Why all the hate for SUV’s/4x4 vehicles?

[FluffyRabbitSocks]

Why do so many people on mumsnet hate SUV and 4 wheel drive vehicles? I don’t think it’s a correct reflection of the UK publics preference because you see so many of this type of vehicle on the roads and in car parks these days. I couldn’t get myself so worked up about what car a person chooses to buy and drive and really don’t think a hybrid Toyota Rav 4 or Honda CRV is any worse for the environment than a diesel MPV like a Vauxhall Zafira.

You must hate buses, lorries, trucks, black cabs, vans.....

Vans are a nuisance too, but at least they serve a purpose.

Funnily enough we don't get lorries, trucks or buses parked on our terraced street (and half the pavement).

You accused posters of not having an SUV of being poor and jealous... 🤣

It completley does. Yup.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. I would feel happier if Londoners with lots of money spent their money on a Mercedes sedan rather than a Range Rover. If I cared about cars enough to spend my money on them then that's what I'd do.

Because high vehicles are anti-social and impair visibility for other drivers and pedestrians. Sometimes they're a necessary evil, but if people are choosing them "just because" then I disapprove of that choice.

Yep I don't have a problem with farmers etc ironically the ones who need them don't have flash ones, it's usually an old beaten up land rover defender.

I'm not sure this is a decent argument though- heavier, larger car causes more damage to other road users but don't worry their occupants are perhaps more likely to be alright.

I'm not arsed really, don't really notice them unless people can't park them which seems to be semi often. I don't see the point for city driving but if people want to waste their money and pollute the planet then their choice.

Weight restrictions for what can be licensed as a car perhaps

So how would that work with mine? It's sold as a small SUV but is based on the Mazda 3 and is only 13kg heavier and is actually the same width as the hatchback

😂😂😂😂😂 seriously? Are you that offended that I snigger at SUV drivers that I should move to a communist state? Pmsl. If it makes you feel better I feel exactly the same about plenty of ridiculously expensive cars, plus people who have personalised number plates. It's all for show to 'impress', but I find it all a bit hilarious that those owners care so much about what others think of them. People can spend their money how they want (although most can't actually afford these cars, they are mostly company cars or leased and never actually owned by those who drive them) I really couldn't give a shit. But I will laugh 😂

Tbf I laugh at the SUV drivers who convinced themselves they bought the car for the 'space and roominess' but still end up having roof boxes.

The people I know with 4 wheel drives have to work on sizeable estates. They don't take them into towns. In rural areas the majority of road vehicles are 2 wheel drives (including ones that offer an option in severe weather but otherwise are designed for roads, not off-road).

It is mainly in wannabe city suburbs with narrow streets that these off road cars seem popular for road use, and clearly driven by people who have never navigated 45 degree uneven rough ground at speeds several times the ones they approach urban mini bumps at. The beneficiaries of this odd aspiration are car manufacturers. Sadly some innocent people will suffer from accidents due to these wannabes who have been duped into aspiring to whatever superficial aspects push their buttons.

It's never the car and always the driver. Hence every badly parked lump is entirely the fault of the moron who put it there. A possible reason why someone. who has no off road needs. has a 4 wheel drive is that they can't afford anything else and need a car to live their lives. However they can still learn to use it safely and not inconvenience others.

Themes from those defending SUV use-

Jealousy!, Fuck you!, status symbol, because I can, also Fuck you!

Great image you got there guys! 🥂

"a weeks worth of shopping, ferrying my child around, the odd bit of furniture, taking pets to vet appointments etc."

I can do all of that on my bike.

Funny thing is, that of the genuinely wealthy people I know, SUV ownership is rare. Most people have excellent quality estates instead as it's about practicality, not status.

But car manufacturers don't mass cater to those who just want reliable and practical cars.

If you want to show off your wealth get a sports car and go to track days, no need to make streets dangerous for pedestrians.

Do you mean to say that driving a diesel car, is more damaging to the planet than lithium mining and burning fossil fuels to create electricity to power lithium ion battery powered cars?

That’s the whole problem right there. The naive assumption that emerging technology is in some way superior to the existing technology.

It’s no different to someone saying that because they are vegetarian and their avocado does not eat grain or fart, they are in some way impacting the planet less.

Maybe if we taught maths in school, rather than social science, we would have a population that could count.

I'm just trying to work out how I'd get my elderly often sick cat to the vets on my bike...

@PinkSparklyPussyCat

Luggage rack, cat carrier, bungee cords.

I did it last week.

That would have been great when he went into heart failure last year, faffing around when I could just put the basket in the back of the car and get there quickly!

You are not a suburban twat.

That's a minority of SUV / 4 x 4 driving MNers.

Sorry about your cat.

I live in a city, it would've taken a lot longer in a car due to traffic.

He's ok for now but I know the time we have to make a decision will come sooner rather than later. I also want DH with me when that happens and he can't physically ride a bike. I also have a ridiculously large cat carrier that we used when we used to take him on holiday - I'd need a trailer for it!

I understand if you're in the city it would be quicker than driving. We're outside a small town so it's not too bad.

What about 2 carver chairs, a mantle mirror, a box a crystal glasses, 2 South African hunting spears and a suitcase packed for 3 days for 2 people, doing a 170 mile round trip - and your child in their high back booster? Pics please, I'd love to see it. It'll remind me of my travels round Vietnam.

Addresses some of the points made:

1. car is on finance because I am poor and insecure chav, I want to be seen as rich and flash. FALSE car was purchased new traded in old car and paid the balance in CASH. (Bank transfer)
2. I can’t drive or park. FALSE I have passed the same driving test as the rest of you, on top of that my car car reserve and parallel park itself if I so desired.
3. It’s fake 4x4 again FALSE. It has very go off road abilities that gets used regularly.
4. It’s unsafe for pedestrians and other drivers, again FALSE. It brakes and steers to avoid collision up to 80mph if I fail to respond. Has the highest safety rating awarded for safety.
5. The boot is so small I need numerous roof boxes, FALSE. Its boot space is bigger than an estate car in litres.
6. I’m twat that bullies smaller cars, FALSE. I have never and would never do this.

I think that covers the main grips on the thread.

What about chemicals in your lips?

Chemicals in my lips?