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AIBU?

AIBU to feel that not all 4x4 owners buy them for swanking about in !

254 replies

SpringierSpaniel · 31/10/2012 07:52

Some of us do our research before making a purchase and the vehicle we buy is the one which suits our needs.

So can those who make snap judgements otherwise (yes, certain school gate mums, I do mean you and a fair few MN'ers too) go away and consider why they feel the need to criticise someone else's carefully thought through decision/choice so instantly without considering the possible factors in arriving at that choice.

Just because some people get a kick out of the admiration/envy that they can garner from showing off any lovely or expensive new clothes/handbag/car/jewellery or talking about their upcoming holiday or lounge redecoration, new furniture etc etc, don't assume that all people are like that because it smacks of judging others by the way you personally would act and might therefore actually reflect badly on you.

I honestly had no idea when I got the car some while back how much it would affect the way some acquaintances treat me.

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KittyFane1 · 31/10/2012 07:55

Oooh, a tread about a thread. Shock

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Charleymouse · 31/10/2012 07:55

YANBU

Have a 4x4 and sometimes even wear sunglasses whilst driving it.

Also thought out and considered the purchase carefully and fully.

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pjmama · 31/10/2012 07:58

I need mine and couldn't give a toss what anyone else thinks.

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KittyFane1 · 31/10/2012 07:59

There will always be people who buy these cars because they have loads of kids, have disabilities, live in a field and there will always be those who just want to drive them (for the show off factor). No reason is more virtuous than another.

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scarevola · 31/10/2012 07:59

I found that when living rurally nearly everyone had a four-wheel drive of some sort.

No-one mocked, even when we needed to drive into cities. Then again, ours tended to be old, filthy, and accessoried with baling string, buckets, old feed bags etc.

There's really no need for one unless you live in the mountains or go off road. If those apply, you're probably obviously a bumpkin when in the city - an environment which is totally unsuitable for them and one could never justify a need as a family vehicle - and oblivious to the nuances of such a place.

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HGAFC · 31/10/2012 08:00

YABU purely for thinking you have to justify your car choices to anyone Grin

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Sparklingbroomstick · 31/10/2012 08:01

If it suits your needs I don't see a problem. It doesn't suit mine as I prefer a smaller car. I know people with mobility issues like them because of the driving position and getting in and out.

I don't really notice what people are driving unless they are driving/parking it badly.

But hey, this is a v old topic.

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scarevola · 31/10/2012 08:02

Fred about a fred - hadn't realised

Jolly bad form - as anyone who did thorough research would have known about MN.

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brrbrrwinteriscoming · 31/10/2012 08:02

We got a range rover. There are only two of us, no dc. I couldnt give a fuck what people think/say about it! We got because it is pretty and comfy and has a nice big boot for the dogs. We also feel much safer in it, because it is so big.
No one has made any comments to our faces about our choice in cars. yes, we have TWO cars!

!

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Sparklingbroomstick · 31/10/2012 08:02

Oh is it? I missed yet another thread about 4x4s? I am slipping. Sad

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gallifrey · 31/10/2012 08:04

I used to have one as I towed a horse trailer!

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ScaryBeardyDeadyman · 31/10/2012 08:12

Range rover = swanking about

Land rover = purpose

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Sparklingbroomstick · 31/10/2012 08:13

White 4x4s=looks stupid.

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Chandon · 31/10/2012 08:14

I would not mind them, if not so many of the big fuckoff car owners would drive like they own the road. You know, when there are cars parked on their side of the road, yet they drive at full speed towards you so you, in a smaller car, have to awkwardly go on the pavement or reverse to et the big car pass.

I would not care otherwise, but something about driving in a big tank makes people less considerate than ther road users.

I could not care less about anyone's choice of car, really, I just am bothered by driving style and if it affects me.

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panicnotanymore · 31/10/2012 08:16

When I first moved here I couldn't understand why every single house on the street had a 4x4, and may have made some sniffy judgy comments about it. H and I were clear in our commitment to the environment... we wouldn't get one.

However after 3 years of being literally snowed in for weeks at a time, and having to beg lifts from a neighbour to get to a food shop we realised what the 4x4 thing was about. We are on a steep hill, it snows every winter here (and by snows I mean feet of the stuff not inches), and although the council clears the main roads it does not do the country roads. Without a 4x4 it is impossible to get out to buy food, get to work, reach a doctor etc. My first baby is due next Feb and I am actually a little panicky about being able to get to the hospital (even with the 4x4)! I have an 80 year old neighbour who was a midwife, and have seriously considering asking H to carry her up the hill should the need arise!!!!

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AMumInScotland · 31/10/2012 08:17

scarevola what if you live in the hills, in a place where they don't clear the snow, but have to commute into the big bad city every day to work despite being a "bumpkin"?

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Viperidae · 31/10/2012 08:18

I have one and I don't care if other people like it or not. It is nice to drive, comfortable for passengers and sometimes I park with my wheels on the pavement go off road [hgrin]

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Wolfiefan · 31/10/2012 08:19

I judge!
You may live (round here) on scary back roads that become completely impassable with the slightest frost. (Certainly in my car. )
You may have horses. Vvvv jealous!
Other than that.... None of my business!

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brrbrrwinteriscoming · 31/10/2012 08:23

Viperidae our 4x4 is so big i didnt even realise that i was on the curb! so comfortable i didnt feel the bump up! my DH still gets excited by 'off roading'

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SpringierSpaniel · 31/10/2012 08:26

Scarevola please read my long post in the other thread before you make snap judgemental statements (I don't know how to copy and paste that to here).

Yes the vehicle is a 4x4 but the main reason for buying it was not 4x4 usage need itself.

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Sparklingbroomstick · 31/10/2012 08:28

If you don't realise you are on the kerb that would worry me re running stuff over. Confused I think it's good to feel the bump isn't it?

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SpringierSpaniel · 31/10/2012 08:31

IMVHO this isn't a true thread about a thread, it's a reaction to the unexpectedly judgemental attitude I've experienced personally since we became 4X4 owners and asking people to consider why some families do own and drive one.

Please note our 4x4 is shorter and narrower than many estate cars, it's just taller. Boot space has been partially sacrificed for legroom too.

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scarevola · 31/10/2012 08:32

"Scarevola please read my long post in the other thread before you make snap judgemental statements (I don't know how to copy and paste that to here)."

That's exactly why a thread about a thread is considered such very bad form.
I'm glad you agree with me.

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filetheflightoffancy · 31/10/2012 08:34

DH reckons that anyone who doesnt live in a rural area and drives a 4x4 (particular culprits are the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne) may as well add a bumper sticker saying 'I know nothing about cars' to complete the look.

There are plenty of perhaps slightly less flash cars out there that accomodate larger numbers of passengers, have lower emissions and are nice and high up for people with disabilities (my lowly Renault Scenic for example is actually an ex mobility car).

So if you dont live in the country and want to drive a 4x4 then of course that is up to you, but just dont pretend it is because you 'need' it and not because it looks fab and you like swanking around in it.

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Sparklingbroomstick · 31/10/2012 08:36

I can't understand getting one if you don't need one. Not exactly cheap to run, nippy about town or easy to park. Confused

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