On the 4x4 debate - is this just as 'bad'

[handlemecarefully]

I have a vague commitment to environmental issues (recycle, buy biodegradable bin bags from Smile Child etc ) so need to ask about this:

volvo xc90

Is it as bad as the other so called 'chelsea tractors'? I think it does about 30 miles to the gallon (but may have got that wrong). Is that bad?...or reasonable?

Would it be as dangerous to pedestrians?

We are attracted to it because it has a good build quality (nice solid safe vehicle in terms of occupant safety), has 7 seats all of which except the driver seat can be reclined to totally flat (giving a van type environment to transport bulky items if required), and rather superficially, I think it is so much more aesthetically appealing than a people carrier...

Is diesel more environmentally sound than petrol?

If this really is a damaging vehicle, please suggest something comparable (lots of space, good build quality and attractive) as a more pc alternative

I love the Volvo XC90 - it's lush!

However, I do think safety wise it's just as bad as the others. It's too big for urban driving really I think.

Oh bllcks, and I really like it!

I think dh might be getting one of these

but in our defence we live in the country

Um, it looks quite big for parking HMC - forgive me if I'm wrong, but isn't parking something that has caused you some anxiety in the past?

We live in the country too technically (well it is rural), but I can't quite argue this because the roads are perfectly navigable without 4 wheel drive

Blu - lol! umm yes!

But dh has convinced me that with rear parking sensors it will be okay...plus he claims it has better visibility than current car

And ENID! You are the one who has been saying you get around happily in the snow in your hatchback with sewing machine size engine

I do! I didnt say I was getting one.

although sadly will have to ditch the fiesta as I wont be able to fit 3 kids in it

This is my dream auto! Seriously, if I won Lotto, it'd be one of my first purchases.

What I really want is for someone to come on and say "Go and buy it! - it isn't in the same [bad] league as a land rover etc"

..or come up with another suggestion for an equally appealing vehicle

the estate version is nice too

looks a bit big to me (but I can't drive so feel free to ignore).

There is an advert out at the moment for a nice car, and the jist is 'get the car even if you have the kids' or something like that, ie nice people carrier.

Will try and remember the name.

if you remember what it is Oliveoil, be sure to post the suggestion.....

I don't want to feel maligned and generally guilty every time I drive my soon to be acquired new car, so would rather have something.....acceptable (although I do so love the volvo xc90)

Go and buy it! - it isn't in the same [bad] league as a land rover etc

Will that do you?

will ask hubby at lunch, he knows about these things (yawn).

He likes volvos though so you may get the answer you secretly want!

x

(does volvos need an apostrophe?)

lol Tabs!

God knows about the apostrophe oliveoil

hmc - I can just hear you

hmc: darling dh I know you really wanted that volvo xc90 but all the girls on mumsnet say it's really not on - we must find a car that uses methane and is made of sponge.

dh: - ok darling whatever the girls on mumsnet say.

splutter!, guffaw!

I think it should apostrophe free. Do you want/need 7 seats? Enid have you decided what to get yet? Never sure exactly what constitutes country. We live in a village. I take the back roads to work (to save myself about 45 mins) which are always churned up with mud, congested with tractors, pheasants etc, never gritted.... Last week I managed to get my car (a fiesta also) dirtier than DH's and he had been from Yorkshire to Wales and to various other places as well. Was a bit of a result actually as he only had time to wash one and mine won out.

lol

no not decided

doesnt help that we are skint (dhs car is company car)

I may buy dhs current company car off him (a bmw 3 series saloon), its done 100,000 miles but we've had it from new its been fab.

but I dont think it will fit three kids in the back

Sorry HMC I am an 'anti 4x4'protester.
HOWEVER, for those poeple who really feel they must please look at a Honda. I don't drive one myself but I know they are the most environmentally friendly on the road.
The AA man who came out to me recently said they are the least likely to break down. The AA holds the breakdown contract for Honda and he says they very rarely get called out to them, which suits the AA nicely.

hmc - i think that car looks gr8, and if you like it you should go for it.
But I'm afraid I'm not very pc at all when it comes to cars, and I'm not going to say what I drive.

the car oliveoil is thinking of is the Toyota Verso

My honest opinion - it is a 4x4 - I see loads of them round here (SW London) and I think they are totally impractical for city driving and parking (but that goes for all those huge 4x4s like the Volvo and the big BMW one). Any 4x4 will come off best in a crash with a pedestrian - where you have to be extremely careful (and this includes people carriers) is reversing because you CANNOT see small children behind these type of cars.

I think if you are looking at a PC car, the sort of car you would have to go for is the Toyota Prius (hybird energy car - very green!) but I don't know how many it seats.

I think if you are semi-rural and like a good drive and a safe car, then that sort of car should do you fine. I do think aesthetically it's one of the better looking large cars around.

those hondas are v nice, I would have like HONDA but the seven seater honda aren't as nice. BTW, if you do drive a 4x4 the cost of petrol will drive you nuts. It costs us £30-40 for basic usage without any trips out etc.