Posted on 07/18/2007 8:28:59 AM PDT by 3AngelaD
Vandals Batter D.C. Man's SUV, Slash Its Tires and Scratch In an Eco Note
On a narrow, leafy street in Northwest Washington, where Prius hybrid cars and Volvos are the norm, one man bought a flashy gray Hummer that was too massive to fit in his garage. So he parked the seven-foot-tall behemoth on the street in front of his house and smiled politely when his eco-friendly neighbors looked on in disapproval at his "dream car."
It lasted five days on the street before two masked men took a bat to every window, a knife to each 38-inch tire and scratched into the body: "FOR THE ENVIRON."
"The thought of somebody vandalizing it never crossed my mind," said Gareth Groves...
Now, as Groves ponders what to do with the remains of his $38,000 SUV, he has been the target of a number of people who have driven by the crime scene in his upscale neighborhood and glared at him in smug satisfaction...
Neighbor Lucille Liem, 37, who owns a Prius hybrid, said that a common sentiment in the neighborhood is that large vehicles are impractical and a strain on the Earth -- and Hummers in particular are a symbol of consumer excess... Liem added quickly that she does not condone violence...
Investigators said they are searching for the vandals but don't have many leads. Witnesses saw two men about six feet tall with bandanas or masks over their faces smash up the car about 3:30 a.m. Monday and then run off...
He bought the used 2005 vehicle a month ago from a dentist in Fairfax County..."I'm worried about what I do now," he said. "If I get it fixed, do I put it back in the same spot three weeks from now?"
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
One pulled up behind my husband and I at the gas station that was older than that one...absolutely gorgeous classic.
My husband and I tentatively approached the owner and struck up a conversation. We should’ve known he would want to talk about it, owners of such cars rightfully love to talk about them! We talked for a half hour in the gas station parking lot!
Don't forget the insurance claim!
Still, if you need a work truck, buying a used one thats never been used for anything other than commuting is probably a good move - its what Id probably do.
I bought my pick-up used. A 1998 Chevy Silverado Z-71 3-door. Came off a lease that I figure was used by a project manager or something. Judging from the marks in the back seat where his file storage was.
I really wasn't even seriously looking, it was just something in the back of my mind. Anyway I was on lunch one day, and drove by a tent sale at the mall. Kinda cruised around looking, and right before I left the parking lot, something in the corner of my eye grabbed my attention.
So I got out and took a look. It had the right color (dark green metallic), bedliner, rail guards, leather seats, Tape and CD, full gauges. The only drawback was the automatic (I prefer manuals). Still, I ended up buying it.
I haven't taken it off road much, but the 4x4 comes in real handy in the winter. And ball haul'n through 12 inches of fresh powder is a blast, if you can find some road/parking lots before the plows and other traffic ruin it.
All in all I'm pleased with the used purchase. Haven't had a problem with it other than basic maintenance and wear and tear issues. (Filling the tank is another issue) Nothing wrong with buying used if you take the time (or get lucky like I did) and look around.
Two things, you have to be careful that no one turns them around when you’re not looking, and second, the may reach out and touch someone a bit too far from the real perps (I still like the idea though)
I’m single and I’m thinking my next vehicle will be a wagon or small SUV - just so that I’ve got something that large boxes from the “big box” stores will fit in. I’m tired of having to get someone with a van or truck to pick stuff up for me, or going through contortions to stuff it in the back seat (the trunk’s big but the opening isn’t big enough to get a big box into it, even if I wanted to leave the trunk lid open).
He should go out and get a bigger vehicle in response: maybe one of those new Toyota trucks ( don’t know the model, but you know the one I’m talking about in their commercial; REMINDS of them of “Red America” too!).
Now--- that's definitely thinking outside of the box.
Do you suppose that if I do the same Bevis and Butthead will stop abusing me for driving a Prius? I suppose converting it to run on corn alcohol will have them accusing me of starving Mexicans.
Just saying.
I despise HOAs and the aholes who seek power in them.
LOL...but thats how he rolls........livin with his mama.
I thought about posting that pic too- that was until my cat started giving me strange looks.
Xena can probly kick both our butts, but I gotta say here...
She's too smart to live in Indiana.
Just saying.
Please show me where I ever advocated taking away people’s vehicles and forcing them to drive what I want them to.
People on this thread are mistaking mockery for regulation.
Yep, the only thing boys like more than their toys, is talking about them.
Here's another beauty that Xena probably wouldn't approve of a middle aged man driving :-)) Although, I don't know how anyone but a middle aged man could afford one.
How many times do I have to give a reason before you accept that it’s, um, the reason?
Whether you buy it or not is in no way my problem.
Y’all are closer to valid criticism. I have been in Texas all my life. Snow doesn’t even enter into consideration down here.
I’m not sure why I’m on the list next to all the people who took umbrage.
Okay, okay. If you say you don’t like posers I’ll have to take your word for it. I didn’t read all the posts after mine.
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