Hi RC,
I can understand your justification for an SUV, especially since it is a Porsche
, however there are odd things going on in the U.S that make me wish there were less of them on the road today. For example, two houses in my neighborhood have Hummers in the garage. These people just communte back and forth, the same as they could with a sedan. It is obvious that they do not offroad or use any extra cargo space. However, they love driving up high and disregarding small sports cars around them. One is a real estate agent who has lifted the truck and slapped his company logo on the side. He wants to attract attention.
People who like riding up high and who don't have to worry about speed bumps and curbs when they drive recklessly love SUVs and feel invincible, so they don't pay attention to the road sometimes. This is a reflection of the driver somewhat as well. Speed bumps get larger and larger every year because of these and pretty soon a stock GT3 won't be able to make it over without ripping the front bumper off. Many have air pressures too low and drive way too fast for the speed (an Excursion is not a Cayenne).
Legislation also helps the SUV thrive. They are considered a truck when it comes to tax deductions, bumper regulations, headlamp regulations, gas guzzler exemptions and other construction metrics. They are considered a car when going over bridges, paying tolls, and insurance premiums. Seems unfair. In a single car crash, many American SUVs that aren't made with unibody construction are far less safe than little cars like the Mini Cooper S.
However, even if the SUV isn't the optimal choice for someone in my eyes, it makes the owner happy, and thus we have to respect it. If I have to get 10mpg, it better be because I put the pedal to the floor and not because my car weighs 7000 .lbs.
But those owner's choices affect me every day.
Now, there are plenty of responsible SUV drivers that drive attentively, maintain their vehicles, and use their added capabilities over a regular car. Just don't see the point to these Hummer buyers who live in downtown LA!
- J
