Posted on 07/17/2005 1:25:15 PM PDT by grey_whiskers
Let me be the first to predict the imminent death of the SUV's as a preferred form of transportation. This is not because the drivers are Starbucks-sipping yuppie scum, nor because they are chain-smoking over-the-hill-trophy wives, nor because they are preoccupied with their cell phones (though these are all true).
It is because the SUV's, despite their name, are not SPORT utility vehicles, but specialty UTILITY vehicles, good for ferrying half of a boy scout troop, or hauling home several months' salary worth of goods from Best Buy or from Home Depot in a single trip. In other words, they are large, lumbering, and specialized. Just like the dinosaurs. And like the dinosaurs, when the environment to which they have laboriously adapted changes--when their ecosystem changes—they will go extinct.
Just what is it that will spell the end of these suburban monsters? I used to think it was a spike in gas prices: surely no one can continue driving an 8- or 12- mpg beast in the face of $2.00+ per gallon charges at the pump. But I was wrong. These vehicles are status symbols. They are not Babe Mobiles, like a BMW roadster; these are what you buy after you have landed the babe and she has domesticated you, when you want to impress other couples. I have heard a yuppie explain this very point, when asked why he didn't abandon his new Durango, even though he was burning two gallons of gas a day, just commuting to work. "That's not the statement I'm trying to make." The automakers (even with 0% financing) must need supercomputers just to count their lease payments. And the “now all customers can have the employee discount” sales aren’t helping either.
Well, if it isn't gas, what will spell the end of the SUV? I think the answer is, when they outlive their natural utility (no pun intended). What are the SUV's used for, really? Certainly not (except maybe the Xterra or Hummer) for serious off-road work. They cost too much to buy, and you don't want to damage a leased vehicle! As noted earlier, SUV's excel at hauling around small people, buying stuff at Home Depot, and impressing the neighbors. When will these functions die off?
Let us remember that ever since the 60's, the vanguard of every cultural movement has been the baby boomers--from rock 'n roll, through Doonesbury, to career women, and SUV's. Boomers have delayed parenthood until late in their lives; now they have children at the same time as they have money. Boomers like a large house, they want a large vehicle to carry the furniture and hardware; they use the SUV for soccer practice, piano practice, singing lessons, birthdays, you name it.
But children grow older; they want their own cars. (How many people really let a 16-year old drive a $40,000 vehicle that they don't even own? And how much is the insurance?) Finally, the children move out. Now there is no need at all for ferrying the children; and the large house out in the 'burbs begins to feel 'empty'…”Honey, maybe we should look into a condominium, or a townhouse?” And as the large house is downsized, there too goes the need for a wheeled dinosaur to haul lumber, furniture, plumbing. The day of the dinosaurs is done. And (by the way) the automakers will have to turn to another guaranteed profit center. Caveat emptor.
(Full disclosure: SUV's are also good for mashing subcompacts under their tires like a dinosaur stomping a frightened rabbit. The author drives a Nissan Sentra. This fact has nothing whatsoever to do with the contents of this article.)
Not legally, no.
Oh, my parents have had three black standards! The newest is now 6 months old. What a cutie . . . and what a handfull!
One more comment then I gotta go to a meeting. It used to be that way here -- they really tried to fly under the radar. Now I think they know they are sacred cows and they are much more bold.
I have three at home. They are all alive.
An ironical and funny story re illegals and no drivers's licenses.
About 12 years ago, an uber liberal doctor was rearended very hard on a local 4 lane road. He was hit so hard his car was disabled, and he suffered injuries.
The old pickup truck had 3 people of dubious legality and was also disabled.
The 3 amigos got out of the truck and got their tools and stuff out of the back. Two truck pulled up along side, and they threw their stuff into the backs of the trucks, climbed and left the liberal doc, his disabled car and their truck.
He was outraged. I told him welcome to the world he and his liberal friends had created with the welcome mat out for illegals. He became conservative on this issue.
Sort of like that saying that a conservative is a liberal that's been mugged.
A year later, he laughed and said the same thing. However, he is still an uber liberal.
I'm waiting for a halfton diesel. Toyota and Chrysler (Jeep and Dodge) will probably be first after 2006.
SUV death? Try more SUV's going forward. Why - because it's today's station wagon. SUV's cover a broad range from small RAV's to large Excursion's. As for real 4WD's, it's not Xterra's and Hummers. Give me a break. Try Jeep Rubicon's and Land Rovers.
Going forward, lot's of options for the consumer. Yes, consumer who will continue to drive what the auto makers design and develop, not the SUV hating crowd who think hybrids are the solution to reduced oil consumption.
83.72% of statistics used in an argument are made up during the discussion.
You forgot to mention the sheer joy you experience in never meeting a curb you couldn't ignore.
well, except for a couple of those down in Galveston.
well, except for a couple of those down in Galveston.
The thrill from conquering any and all curbs who pop up in my way is something which words simply can't describe.
I'm practicing for the seawall.
;-)
Years ago a friend and his (pregnant) wife were broadsided in an intersection by a man who ran a red light, totalling their car. The man driving the other car had NO legs (or insurance) and was using a stick for brake and gas. The man without legs sued my friend for a replacement car...and won.
The judge told him and his insurance representative there with him that because they (the insurance company and my friend) were more capable that THEY should provide him with a replacement car....
Geez what state/county did that happen?
*THUD !!*
"What was that, honey?"
"I dunno, let me check. Oh, it's OK, we just flattened a Buick!"
Cheers!
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