driver for 12 years, and one day I was coming through curve when an SUV coming the other way crossed over in to my lane. I pulled the horns was able to slow enough before the impact to lessen it. The guy hit my Western Star dead center blowing both his air bags and totaling the whole front end of his explorer. I got out and took one look, &quot; Hey!! You scratched my bumper!! He had been looking over his shoulder at a pretty woman going into a store. He wasn't hurt, just really embarassed. People really need to pay attention whether they're driving a Yugo, or a Mack.

 

[Double Trouble]

Doggiedog,<<Tagej, its attitudes like yours that cause this goddam ridiculous SUV arms race. >>

Oh yeah, my attitude of caring about the safety of my loved ones is just so horrible... Did you get dropped on the head as a youngster or something?? I can't help the fact that someone else can't afford to buy an SUV. I can make sure that I protect those I love as best I can - if that means SUV, so be it. Could someone please indicate exactly what is wrong with that?

Tuffguy,talk about shallow...

Uhh....talk about moronic. There's a lot of anti-SUV sentiment (as evidenced in this thread) by people who are simply envious of those that can afford to 'waste' money on an expensive SUV that they don't really &quot;need&quot; (and who the hell is to decide what someone 'needs'?).

 

[TuffGuy]

by people who are simply envious of those that can afford to 'waste' money on an expensive SUV that they don't really &quot;need&quot;.

actually, i am quite capable of buying almost any SUV under 100k. and i'm still in college. with money i earned myself. but that is NOT the issue. the point is that SUVs are dangerous. you are not even capable of acknowledging that. are you going to tell me that people that drive SUVs are not a danger to others on the road? or are you telling me that by driving an SUV you are protecting yourself and others? we're discussing safety and you're talking about $$$$$. you can't even focus on the topic at hand, i'd hate to run into you in a SUV...

 

[ManSnake]

Like I said before, SUV sucks monkey's ass!!

 

[NaughtyusMaximus]

If I had $80000 to blow on a car or SUV, I'd much rather buy a Volvo. Damn safe for you, and the others on the road as well as being a pleasure to ride in. I wonder what I'd do with the leftover money..