We really have no business driving SUVs

[Budmantom]

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Originally posted by: Budmantom

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Appealing to sensibilities of Americans doesn't work. appealing to money does as we see. SUV sales in the toilet, resale value in the toilet, seems teh love of affair with the SUV is finally going where it ought.

Why do you care what others drive???

If you haven't taken a look around, it's not something that only affects the drivers. Our affinity for gas guzzling land barges is affecting everything from food prices to heating prices.

This is a problem of diffused societal supported costs. It's akin to smokers. Society bears the costs of their decisions since they usually do not contribute enough to support them themselves.

Personally, I believe their should be higher gas-guzzler taxes and also a progressive non-commercial gas tax on SUVs. The more you use, the more you get taxed at an increasing rate. The tax money should go into a special account to drive more efficient vehicle R&D as well as alternative fuels and energy.

The "Me only" idea is what's killing this country.

Taxes are killing this country.

I get the idea that you never graduated high school.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Totally a troll thread but to be quite frank I'm not surprised at the author :roll:

Too bad there are people who differ in opinion, and like their SUVs. And it's their right to. You try and tell my brother he doesn't have any business driving his SUV and he'll tell you to try and fit all the stuff he hauls in your little compact car or drive it through the 8" snowdrifts

 

[Pariah]

Originally posted by: dirtboy

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: dirtboy

Originally posted by: senseamp
Anyways, if you feel you need one, get one, I enjoy watching the look on SUV owner faces when filling up their land yachts lately

You should come watch me fill up my SUV. It's great being able to afford gas regardless of price.

Besides, if I had a more fuel efficient vehicle it would only save me $50 a month.

$50 is still money $600 per year. That's like a new computer. But hey, it's your money, burn it for all I care. I actually could own an SUV and not make much difference since I mostly bike to work. But I just see no point in it, since a much cheaper and economical Mazda3 gets the job done, in style, and fun. SUV is so soccer mom-like too. If I drove more, I'd be in line to buy one of those TDI Jetta Wagons they are coming out with, if they sold them in CA.

You care... you're just jealous you can't afford a more expensive vehicle so you justify your purchase of a Mazda by spiting everyone who drives a bigger car.

I knew gas prices were going to go up when I bought it and it didn't stop me then. Maybe I'll get another SUV when my lease is up just for you.

Precisely why SUV's are so despised by other drivers. It's like the BMW syndrome, it's not that the people dislike the vehicle itself, it's the fact that the average driver behind the wheel of SUV's and BMW's are such self-righteous d**ks that it turns other people off.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Pariah

Originally posted by: dirtboy

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: dirtboy

Originally posted by: senseamp
Anyways, if you feel you need one, get one, I enjoy watching the look on SUV owner faces when filling up their land yachts lately

You should come watch me fill up my SUV. It's great being able to afford gas regardless of price.

Besides, if I had a more fuel efficient vehicle it would only save me $50 a month.

$50 is still money $600 per year. That's like a new computer. But hey, it's your money, burn it for all I care. I actually could own an SUV and not make much difference since I mostly bike to work. But I just see no point in it, since a much cheaper and economical Mazda3 gets the job done, in style, and fun. SUV is so soccer mom-like too. If I drove more, I'd be in line to buy one of those TDI Jetta Wagons they are coming out with, if they sold them in CA.

You care... you're just jealous you can't afford a more expensive vehicle so you justify your purchase of a Mazda by spiting everyone who drives a bigger car.

I knew gas prices were going to go up when I bought it and it didn't stop me then. Maybe I'll get another SUV when my lease is up just for you.

Precisely why SUV's are so despised by other drivers. It's like the BMW syndrome, it's not that the people dislike the vehicle itself, it's the fact that the average driver behind the wheel of SUV's and BMW's are such self-righteous d**ks that it turns other people off.

There's a group that easily tops SUVs and BMWs for self-righteousness: Prius owners. Oh, the overwhelming smug.

 

[Pariah]

True, but in my experiences, at least Prius drivers have to get out of their car before you hate them. The way the other 2 drive like they own the road with complete lack of awareness or recognition of anyone else on it makes you hate them in all situations.

 

[AdamK47]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: Pariah

Originally posted by: dirtboy

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: dirtboy

Originally posted by: senseamp
Anyways, if you feel you need one, get one, I enjoy watching the look on SUV owner faces when filling up their land yachts lately

You should come watch me fill up my SUV. It's great being able to afford gas regardless of price.

Besides, if I had a more fuel efficient vehicle it would only save me $50 a month.

$50 is still money $600 per year. That's like a new computer. But hey, it's your money, burn it for all I care. I actually could own an SUV and not make much difference since I mostly bike to work. But I just see no point in it, since a much cheaper and economical Mazda3 gets the job done, in style, and fun. SUV is so soccer mom-like too. If I drove more, I'd be in line to buy one of those TDI Jetta Wagons they are coming out with, if they sold them in CA.

You care... you're just jealous you can't afford a more expensive vehicle so you justify your purchase of a Mazda by spiting everyone who drives a bigger car.

I knew gas prices were going to go up when I bought it and it didn't stop me then. Maybe I'll get another SUV when my lease is up just for you.

Precisely why SUV's are so despised by other drivers. It's like the BMW syndrome, it's not that the people dislike the vehicle itself, it's the fact that the average driver behind the wheel of SUV's and BMW's are such self-righteous d**ks that it turns other people off.

There's a group that easily tops SUVs and BMWs for self-righteousness: Prius owners. Oh, the overwhelming smug.

So true! I love giving them a listen to the side pipes as I'm next to them. Then watch them roll up the window. Desmuged.

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Pariah
True, but in my experiences, at least Prius drivers have to get out of their car before you hate them. The way the other 2 drive like they own the road with complete lack of awareness or recognition of anyone else on it makes you hate them in all situations.

I wish that was the case around here. I think the most common complaint against Prius owners here is they clog up the passing lane like so much freeway constipation, refusing to move over. It's even worse with hills, plodding along in the left lane, plugging it up, matching the speed of the tractor trailer next to them, so no one can pass.

 

[Sluggo]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: Pariah
True, but in my experiences, at least Prius drivers have to get out of their car before you hate them. The way the other 2 drive like they own the road with complete lack of awareness or recognition of anyone else on it makes you hate them in all situations.

I wish that was the case around here. I think the most common complaint against Prius owners here is they clog up the passing lane like so much freeway constipation, refusing to move over. It's even worse with hills, plodding along in the left lane, plugging it up, matching the speed of the tractor trailer next to them, so no one can pass.

Huh, this whole time I didnt know they were matching the speed of the semi trucks, I just thought that was as fast as they could go.

 

[dirtboy]

Originally posted by: Pariah

Originally posted by: dirtboy

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: dirtboy

Originally posted by: senseamp
Anyways, if you feel you need one, get one, I enjoy watching the look on SUV owner faces when filling up their land yachts lately

You should come watch me fill up my SUV. It's great being able to afford gas regardless of price.

Besides, if I had a more fuel efficient vehicle it would only save me $50 a month.

$50 is still money $600 per year. That's like a new computer. But hey, it's your money, burn it for all I care. I actually could own an SUV and not make much difference since I mostly bike to work. But I just see no point in it, since a much cheaper and economical Mazda3 gets the job done, in style, and fun. SUV is so soccer mom-like too. If I drove more, I'd be in line to buy one of those TDI Jetta Wagons they are coming out with, if they sold them in CA.

You care... you're just jealous you can't afford a more expensive vehicle so you justify your purchase of a Mazda by spiting everyone who drives a bigger car.

I knew gas prices were going to go up when I bought it and it didn't stop me then. Maybe I'll get another SUV when my lease is up just for you.

Precisely why SUV's are so despised by other drivers. It's like the BMW syndrome, it's not that the people dislike the vehicle itself, it's the fact that the average driver behind the wheel of SUV's and BMW's are such self-righteous d**ks that it turns other people off.

Last I checked it was you and others who were judging me. Perhaps you ought to check yourself before opening your mouth.

Give an idiot like yourself a fuel efficient car and suddenly you become self-righteous enough to tell everyone else how to live their lives. Too bad you can't see that you and your SUV-hating pals are the dicks.

 

[senseamp]

Originally posted by: dirtboyhttp://forums.anandtech.com/messagepost.aspx?postaction=reply&catid=85&threadid=2202536&messid=29067398&STARTPAGE=3&ezquote=y&parentid=29067398
Replying to a Message

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: dirtboy

Originally posted by: senseamp
Anyways, if you feel you need one, get one, I enjoy watching the look on SUV owner faces when filling up their land yachts lately

You should come watch me fill up my SUV. It's great being able to afford gas regardless of price.

Besides, if I had a more fuel efficient vehicle it would only save me $50 a month.

$50 is still money $600 per year. That's like a new computer. But hey, it's your money, burn it for all I care. I actually could own an SUV and not make much difference since I mostly bike to work. But I just see no point in it, since a much cheaper and economical Mazda3 gets the job done, in style, and fun. SUV is so soccer mom-like too. If I drove more, I'd be in line to buy one of those TDI Jetta Wagons they are coming out with, if they sold them in CA.

You care... you're just jealous you can't afford a more expensive vehicle so you justify your purchase of a Mazda by spiting everyone who drives a bigger car.

I knew gas prices were going to go up when I bought it and it didn't stop me then. Maybe I'll get another SUV when my lease is up just for you.

Wow, thank you, Dr. Phil for your insight. I heard all the "why didn't you get a bimmer" comments when I bought my 3, because people assume that someone will buy as much car as they can afford. I buy as much car as I want and/or need. If Mazda3 satisfies me at 17K, I see no reason to spend more on a car, makes absolutely no difference how much I make.
I make about $50K more now than when I bought it, BTW, but I see no reason to upgrade any time soon.

 

[Skunkwourk]

warning: I didn't read the thread

what about enjoyment? should we get rid of the Elise too?

 

[Pariah]

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: Pariah
True, but in my experiences, at least Prius drivers have to get out of their car before you hate them. The way the other 2 drive like they own the road with complete lack of awareness or recognition of anyone else on it makes you hate them in all situations.

I wish that was the case around here. I think the most common complaint against Prius owners here is they clog up the passing lane like so much freeway constipation, refusing to move over. It's even worse with hills, plodding along in the left lane, plugging it up, matching the speed of the tractor trailer next to them, so no one can pass.

Not a problem I have seen around here. During a typical day I see dozens of SUV's and BMW's, while only about one Prius every other day. There aren't that many around here to be causing road rage.

Give an idiot like yourself a fuel efficient car and suddenly you become self-righteous enough to tell everyone else how to live their lives. Too bad you can't see that you and your SUV-hating pals are the dicks.

Not sure when 14.1 MPG became a fuel efficient vehicle, which is what I have averaged over the last 5000+ miles, but since you, who are obviously brilliant, automatically assumed I owned one I guess I do. Since you seem to know everything about me, can you tell me where I parked it last? As you've pointed out, I'm an idiot, and I can't remember where I left it.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Hi.

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: Budmantom

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Originally posted by: Budmantom

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Appealing to sensibilities of Americans doesn't work. appealing to money does as we see. SUV sales in the toilet, resale value in the toilet, seems teh love of affair with the SUV is finally going where it ought.

Why do you care what others drive???

If you haven't taken a look around, it's not something that only affects the drivers. Our affinity for gas guzzling land barges is affecting everything from food prices to heating prices.

This is a problem of diffused societal supported costs. It's akin to smokers. Society bears the costs of their decisions since they usually do not contribute enough to support them themselves.

Personally, I believe their should be higher gas-guzzler taxes and also a progressive non-commercial gas tax on SUVs. The more you use, the more you get taxed at an increasing rate. The tax money should go into a special account to drive more efficient vehicle R&D as well as alternative fuels and energy.

The "Me only" idea is what's killing this country.

Taxes are killing this country.

I get the idea that you never graduated high school.

LOL. Nice try sparky.

Taxes aren't killing this country. Inefficient government is and idiotic Americans who think only of themselves are killing this country. We actually have one of the lowest tax rates of any modern country. Didn't *YOU* learn that in HS?

In fact, I did graduate from HS and followed that with 10 more years of education (completed college in 4, masters in 3).

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: Pariah

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Originally posted by: Budmantom

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Appealing to sensibilities of Americans doesn't work. appealing to money does as we see. SUV sales in the toilet, resale value in the toilet, seems teh love of affair with the SUV is finally going where it ought.

Why do you care what others drive???

If you haven't taken a look around, it's not something that only affects the drivers. Our affinity for gas guzzling land barges is affecting everything from food prices to heating prices.

This is a problem of diffused societal supported costs. It's akin to smokers. Society bears the costs of their decisions since they usually do not contribute enough to support them themselves.

Personally, I believe their should be higher gas-guzzler taxes and also a progressive non-commercial gas tax on SUVs. The more you use, the more you get taxed at an increasing rate. The tax money should go into a special account to drive more efficient vehicle R&D as well as alternative fuels and energy.

The "Me only" idea is what's killing this country.

The only problem with that scenario is that isn't SUV's or even the US demand for oil driving the rising prices. As prices have continued to soar, demand for oil in the US and Europe have actually dropped, so why aren't prices dropping with lower demand? Because it isn't us. Demands for oil are surging in China and India and third world nations where the everyone needs a car mentality is just starting to take hold. In case our geography is a bit rusty, there are a whole lot of people in China and India.

"The IEA report said demand would rise most in developing countries, with Asia, the Middle East and Latin America accounting for nearly 90 percent of demand growth over the next five years."

We could all be driving hybrids today, and it wouldn't make a difference, prices would still be rising quickly.

Prices are going up because the market is jacked. Look up the London Loop and various other regulations that were changed *FOR* Enron so they could "trade" (aka, manipulate, circumvent laws, and fuck over consumers), in energy. It's now being abused by all.

 

[lurk3r]

Originally posted by: Sluggo

Originally posted by: Apex

Originally posted by: Pariah
True, but in my experiences, at least Prius drivers have to get out of their car before you hate them. The way the other 2 drive like they own the road with complete lack of awareness or recognition of anyone else on it makes you hate them in all situations.

I wish that was the case around here. I think the most common complaint against Prius owners here is they clog up the passing lane like so much freeway constipation, refusing to move over. It's even worse with hills, plodding along in the left lane, plugging it up, matching the speed of the tractor trailer next to them, so no one can pass.

Huh, this whole time I didnt know they were matching the speed of the semi trucks, I just thought that was as fast as they could go.

The problem is quite the opposite here, Prius rips along at 90+ mph, its the minivan and SUV's that plug the left lane at 2mph under the speed limit, nearly always some chick putting on her makeup, driving a huge land barge since its "safer" and they can putt along blissfully unaware of their surroundings.

 

[dug777]

Most of you don't 'need' your silly quad/dual core rigs and massive monitors, but you'd whine like the little SUV-hating bitches you are if we ran this kind of argument with respect to you.

Your lives are certain to be full of excesses that you don't really need, how is a 4WD any different, assuming it meets all applicable vehicle safety requirements?

Did you go on holiday recently? That's a vast and unnecessary waste of resources.

Do you have a vast AC unit you mercilessly pump in summer? You're contributing to an increase in everyone's electricity prices as networks and generators have to provide infrastructure that may be only used for a few days, or even hours a year to meet an increasingly peaky load.

Do you have a car that's more powerful than needed to safely cart you from A to B? That's just a different shade of grey along the path to owning a 4WD you don't need.

Own any 'fashionable brand-name' clothing? That's just another outward 'boast' that you're well off enough to splurge on things you certainly don't need to get by.

I could go on, but I won't. I'm sure that the SUV-hating hypocrites that lurk on here will explain in painstaking detail why I'm wrong in any case

As far as I'm concerned, price is the best, least contentious, and least paternalistic signal and driver out there. Fuel prices rise, less people buy cars they don't really need.

No pathetic preaching or whining, the market just corrects itself.

As an aside, I think SUV hating is popular because SUV's have become a trapping of affluence. There's nothing like someone driving something that says 'I'm driving an expensive vehicle that I don't really need' to arc up the green-eyed monster in people

 

[BassBomb]

well said dug!

Personally I don't hate SUV's so much (I would never own one) but I hate all drivers pretty much. Put a lazy driver in any car and they will drive like an asshat whether that is a SUV, minivan, prius, bmw, etc

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: LegendKiller
Taxes aren't killing this country. Inefficient government is and idiotic Americans who think only of themselves are killing this country. We actually have one of the lowest tax rates of any modern country.

So, by your logic, since our taxes are somewhat less ridiculous than most other countries, we should raise them? Just because other countries are worse than we are in terms of taxation does not mean that our taxes are not too high.

Yes, we are relatively better off than most countries from a taxation standpoint. However, in absolute terms, our taxes are still excessive. You can't use the fact that things are worse somewhere else to justify a bad situation here.

ZV

 

[dug777]

Originally posted by: mooseracing

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
In Europe, people tow trailers with econoboxes. No, they don't go very fast, but the "need" for a giant truck to tow a trailer is a uniquely American trait.

It's called safety....any car can pull anything, that doesn't matter. What matters is being able to safley handle it and stop it. Cars can't, show me one that can handle a load a truck pulls.

.

I can show you many, if you really want

I suspect they'll probably handle, accelerate and stop quicker than most 'trucks' (which I assume is the equivalent of a 4WD ute here).

The Ford XR8 ute, which is hardly a workhorse, has the option of up to a 2,300kg towbar.

http://www.ford.com.au/servlet...agename=Page&c=DFYPage

The Holden Caprice (What you get as a G8, but your G8 has a shorter wheelbase like the Commodores here I think?) has the factory option of up to a 2,100kg towbar.

That's a relatively luxury car

http://www.holden.com.au/www-h...loverview?modelid=8000

The Falcon Wagon, a boring family wagon, has the option of a 2,300kg towbar pack.

http://www.ford.com.au/servlet...agename=Page&c=DFYPage

To put that into perspective, the Ranger only comes the a max of a 3,000kg towbar pack here

http://www.ford.com.au/servlet...FDefault1024&c=DFYPage

I'd much rather any of those cars above than the Ranger up to a 2,300kg load

The toughest ute out there, the Landcruiser 70, comes with a somewhat higher rating, 3,500kg, but that really is a truck.

http://www.toyota.com.au/landcruiser-70-series/range

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: dug777

Most of you don't 'need' your silly quad/dual core rigs and massive monitors, but you'd whine like the little SUV-hating bitches you are if we ran this kind of argument with respect to you.

Your lives are certain to be full of excesses that you don't really need, how is a 4WD any different, assuming it meets all applicable vehicle safety requirements?

Did you go on holiday recently? That's a vast and unnecessary waste of resources.

Do you have a vast AC unit you mercilessly pump in summer? You're contributing to an increase in everyone's electricity prices as networks and generators have to provide infrastructure that may be only used for a few days, or even hours a year to meet an increasingly peaky load.

Do you have a car that's more powerful than needed to safely cart you from A to B? That's just a different shade of grey along the path to owning a 4WD you don't need.

Own any 'fashionable brand-name' clothing? That's just another outward 'boast' that you're well off enough to splurge on things you certainly don't need to get by.

I could go on, but I won't. I'm sure that the SUV-hating hypocrites that lurk on here will explain in painstaking detail why I'm wrong in any case

As far as I'm concerned, price is the best, least contentious, and least paternalistic signal and driver out there. Fuel prices rise, less people buy cars they don't really need.

No pathetic preaching or whining, the market just corrects itself.

As an aside, I think SUV hating is popular because SUV's have become a trapping of affluence. There's nothing like someone driving something that says 'I'm driving an expensive vehicle that I don't really need' to arc up the green-eyed monster in people

Bravo!

 

[Pariah]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: mooseracing

It's called safety....any car can pull anything, that doesn't matter. What matters is being able to safley handle it and stop it. Cars can't, show me one that can handle a load a truck pulls.

.

I can show you many, if you really want

I suspect they'll probably handle, accelerate and stop quicker than most 'trucks' (which I assume is the equivalent of a 4WD ute here).

The Ford XR8 ute, which is hardly a workhorse, has the option of up to a 2,300kg towbar.

http://www.ford.com.au/servlet...agename=Page&c=DFYPage

The Holden Caprice (What you get as a G8, but your G8 has a shorter wheelbase like the Commodores here I think?) has the factory option of up to a 2,100kg towbar.

That's a relatively luxury car

http://www.holden.com.au/www-h...loverview?modelid=8000

The Falcon Wagon, a boring family wagon, has the option of a 2,300kg towbar pack.

http://www.ford.com.au/servlet...agename=Page&c=DFYPage

To put that into perspective, the Ranger only comes the a max of a 3,000kg towbar pack here

http://www.ford.com.au/servlet...FDefault1024&c=DFYPage

I'd much rather any of those cars above than the Ranger up to a 2,300kg load

The toughest ute out there, the Landcruiser 70, comes with a somewhat higher rating, 3,500kg, but that really is a truck.

http://www.toyota.com.au/landcruiser-70-series/range

That seems to be an Australian thing. Car based vehicles are not rated to tow higher capacities like those here in America. For example, the old Holden Monaro is rated at 1600kg or 2100kg depending on where you look. Here in the US, the GTO which is the exact same vehicle as far as I know, is rated at 1000 lbs (455kg). I don't know if it's stricter US safety regulations, or what, but that's a significant difference in rated capacities for what should be the same car.

As an aside, I think SUV hating is popular because SUV's have become a trapping of affluence. There's nothing like someone driving something that says 'I'm driving an expensive vehicle that I don't really need' to arc up the green-eyed monster in people

Why do you think the average SUV driver is better off than other people? Most of the SUV's I see around here are not brand new loaded Escalades, but probably 2nd or 3rd owner Fords and Chevys. Certainly nothing worthy of financial envy. That mindset may be the case outside the US where everything we do is perceived as wasteful and gluttonous. Within the US, however, I think SUV hating is more about the attitude and absent-mindedness of the owners than any sort of monetary envy.

 

[hpkeeper]

I have owned a pickup truck my entire life, and owned SUV's more recently. They've all sucked horribly on gas, but you don't see me going to a smaller car. The price of gas doesn't change with the vehicle.

Did I use them for their "purpose" everyday of my life? no, but then again "purpose" is subjective. If you are saying SUV's are for offroading I'd argue that there are only three vehicles I'd consider going offroading with, A Jeep Wrangler, A hummer, or a Range Rover. The rest are just posers. My purpose for driving large vehicles is 3 things.

Comfort. Safety and driving height.

"oh well safety is irrelivant based on safety ratings"...

I look at my large vehicle and the cost of the gas to fill it up as an investment. I'll take my GMC sierra over your Volkswagen Rabbit head on in an accident any day. In that regard, I believe that bigger is better. More metal to crunch means less of me crunching in my opinion. I refuse to have my tombstone read "...well at least I got 40 miles to the gallon"

I like being in a tall vehicle, I don't know how many of you drive in upstate new york winters, but even in my tall vehicle I have troubles seeing over the snowbanks... I'm not going to comprimise my vision even further by lowering myself beneath them.

and comfort. I don't know about you, but I'm over 6'0", probably close to 6'3". Maybe for some of you who are my height or even taller it's not a problem, but for me to get down into a car it's a task simply to get in and out of a car that is low to the ground. Call me lazy if you like or a typical american, but if I have the money to afford something that makes me comfortable and is affordable to me, what sweat is it off any of your backs what I drive?

It's not us SUV drivers or the pick-up truck drivers that are increasing gas prices... lay off.

Edit: It would be also practical for me at this point to say for those of you who own sport cars whether or not you race them everyday. If you do, you're using your vehicle for it's intended 'purpose'. But saying that you use the vehicle for it's intended purpose comprimises your statement for saving the worlds resources because you are not driving your car as efficiently as possible. Everyone knows driving like a maniac gets you fewer miles to the gallon. You can't have your cake and eat it too... /rant.

 

[TerryMathews]

As someone who's lived in Ohio their entire life, which has relatively temperate winters except for 2-3 days of blizzard:

SUVs are an investment for the days that you will need them. Of course, this isn't true everywhere in the country, but for me its a necessity. It's short-sighted and irresponsible to bet that I can just stay in those three days. Any number of things could happen (and have happened) that would require me to go out irregardless of the weather conditions.

 

[Throckmorton]

Originally posted by: Budmantom

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Originally posted by: Budmantom

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Appealing to sensibilities of Americans doesn't work. appealing to money does as we see. SUV sales in the toilet, resale value in the toilet, seems teh love of affair with the SUV is finally going where it ought.

Why do you care what others drive???

If you haven't taken a look around, it's not something that only affects the drivers. Our affinity for gas guzzling land barges is affecting everything from food prices to heating prices.

This is a problem of diffused societal supported costs. It's akin to smokers. Society bears the costs of their decisions since they usually do not contribute enough to support them themselves.

Personally, I believe their should be higher gas-guzzler taxes and also a progressive non-commercial gas tax on SUVs. The more you use, the more you get taxed at an increasing rate. The tax money should go into a special account to drive more efficient vehicle R&D as well as alternative fuels and energy.

The "Me only" idea is what's killing this country.

Taxes are killing this country.

I get the idea that you never graduated high school.

The only countries with lower taxes than America are in the third world.