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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think that people should only be allowed a 4x4 if they actually need one?

287 replies

boomting · 12/01/2013 21:08

They are ridiculously fuel inefficient, and given the finite supplies of oil and the effects on climate change (and no this isn't a climate change thread!), I think that the government should only allow you to own a 4x4 if you have a demonstrable reason for needing one. You would have to submit a form and be issued with a special licence to own one. Reasons could include being a farmer, or having to tow heavy trailers that cannot legally be towed with a smaller vehicle. This isn't an exhaustive list of acceptable reasons, but people who only use them for the school run and going to the supermarket shop should not be allowed to use them.

AIBU?

OP posts:
Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 15/01/2013 14:05

I love a 4x4 thread. Satisfyingly predictable.

Jins · 15/01/2013 14:07

I laugh at people who buy those pick up things when they don't need one and the most you could put in the back is a couple of bags of shopping

We had one of them back when they were zero rated for company car tax and I can assure you that you can get a lot more than a couple of bags of shopping in them

I still miss it

OwlLady · 15/01/2013 14:11

what even in those warriors? the boots look tiny

I know other makes are different

Jins · 15/01/2013 14:14

It's a commercial vehicle rated to carry a tonne

The flat bed part is about 6ft deep. They are massive, honestly

OwlLady · 15/01/2013 14:21

Ok, I stand corrected! :)

TwoFacedCows · 15/01/2013 18:48

Jins "These threads always make me want to trade my car in for a 4x4" - It is threads like these that make me wish I could afford to buy you one!! Grin

monsterchild · 15/01/2013 18:58

We have a mahoosive 4x4. Not a primary vehicle, but useful on the farm and excellent for long road trips. nightmare to park, great for horses.

theodorakisses · 16/01/2013 07:52

If I said I laughed at Micra drivers it would sound patronising and snobbish. Why is it ok for people to laugh at Warrior drivers or anyone come to that? Since when was laughing at people ok? Doesn't come across well.

salemsparklys · 16/01/2013 12:04

We have horses and live on a farm, can we keep ours then?

theodorakisses · 16/01/2013 13:31

You don't even have to justify your choice of vehicle, you pay the taxes. In qatar which I appreciate is different, we had a very serious accident and, no doubt, would have been dead if we were not in a reinforced vehicle. At the end of the day will my heart bleed and make me feel guilty for my children still having parents? No. My money, my vehicle, my choice. I feel less safe on the UK motorways and always have a big hire car. Same reason. Again, my money, my choice. Out of interest, what are the stats on 4x4s killing pedestrians and small car passengers?

atthewelles · 16/01/2013 13:36

Don't see the point of them in built up urban areas. They are not designed for narrow congested roads or busy car parks and can be a real obstruction. Driving one around the suburbs is a bit like wearing sun glasses on a dull day - silly poserish behaviour.

everlong · 16/01/2013 13:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

constantine2000 · 16/01/2013 13:41

Anita - you should be allowed one of course. Long as you can drive it properly!

TameGaloot · 16/01/2013 13:55

But you could be a farmer and still be dropping of your dds friends at her house in a suburban street. People who live rurally often go into towns to buy supplies, see people, go to the cinema. Should we all have our addresses on our 4x4s so people can check

theodorakisses · 16/01/2013 14:21

Maybe someone should design a smug car sticker "Yes I do need it"

AndABigBirdInaPearTree · 16/01/2013 15:11

I think a large helping of mud would probably do the same thing Theo.

TwoFacedCows · 16/01/2013 15:41

I want one that says " No i dont NEED it, but i have one so go suck eggs!" Grin

Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme · 16/01/2013 23:08

Slightly off topic but I genuinely saw a sign in the back of a car the other day that said 'warning - driver asleep'. I shit you not. Brilliant. Grin

I hope all you 4x4 drivers were a little bit smug in the snow today. With your high performance high grip 4x4 tyres. I would have been. Very much so. Oh yes.

Hulababy · 18/01/2013 21:01

Didn't move my car today. It doesn't really do snow. Dh's 4wd (a golf though so ok i think?) had no problems though. Think may 4x4 s were probably justified today!

BeanJuice · 18/01/2013 21:07

They should be more highly taxed, definitely, but not banned unless essential - that's a bit silly.

OwlCatMouse · 18/01/2013 21:34

After the floods of the last couple of months, and the snow today (and getting stuck down a hill, fishtailing everywhere and someone going into the back of me) - the next car I buy will be a 4x4 that can handle shitty weather.

LiveItUp · 18/01/2013 23:14

Totally justified now .... I'm sure the news just asked drivers of 4x4's to come forward and help primary care workers get in to work. (Wasn't totally watching as on here!). Anyone else see that?

SparkleSoiree · 19/01/2013 00:21

Why should they be taxed more than they already are beanjuice?

BeanJuice · 19/01/2013 08:45

Because cars in general, and 4x4s especially, aren't taxed enough to cover the negative externalities they cause.

OwlCatMouse · 19/01/2013 08:58

I think the tax on fuel is more than enough actually.