AIBU?
to think we don't need an SUV
vintageclock · 19/06/2013 14:14
We are getting a new car and DH wants to get an SUV. Apart from the fact that they're really expensive (although we would not be buying a brand new one) we don't need one. We have one child, live in London and don't spend regular weekends in the country.
I just don't see the point of buying a big bulky car for suburban driving. Not only will it be awkward to park, but it will eat petrol and anyway I just don't like them.
AIBU to think he's being ridiculous, you should only buy these off road type vehicles if you really need them and we should buy a smaller and cheaper car that will suit our needs?
TheCraicDealer · 19/06/2013 14:18
YANBU. Point out that you "have one child, live in London and don't spend regular weekends in the country". Should one or more of these factors change then discussions on his choice of penis extension may re-open.
For now, I'd point out that if you get a smaller, cheaper car, then you can afford to trick it out and get all sorts of gadgets and extras in it. Or you could get an Audi Q3 (small-ish) which my footballer's wife tendencies admire in white.
Amazinggg · 19/06/2013 15:29
Very few people need them, it's down to you if you want one though. I find it 
when parents justify their 4x4s by need grounds.
I do, I'd love it. Vrmm brrmmm. Am currently trying to persuade DH. But not because we need it - our Astra is absolutely sufficient for 2x carseats and associated other crap.
vintageclock · 19/06/2013 15:40
Thanks. I'm glad to find like minded people on here. I will put my foot down, I think. DH knows, in his heart and soul, that we don't need one but I think he's fallen a bit for the whole 'status symbol' crap. He's not normally so gullible but he's a real pushover when it comes to cars.
vintageclock · 19/06/2013 15:45
LOL MrsTerry.
I have no idea why he's such a knob when it comes to cars. He's really not like that with anything else. We currently have a Golf which I find perfectly adequate, but it's old and beginning to become a bit unreliable so we do need to change it. I'd be quite happy to get another one but DH wants something more show offy 
.
AdoraBell · 19/06/2013 15:49
YANBU
Does DH want to spend his time fretting that someone is going prang his precious over sized car when it's parked in those teeny tiny parking spaces in London?
or does he want to relax in the knowledge that the car isn't overhanging the parking bay, doesn't stand out further into the road than others when parked in the street?
Disclaimer, I love some of the SUVs, just don't need them living in a city without lugging animals or kit around. And no, a baby and pushchair does not count as "animal and kit", just in case he tries that angle.
SnookyPooky · 19/06/2013 15:50
I have a RAV4, have to say that I love it but it IS a juice guzzler. However it is easy to drive and park and has plenty of space inside. I feel very safe in it, driving standards here are a little poor. I like having something substantial between me and the idiot who might run into me.
Due to the high centre of gravity they are prone to rollover in an accident.
I didn't set out to buy a 4x4, I had a Micra before and saw the RAV on the garage forecourt and that was that, but now that I have it I would not swap it for a smaller car.
I live in Cyprus and it gets driven in the snow once or twice a year up in the mountains and I can take it onto the beach but other than it is town or highway driving.
I didn't need it but I wanted it, if that makes sense.
ArthurSixpence · 19/06/2013 15:51
Tell your husband that the safest thing is not to travel at all.
Cars are also terrible as status symbols, as they communicate all sorts of things to people. I am almost certain that more people will think unkind thoughts about your husband for owning a vehicle almost entirely unsuited to it's role as will be impressed by him driving an almost new car that's a lot like many others.
I can understand wanting a nice car. But an SUV is not a nice car for driving on the road. And when you are a parent a nice car is one you can get the kid(s) in without too much trouble, one they aren't sick in because they can see out of the windows, one you don't care too much about to get upset when it gets mud all over the interior and one you can fit your holiday luggage in, and/or a bike or scooter and or a pram.
He doesn't imagine people bought over a quarter of a million Citoren Picassos because people thought they'd impress people or because they look nice, does he?
FryOneFatManic · 19/06/2013 16:12
An SUV for one child is definitely in the realms of ridiculous, especially in an urban environment.
We have a boring Ford Focus for 2 DCs, mostly used by DP. Decent sized boot, enough for it to be comfortable going on holiday. You don't need a big car.
I have a Peugeot 206. Perfect for me, or me plus DCs. People generally don't need a big car, they just want one. Exceptions would be something like factoring in wheelchair space, for example.
arabesque · 19/06/2013 16:30
YANBU. Not only are SUVs unnecessary for city driving, they are a bloody nuisance to other drivers who can't see out around them in car parks and can't squeeze down the inside lane to turn left because there's a big 4x4 plonked up ahead of them taking up a lane and a half as they wait for their light to turn green.
And yes, I know that happens with vans and buses as well but they serve a need and anyway, buses don't usually park in supermarket car parks. SUVs in the city only serve one need; the need to show off.
enjoyingscience · 19/06/2013 16:35
When we had DS, we had a saxo. It was plenty big enough for a pram, car seat and all the assorted crap that babies come with. We did trade up eventually, and now have a fabia estate because it has a better safety rating.
I just don't get the status symbol car thing! More expensive car means more expensive insurance and higher running costs. Why bother?
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.