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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Convince me that having a larger car than you need is not selfish.

411 replies

Rooners · 04/03/2014 09:46

Because I cannot think of a single reason why it's not. I'm talking about cars that are huge for the sake of it, not cars that carry wheelchairs, or loads of people, in a relatively compact and utilitarian manner.

But something that only has 4/5 seats yet is the size of a small tractor - and no, I don't think this is wrong if you live somewhere with poor terrain. But if you don't?

  1. They take up more space when the last things we need on our crowded roads are unnecessarily supersized vehicles.
  1. You can't see past them because they are often much higher than 'normal' cars - great for the person driving the thing, rubbish for everyone else
  1. They tend to use a larger amount of fuel than a 'normal' car - which is, unarguably, utterly unfair given the fuel crisis the world is facing.
  1. They don't fit into a normal parking space which causes untold problems in car parks.
  1. They don't fit in a narrow road so cause hold ups as people try to pass each other.

So please convince me, if you can be bothered, that I ought not to be so cross when I am trying to use the roads and one of these massive tanks makes it difficult, dangerous or just really bloody awkward.

I am willing to listen. It's that or spontaneous combustion really.

OP posts:
EvansOvalPiesYumYum · 06/03/2014 11:42

No, I don't agree with it being a jealous thing at all, TBH. Some people really don't agree with larger cars, and I can understand and accept that view. However, what I don't agree with is when those people pass judgement on others, questioning their "need". No-one could possibly know what another's "need" is. Also, making blanket statements on drivers of larger vehicles, when it is completely unfounded. Many (not all) drivers of small cars are appalling, but I don't tarnish all drivers of small cars the same. A good driver is a good driver, a bad one is a bad one, whatever steering wheel you're sitting behind.

Binkyridesagain · 06/03/2014 11:45

IIRC earlier on in the thread you said you approved of Bio Fuel?

How do you feel about the impact of palm oil and its increase in demand and the impact that has on the environment?

Rooners · 06/03/2014 11:46

You are absolutely right Evan and I really appreciate your equanimity.

I have to be careful not to label all 'larger car' drivers as selfish when I am out on the road. I always try to bear in mind that they may have a perfectly good reason for having one - maybe like me, they didn't choose it. Maybe they hate it. Maybe they have disability or mobility issues.

I try not to judge. But when I started this thread, it was in response to a long time seeing other threads about this issue on MN, and so so many people responding with 'I will drive what I bloody well like, because I can, and I pay for it, and it doesn't affect any other fucker'.

Well that's not true. It does affect others. It's this attitude I am railing against.
Unless someone forces me onto the pavement IRL I do try and be circumspect. But I am known to mutter 'Your car is too big' at any and every oversized thing that passes us. Smile

OP posts:
Rooners · 06/03/2014 11:47

No idea Binky. Is palm oil the mainstay of bio oil? I had a boyfriend who made his own and I think he got used veg oil from local takeaways.

OP posts:
Rooners · 06/03/2014 11:47

Bio fuel, sorry.

OP posts:
LunchLadyWannabe · 06/03/2014 11:48

Rooners

There is no need to insult people that dont agree with you

Jealousy is a bitter trait

Rooners · 06/03/2014 11:52

Daft isn't an insult is it? Really? I am sorry if that caused you any distress.

I just want you to think about this issue, but you don't want to, so I guess there's nothing more I can say.

OP posts:
impty · 06/03/2014 11:53

My dh's small sports car has a worse mpg than my 4x4, he only uses ut when on his own.

I've seen many people struggle to park small cars, not so many people struggling with large cars, maybe they're better drivers?

I live in the country so the roads are small, and even in a normal hatchback you have to slow down. In town the roads are wide enough for todays cars.

My 4x4 is the family car and needs to fit 2 teens, 2 adults and on occasion 2 large dogs. However, if you see me in the supermarket car park it'll look like it's just for me. In fact I am rarely in it on my own!

But I do have blacked out windows and a personal plate do I sense we'll not agree on this one OP!

Rooners · 06/03/2014 11:54

and I'm not jealous. I'm SO not jealous that if you took my brain out, and put it through a machine that searched for thoughts containing the words 'I wish I had one of those', the results wouldn't contain any mention of any car at all. Apart from possible a land rover, but only because you can hose them down when your children turn them into a pit Grin

I seriously would not want one unless I lived somewhere appropriate. And I don't.

The rest of these cars are just fugly imo.

OP posts:
Binkyridesagain · 06/03/2014 11:54

Maybe you should go and look.

Rooners · 06/03/2014 11:56

Impty - the only problem I have with blacked out windows is that our neighbour has a car that's huge, with dark glass and I can't see over it, and I can't see through it either. So it has led to a few near misses backing out.

Otherwise go for your life Smile Anyone who is using minimal fuel is a winner imo.

OP posts:
Rooners · 06/03/2014 11:56

Go and look at what?

OP posts:
Cantironwontiron · 06/03/2014 11:58

The palm oil Rooners

Binkyridesagain · 06/03/2014 11:59

Bio fuel and its impact on the environment.

Rooners · 06/03/2014 12:11

Oh Ok.

OP posts:
EvansOvalPiesYumYum · 06/03/2014 12:24

and I'm not jealous. I'm SO not jealous that if you took my brain out, and put it through a machine that searched for thoughts containing the words 'I wish I had one of those', the results wouldn't contain any mention of any car at all. Apart from possible a land rover, but only because you can hose them down when your children turn them into a pit

That was funny Grin

Have to agree, I'm not a fan of blacked out windows either. Lots of cars have the front side windows blacked out too, which I believe is actually illegal, so not sure how they're managing to get away with it.

Theodorous · 06/03/2014 12:29

We have got a Hummer but only an H3, used to have an H2 as well but got the Escalade. My husband asked if we had to go in the "small car" the other day and it made me giggle. It has saved our lives several time

Theodorous · 06/03/2014 12:31

I would be so NOT attracted to a bloke who had a crappo car that stank of chip fat!!!

wobblyweebles · 06/03/2014 13:12

I drive a 4 wheel drive Subaru Forester SUV, it has seating for 4-5 people and lots of cabin room. Frankly I love it, but then again I live in Seattle and we drive up to the ski-grounds all winter long. I don't feel bad about the fuel usage either; it's a partial zero emissions vehicle so it is on a par with a hybrid. I'm assuming this same vehicle is available in the UK? Funny thing is, it's almost small in comparison to other SUVs here.

I'd really like a Forester but not sure how comfortable it would be in the back for three kids especially on long journeys?

wobblyweebles · 06/03/2014 13:12

And btw do you go to Steven's Pass? We lived in Seattle years ago and used to go there. Loved it.

Theodorous · 06/03/2014 14:24

I used to have a forrester my God it was quick! I used to be able to drive over deep sand and not get stuck but sadly when I started working onshore visiting rigs it just didn't have the clearance

LittleMissSunshine89 · 06/03/2014 14:40

Tbh i find it stupid to have a big 4x4 Range Rover or whatever in the city. Fair enough when you live in the country and need it to get up steep roads but all reasoning is lost when you live in the city with one or two kids and have this stupidly big car. No consideration is given to other drivers or even pedestrians let alone the planet. Whats wrong with just getting a normal car like a Vectra? I think its more a case of "ooh look what money can buy even if i am scraping the bottom of the barrel to afford it" than actually NEEDING it.

wobblyweebles · 06/03/2014 14:44

Why do you have to NEED a particular car to buy one?

I don't really need my iPad but I love it. Does it make me stupid that I bought something I didn't need?

struggling100 · 06/03/2014 14:47

You're asking people to think about the ethical implications of consumption.... it's very alien in a consumer society that is entirely geared towards individualist gratification.

LittleMissSunshine89 · 06/03/2014 15:46

Some people need a car say if they have a disability or have a disabled child. Some people need a car as they travel for work. There is plenty reasons why someone may need a car. There isnt plenty reasons why someone may need a range rover though.

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