...

[luvsJack]

Ok , will you do me a favor and tell me just what car I should drive? Since apparently I don't NEED a Suburban? On Mon. when I drive carpool for dance class (you know, so we can save time and GAS) I will have my 4 children (3 in carseats) and I will be picking up 2 others. Please remember that none of these chilren are old enough or tall enough to sit in the front seat with an airbag. Please tell me what car will accomadate me since apparently I just WANT the Suburban and it is such a luxury to have to find parking spaces big enough for it.

AGAIN: Everyone has to make their own choices and decide what their own needs are. But you cannot honestly tell me that you believe everyone driving around a suburban or whatever truely needs it. (I AM NOT saying you don't, that's up to you.)

Its the same way with cell phones: first we "need" a cell phone because we can't wait until we get home to call, then we "need" a cell phone to take pictures, now we "need" a cell phone that takes pictures and movies, downloads music, checks email, keeps up with appointments and whatever else a $400 cell phone will do---how many of us really "need" that?? I am not saying there are those that don't, I am simply saying that too many of us (and I certainly include myself) convince ourselves we "need" something when in reality it is what we "want".

When I said above that we should all confess that there are things we can do without I meant any luxury. But I still believe that there are plenty of people that could do without the larger vehicle if they wanted to, maybe not you, but still plenty.

 

[lg3]

But realize that for every one of you out there that really does need the large vehicle there are probably 4 or 5 people who don't need it and just want it-and they're buying tons of gas too. /QUOTE]

How much of other's people's business are we supposed to "keep in mind"? I really don't think someone else (myself included of course) is in a position to "judge" whether another consumer in a capitalistic society "wants" vs. "needs" something. It sure isn't going to keep me up late at night.

 

[2girlsmom]

Keep the Suburban if you really need it. But realize that for every one of you out there that really does need the large vehicle there are probably 4 or 5 people who don't need it and just want it-and they're buying tons of gas too.

When I had the 4 runner, I tried other ways of conserving. I worked at home one day a week and I combined every possible thing I could think of into each trip. I quit going places just to go-like down to the shore for the day or into the city. Finally, I had to come face to face with the reality that I just wanted the truck, I really didn't need it.

I think, like the 70's-more and more SUV people who are Want owners rather than Need owners are going to have to face that same reality.

Yep, I am one of the "want" people. I wanted an SUV, I bought an SUV. Of course I bought a Hyundai Tucson, so it isn't really any bigger than a car, and gets better fuel economy than the PT Cruiser that I traded it in for, even with 4 wheel drive and a bigger engine. I only have 2 kids, I rarely drive anyone extra, and I drive my car all the time. My husband has an F-150 crewcab, we did use the bed when we moved, when my brother moved, when my parents moved, etc, and he does OCCASIONALLY use it for work, but only occasionally. However, the truck he only drives to and from work, about 3 miles each way, since it does not get as good fuel economy as my SUV. We do live in IA and in the country so we do use the 4 wheel drive fairly often in the winter months.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Its the same way with cell phones: first we "need" a cell phone because we can't wait until we get home to call, then we "need" a cell phone to take pictures, now we "need" a cell phone that takes pictures and movies, downloads music, checks email, keeps up with appointments and whatever else a $400 cell phone will do---how many of us really "need" that?? I am not saying there are those that don't, I am simply saying that too many of us (and I certainly include myself) convince ourselves we "need" something when in reality it is what we "want".

My phone is five years old, and doesn't do anything cool like that. I think it will have to be replaced soon, though that's because of one of the buttons not working, and the paint peeling off.

 

[ajk912]

Really, I only get $10 or so all the time. I drive an Altima. LOL I just hate giving anymore money than I have to.

Me too. It's kind of silly though, I am not paying any less putting in only $10 or $15 at a time. In fact, I am probably paying MORE- I heard once that your gas evaporates more if you keep less than 1/2 a tank in. I just don't have the patience to stand there for 20 minutes to regas, I get cold because it is winter..not to mention that I say ONE of these days gas is going to go down..and that day I will FINALLY be able to fill my tank. BUT, of course..the price is only going up, and then I kick myself for not filling up last week.

 

[bjgrazi]

We brought a Hyundai Santa Fe and our neighbor had something to say about it. This weekend with prices going up, he said to DH, bet you're sorry you have that. Hubby got in drove off and said nothing.

Tonight when I drove 3 teenage boys and all their Lacrosse gear to school I said I sure am glad I had it. Last year was a nitemare in my Elantra.

 

[katerkat]

Its the same way with cell phones: first we "need" a cell phone because we can't wait until we get home to call, then we "need" a cell phone to take pictures, now we "need" a cell phone that takes pictures and movies, downloads music, checks email, keeps up with appointments and whatever else a $400 cell phone will do---how many of us really "need" that??

You forgot texting.

I admit, if I knew what I know now, we would have considered the Honda CRV instead of the Pilot. I thought we were going to have 2-3 kids right away and have 3 in carseats under the age of five. Turns out, I don't really like kids. I do like mine, but I'm in no hurry to give him a sibling, so the extra space of the Pilot is kind of a waste.

But, the CRV can't tow as much as the Pilot - we towed my car to Washington and we'll soon be towing a trailer out of Washington. It also can't fit as much in the back - we have a big cat carrier that takes half the space during a move. We've had to pack it with everything needed for two months four times now, with another two times coming up in a couple weeks, and probably a four month move in our future.

But, my husband flies a gas station and I just can't get worked up about my SUV's usage when I know how much airplane fuel is wasted. One time, there was a base-wide alert exercise in which they started about twenty planes, drove them from one runway to another, then back and turned them off. I think more gas was wasted that day than I could waste in my SUV in several years.

 

[Beth76]

well see you have a NEED for a bigger car. You transport other people around. Again I just dont get this need for a bigger car with 2 kids to me its more of a want.

So freaking what? Why does there have to be a need? I WANT an SUV. I've wanted one ever since the Explorer came out. I finally got my 2 row SUV when I had my second child. I love it, but it's too small. I want and I need a bigger one. I hope to get the Hybrid, but we'll see if it truly meets my needs. It should definitely meet my wants. But guess what, I have the right to fulfill both of those requirements. I don't get why it's okay for one person to have an SUV and not another.

You know, we could turn it around and say by only having two kids, DH and I aren't overpopulating the world. I'm sure your extra kids produce extra waste as well.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I don't care what people drive, but I am always baffled when people say they need an SUV because they need the room and have kids.

A mini van is so much easier, and just as roomy (if not more). Sliding side (auto) doors are everything. Really you can not under estimate how much better those things make my life. Not to mention my kid never get bonked by the door (like they do in DH's car.) We have a Honda Oddessy and love it. The gas mileage isn't bad either. We did have to get a minivan becuase we have 2 kids and my brother has 3 kids that I am responible for often so for all of us (and DH to fit in the car, it had to be a minivan.)

Most of the other extras you can get on a minivan you can on any SUV too (like the DVD player) but you just can not replace those doors.

I don't get the SUV look better, they are as much of a mommy mobile as any minivan out there.

If you need to tow something like a trailer or boat, then I see needing an SUV.

 

[Beth76]

Eh, I don't care for mini vans. I prefer the look of an SUV. I won't even consider looking at a mini van just as I won't look at a pick up truck. Here, they're driven by everyone. Moms, dads, teens. They're definitely not "mommy mobiles". I like SUVs and I'm perfectly capable of opening my own doors. I *may* even continue to drive one after my kids are grown and out of the house.

You know, I'll consider a minivan the day one come out that has a glass divider between the front and back seats. That's the only feature that I would like that I can't get from an SUV.

 

[Loverly]

OK, I have a stupid question (shocking, I know ), HOW do you see what amount other people are putting in their tanks without going over to the pump and looking?:confused3 I mean, don't you have to be super extra nosy to even get a read on the price?

.

I agree. there's no way this man could have seen the amount you put in your tank-no way at all.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Eh, I don't care for mini vans. I prefer the look of an SUV. I won't even consider looking at a mini van just as I won't look at a pick up truck. Here, they're driven by everyone. Moms, dads, teens. They're definitely not "mommy mobiles". I like SUVs and I'm perfectly capable of opening my own doors. I *may* even continue to drive one after my kids are grown and out of the house.

You know, I'll consider a minivan the day one come out that has a glass divider between the front and back seats. That's the only feature that I would like that I can't get from an SUV.

I think you are going to either get a limo or taxi cab for that feature.

I can open my door myself (and do for the drivers side) but my kids can't so the sidling door really makes my life easier. Especially since drop off and pick up is hell at my DD's school and I just have to pull up, hit the button once and she is out of the car, hit it again and I am off. Same for pick up. Much easier then the moms that have to get out of the car, walk around it to open the door and let the kid in. These few min it takes really clogs up the whole system for everyone. Then again I have small kids.

 

[dcgrumpy]

We have an SUV because we have 3 kids still in carseats or boosters. We could get a minivan but we like to go to the 4WD beach. DH also tows a lot of cars with it since he's always buying, selling, fixing, junking or stripping cars.

 

[talulabelle]

I don't care what people drive, but I am always baffled when people say they need an SUV because they need the room and have kids.

A mini van is so much easier, and just as roomy (if not more). Sliding side (auto) doors are everything. Really you can not under estimate how much better those things make my life. Not to mention my kid never get bonked by the door (like they do in DH's car.) We have a Honda Oddessy and love it. The gas mileage isn't bad either. We did have to get a minivan becuase we have 2 kids and my brother has 3 kids that I am responible for often so for all of us (and DH to fit in the car, it had to be a minivan.)

Most of the other extras you can get on a minivan you can on any SUV too (like the DVD player) but you just can not replace those doors.

I don't get the SUV look better, they are as much of a mommy mobile as any minivan out there.

If you need to tow something like a trailer or boat, then I see needing an SUV.

Again, I fit more kids in my suburban, There is next to NO storage space in the back of a minivan for the equipment that I keep back there all the time. I do NEED an SUV. minivans are too small. I don't understand why you don't "get" that. If my suburban gets in a scuffle with your minivan, I guarantee you I will come out on top. That is another thing I love about it. And besides, minivans are just ugly.

 

[talulabelle]

I think you are going to either get a limo or taxi cab for that feature.

I can open my door myself (and do for the drivers side) but my kids can't so the sidling door really makes my life easier. Especially since drop off and pick up is hell at my DD's school and I just have to pull up, hit the button once and she is out of the car, hit it again and I am off. Same for pick up. Much easier then the moms that have to get out of the car, walk around it to open the door and let the kid in. These few min it takes really clogs up the whole system for everyone. Then again I have small kids.

Oh jeez, now we SUV drivers are not only wasting gas, but we are clogging up the whole system for all the perfect little law-abiding minivan people!

The teachers asst. comes out and takes the kids out of the cars at our preschool. Even the minivans. Kids aren't allowed to get out out of any vehicle in the parking lot or drop off line with out holding a teachers hand.

I would love for you to be behind me in drop-off line one day. I would take my time opening all the doors.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Eh, I don't care for mini vans. I prefer the look of an SUV. I won't even consider looking at a mini van just as I won't look at a pick up truck. Here, they're driven by everyone. Moms, dads, teens. They're definitely not "mommy mobiles". I like SUVs and I'm perfectly capable of opening my own doors. I *may* even continue to drive one after my kids are grown and out of the house.

You know, I'll consider a minivan the day one come out that has a glass divider between the front and back seats. That's the only feature that I would like that I can't get from an SUV.

Call Ford, I think you have a marketing idea!!

I much more prefer the look of an SUV to a minivan..my kids would rather have the minivan, based on some of the commercials for them..

I have to admit, there was a brief moment in my life that I considered a minivan. DH and I were looking for a new SUV..I went to the dealership for kicks, and there was a really nice fully loaded minivan with about $10,000 in rebates and discounts because it was last years model. I drove it, it was fine..then I looked at the MPG-it was lower than the SUVs we were looking at-about 16 mpg..Thanks God that made a difference to me back then..we bought a crossover-Ford Freestyle because I wanted to try a car type after many years of SUVs..again-big mistake..too low to the ground, dumpy car..just didn't love it. So last year I went back to an SUV..I will not go back to a car..

In 1994, My DH bought himself a brand new Corvette convertible. I had my Ford Explorer, which I loved. He kept asking me if I wanted to drive it, I did a few times, but I just didn't like sitting with my butt dragging on the ground. So I chose driving my Explorer over a beautiful red Corvette convertible..no brainer for me.

I have been driving an SUV since 1987..except for 2 years of the Freestyle..

 

[Mermaid02]

My fil says we don't need 2 cars. We both work and dh sometimes gets called into work in the middle of the night- he might be gone an hour, he might be gone a week. Yeah, one car would be really practical.

 

[talulabelle]

AGAIN: Everyone has to make their own choices and decide what their own needs are. But you cannot honestly tell me that you believe everyone driving around a suburban or whatever truely needs it. (I AM NOT saying you don't, that's up to you.)

Its the same way with cell phones: first we "need" a cell phone because we can't wait until we get home to call, then we "need" a cell phone to take pictures, now we "need" a cell phone that takes pictures and movies, downloads music, checks email, keeps up with appointments and whatever else a $400 cell phone will do---how many of us really "need" that?? I am not saying there are those that don't, I am simply saying that too many of us (and I certainly include myself) convince ourselves we "need" something when in reality it is what we "want".

When I said above that we should all confess that there are things we can do without I meant any luxury. But I still believe that there are plenty of people that could do without the larger vehicle if they wanted to, maybe not you, but still plenty.

Um, I need a cell phone. I went with out one until about 4 years ago when I realized I needed one because public phones were becoming extinct.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Again, I fit more kids in my suburban, There is next to NO storage space in the back of a minivan for the equipment that I keep back there all the time. I do NEED an SUV. minivans are too small. I don't understand why you don't "get" that. If my suburban gets in a scuffle with your minivan, I guarantee you I will come out on top. That is another thing I love about it. And besides, minivans are just ugly.

Ok, 1st, I don't care what you drive (said it in the post you quoted.) Just that a minivan is infinitely more convenient then a SUV for most of the reasons people say they need SUV's. My minivan fits 5 car seats just fine too, some do more (8 seater's). besides full size vans, not a lot of cars or SUV's seat more then that. Depending on what you need to store, a mini van can be better too (they have some great storage options with them lately.) I can see having some large thing that might not be as well. I know for a fact my Oddessy will fit more then my friends Caddy Esclade.

Like I said, drive what you want, I don't care but for the most part a mini van is going to be easier and better for kids anyway (and better gas mileage, and that does mater to me.)

As others have said size doesn't mean it is going to "win" in a fight anyway. Safety issues really mater too (and the type of the accident.) Mini vans are much less likely to roll over also.

SUV's are ugly too, it is just a mater of opinion.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I think you are going to either get a limo or taxi cab for that feature.

I can open my door myself (and do for the drivers side) but my kids can't so the sidling door really makes my life easier. Especially since drop off and pick up is hell at my DD's school and I just have to pull up, hit the button once and she is out of the car, hit it again and I am off. Same for pick up. Much easier then the moms that have to get out of the car, walk around it to open the door and let the kid in. These few min it takes really clogs up the whole system for everyone. Then again I have small kids.

Your school needs to get on the ball and get some teachers out there opening doors for those kids!! That is ridiculous to make the parents hold everything up by getting out and opening the doors..

The only time I have ever had to get out and open the door for my kids is when I was lazy and didn't change my pajama pants..Of course that would be the time that there wasn't a teacher at my door to open it for me...