SUVs versus non-SUVs

[Mudge]

Originally posted by Rob_NC
You're right about the trannys. In fact, all DC products have tranny problems. As for the independent rear suspension, that can be an advantage in 4x4.

They are IRS now? I haven't even seen that, but I have seen live axle setups with LCAs, which is exactly what my car has. 4x4 mud boggers shun them as nothing but SUVs for preppies, but I dont go mud bogging so for me it would not be a large concern. They look nice, they could do some towing, good enough for me.

 

[Jodi]

Originally posted by naturalguy
Jodi,

So you like the Liberty, I was thinking of that for my next car but I was afraid it was too small. let me know what you think, how's the storage?

I love it. Its not as good for storage as the Grand CHerokee but I don't need all that room. Its a bit slower too but thats not a bad thing with my lead foot.

 

[Pepper]

Originally posted by Rob_NC
The only thing that's outstanding about Suburbans is you beside the gas pump watching the total hit $40+.

Well, I actually own one. Before that I owned a Tahoe. I love the Chevy SUVs. As for the gas mileage, I get 15 miles/gallon on the highway, just below 14 in the city. Yes, the gas is more expensive than a car or smaller SUV, but it is worth it. I mean, if you are going to drop $40K on a car, $25/month extra for gas is probably not going to kill you. Gas is a factor, but it is low on the list. The property taxes are outrageous.

My biggest complaint is parking in parking garages.

 

[Rob_NC]

Originally posted by Pepper
Well, I actually own one. Before that I owned a Tahoe. I love the Chevy SUVs. As for the gas mileage, I get 15 miles/gallon on the highway, just below 14 in the city. Yes, the gas is more expensive than a car or smaller SUV, but it is worth it. I mean, if you are going to drop $40K on a car, $25/month extra for gas is probably not going to kill you. Gas is a factor, but it is low on the list. The property taxes are outrageous.

My biggest complaint is parking in parking garages.

I don't mean to sound like I'm against large SUVs. I actually owned one for 2 years. I've actually owned 8 trucks over the last 16 years. I always thought that I'd never drive anything but my P/U. In fact, we had 2 at one time, a F150 SC and a F150 Supercrew. Traded the SCrew in on the Expy cuz the wife was tired of retrieving the groceries from all over the bed. We wanted the Expy because short term plans were to purchase a tent camper. Well, that never materialized and we were later shocked when we calculated that we were spending $300 per month on gas between 2 trucks. I looked at my truck and determined that the only times I actually used it as a truck were the infrequent trips to the home improvement center that required a truck, other than that, I drove it back and forth to work. I ended up trading for an econobox. Since we didn't get a camper, the wife started complaining about how hard it was for the kids to get into the Expy and how hard it was to constantly have to flip the 2nd row seat in order to gain access to the 3rd row. Got tired of her complaining and got her a mini van. Also bought a small utility trailer to haul stuff occasionally. Now our monthly fuel bill is on average less than $150 per month and the wife is happy (most important). I miss the ride height of the trucks but that's it.

 

[Mudge]

Econo boxes make great daily cars, reliable (hopefully), good gas mileage, cheap insurance, beat on it relentlessly without a care in the world

 

[ArduousMeister]

The new VW SUV is great ... I went for a rip in the new Porsche SUV which share the same chassis and they are great! Nice little economical vehicle

 

[lina]

Originally posted by butterfly
I do have to say that our Dodge Grand Caravan has way more room in it then the SUVs I've been in and it has been a great cost saver when we need to move things. Gas mileage is good too like 28mpg.

We have a Caravan right now too... but it's croackin'

It's been great when we needed the extra seats for carpooling or playdates but now I think we use it less often so it's good to have the 3rd row fold away when we don't need it and have a smaller car/suv...

 

[lina]

Originally posted by Pepper
Well, I actually own one. Before that I owned a Tahoe. I love the Chevy SUVs. As for the gas mileage, I get 15 miles/gallon on the highway, just below 14 in the city. Yes, the gas is more expensive than a car or smaller SUV, but it is worth it. I mean, if you are going to drop $40K on a car, $25/month extra for gas is probably not going to kill you. Gas is a factor, but it is low on the list. The property taxes are outrageous.

My biggest complaint is parking in parking garages.

How much do you pay in property taxes?

 

[Pepper]

Originally posted by lina
How much do you pay in property taxes?

I transferred my tag so I have not paid any tax yet. That is coming up in November. However, based on what I just paid on my partner's Honda ($900,) I am expecting at least $1,000.

 

[RCfootball87]

Originally posted by dg806
I have a suv(Ford Explorer) a truck(f150 4wd) and a Cadallic.

What do you do for a living?

 

[MtnBikerChk]

Pro: SUV

we went to VT last month - a 3.5 hour ride and it rained the whole way. We got two mountain bikes and all our crap for the weekend inside the explorer. Not to mention, when we got there, we traveled on steep dirt roads and 4 wheel drive came in quite handy.

 

[ZECH]

Originally posted by RCfootball87
What do you do for a living?

Work for the City of Charlotte as a Contract estimator.

 

[ZECH]

Originally posted by MtnBikerChk
Pro: SUV

we went to VT last month - a 3.5 hour ride and it rained the whole way. We got two mountain bikes and all our crap for the weekend inside the explorer. Not to mention, when we got there, we traveled on steep dirt roads and 4 wheel drive came in quite handy.

Yeah, yeah, rub it in!!

 

[CJB]

Originally posted by MtnBikerChk
Pro: SUV

we went to VT last month - a 3.5 hour ride and it rained the whole way. We got two mountain bikes and all our crap for the weekend inside the explorer. Not to mention, when we got there, we traveled on steep dirt roads and 4 wheel drive came in quite handy.

Where in VT did you go?

 

[MtnBikerChk]

Originally posted by CJB
Where in VT did you go?

East Burke to ride the Kingdom Trails.

 

[I Are Baboon]

Originally posted by MtnBikerChk
East Burke to ride the Kingdom Trails.

Made possible by our Explorer.

 

[lina]

Nice pic IAB and MBChick!

Did you get to stop at Ben and Jerry's Icecream Factory?

 

[I Are Baboon]

Originally posted by lina
Nice pic IAB and MBChick!

Did you get to stop at Ben and Jerry's Icecream Factory?

Thanks! Actually, the pic is MBC (in the front) and two other ladies. I am holding the camera.

We did not go to the Ben and Jerry's Factory, but we did have ice cream!! (and beer and pizza)

 

[CJB]

Originally posted by MtnBikerChk
East Burke to ride the Kingdom Trails.

Nice! I'm originally from VT, but closer to the Killington area. I was just there for a visit last week and miss it again already.