Just stop buying new SUVs...

[Fridakahlofan]

Unless you REALLY need one. I live 1/4 mile down a muddy track and I do not have one.

In the Times today:
SUVs 'were responsible for all of the growth in oil demand, of 3.3 million barrels a day, from passenger cars between 2010 and 2018, with total fuel consumption from other types of car falling slightly'

Surely soon it will be shameful to own one!

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/soaring-demand-for-suvs-exacerbates-climate-crisis-kbpj5mpzg

I read that post as a joke

Thank the Lord!

@JacksonPillock
Eh? So people who live in the country side do need to go to work? Do you think we all just stay in our immediate area unless going to asda?

You don't NEEEEEED to go anywhere by car

Oh really? Yes I do. I live rurally. (I won't move anytime soon as I daily care for a relative who will never move from their life long home.)
My work is in another rural area. There is NO public transport link between the 2 areas. A taxi would cost me over £25 each way. So yes I NEED a car.
I'm in north Scotland with the accompanying inclement weather but don't use a SUV before you ask. My tattered old estate does fine.
I agree town/city driving does not require a massive car. Although how can we ever tell if people are using it for country stuff at weekends, so how can we really judge?
I will judge people who buy them and can't park for toffee tho.

As least people who go on holiday often do it to enjoy themselves, the SUV is purely a status thing.

///

So, a big fuck off carbon footprint is ok if we're having a jolly time?!

We've recently bought a second hand QQai which we'll run as economically as we can (1 car family) until it's on its last legs (or wheels!). Our previous car was a hatchback we'd owned from second again, for 13 years.

I'm comfortable with my motoring choice.

Everyone owns/buys stuff above and beyond what they need.

Jackson
But it’s in poor taste because some people really do need their vehicle. I do for starters so it felt more like a judgment than a joke. And who are you to say whether someone wants or actually needs a vehicle? Your joke is still wrapped up in a belief somewhere.

I occasionally see Hummers on the road. There are few things I judge, but driving a Hummer really is one.

A much bigger problem is people driving places that they really don’t need to.

But it’s in poor taste because some people really do need their vehicle

But the joke wasn't making fun of those people. You obviously misunderstood, but rest assured, you've no reason to take offence.

The sooner cars are taxed on weight as well as pollution the better.

This might concentrate minds onto smaller cars.

Perhaps we should go the way of the Japanese and have an equivalent to Kei class cars.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kei_car

We have a SUV and a Pickup the SUV is a 5.4L Ford Expedition, the pickup is a 6.2L 2500 Chevrolet diesel.

We chose them for there practicality and off road ability, the SUV can seat 8, and 3 dogs, while the pickup can carry 750KG and 6 people.

As Clarkson said, they are driven by people who think they need 4x4 because they sometimes drive down a road that has leaves on it.

I don't see the problem if you use one for what it's for, you know towing regularly and/or going off road regularly. But to go to the shops and take kids to school? You're an idiot. You don't need one for snow, mud or rain, I've gotten through snow, floods, mud etc with hatchbacks. Drive mine to horse shows (obviously not towing) and it's more than capable of driving in muddy fields.

Mine is a hybrid and I bought it mainly due to the abysmal road and endless speed bumps which cause damage to tyre walls, suspension, wear out brakes (and cause brake dust to be emitted). It’s slightly less economical than the sedan I would otherwise have bought but fairly minimal. If I replaced it (it should last at least 15 more years) that would involve much more environmental damage by manufacturing

If you do need your vehicle, why do you feel like you have to justify yourself?

If stating that the ones who need a big car to help them feel bigger in life touches a nerve, then there must be some truth in it. Otherwise, why would you care?

Mine is a hybrid and I bought it mainly due to the abysmal road and endless speed bumps which cause damage to tyre walls, suspension, wear out brakes (and cause brake dust to be emitted).

You know you'll still have to replace those things, it will now just cost you more?

Meh.
I live rurally, and have kids, dogs and elderly parents in my household. When it snows or floods mine is the only car we can get through in. Our school run is almost all filthy old 4x4s here!

So, I’m going to stick with my 12 year old 4x4. Sorry if it offends you. Oh, no, wait- I’m not.

If you do need your vehicle, why do you feel like you have to justify yourself?

If stating that the ones who need a big car to help them feel bigger in life touches a nerve, then there must be some truth in it. Otherwise, why would you care?

I asked that earlier but the thread is still full of people justifying why they really do need theirs.

I can park our 4x4 in an ordinary car parking space so it fills the space equally on all sides with the exception of the tow bar so I always choose one that overhangs the planting between the rows.
It never ceases to amaze me how many non 4x4 drivers cannot stick a small car in the parking space in such a way as they do not overhang when their vehicle is a LOT smaller.

(Our 4x4 is necessary as it is also used as a tow vehicle & for OH's business, they don't yet make even a hybrid let alone an all electric that could do what we ask it to do, aside from which the environmental cost of making a new vehicle surely is a problem? )

**Mind your own business. There’s nothing show off about a Nissan Qashqai or a Kia Sportage. They are practical vehicles and good for families.

I will definitely buy another one. You don’t like them, you don’t buy them, but stop telling other people what to do.**

^This

If you do need your vehicle, why do you feel like you have to justify yourself?

Because we feel attacked all the time

I wouldn’t dream of NOT buying/owning a particular type of car because someone on MN told me not to.

Frankly people who own SUVs are ridiculous and shows offs.

Why do you need a SUV when you live in a town? The massive cars piss me off.

I’m not justifying myself.

I’m opening your tiny mind to the fact that lots of people’s reality is very different from yours.

You’re welcome

Mine is 20 years old, falling to bits and not very fuel efficient. But it does carry all the children and tow the horsebox.
I can assure you I'd be buying a new SUV if I could afford to so there nah as it would be better for the environment

I’m opening your tiny mind to the fact that lots of people’s reality is very different from yours

That makes no sense in the context of this thread.

I really like my car. Perhaps that makes me a show off. But it is so lovely to drive and the comfort is so much better than my previous cars.

I guess if you are going to be green and superior about it, you don't go anywhere unless on a bike.

@Howmanychildrentoomanychildren

If you're towing it, it isn't a horsebox but a trailer. Pet peeve of mine sorry.