Why Drive an SUV in Los Angeles (Brea, Beverly Hills: movers, houses)

[greggd]

Originally Posted by missionhome

I think many people that hate SUV's don't have kids or haul anything around. I could see how you would think an SUV is impracticable. But my wife drives an SUV because there aren't many cars out there that will allow her to: drive our three children around (plus the twice weekly carpool), the kids friends, their backpacks, the dog, soccer equipment, the mountain of Costco food, an Easy Up canopy (for our kids soccer games and cross country meets), that new table we bought, etc. So if there is another type of vehicle that can fit stuff like that in it, the please make me aware. I think the Costco food alone makes a regular sedan impossible. My car can't fit the Costco stuff without it overflowing over into the passenger seats, but my wife's SUV can. Until then, I think my family needs at least our one SUV. Are there people who don't need SUV's- definitely. But many people need a vehicle this size.

Well if your carpooling more than 3 kids, then from a seating standpoint you will need something that has a 2nd back seat, especially with a dog. I grew up with 3 other siblings and we always had 4 door cars. dog stayed at home and kids at home during shopping trips.

Now i have a convertible that I use if I need to haul lumber or bulky or odd shaped items.

I too may very well end up buying an suv, but its going to be used exclusively to haul a trailer. Have no choice, but would like to get a smaller sized one if it can pull a load decently.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by JackSparrow

On occasions, due to the variable nature of moving and stopped traffic.

I do split lanes (lane sharing), and it is not illegal to do so as per the vehicle code.

I mean this completely seriously, if it weren't for motorcyclists....I'd hate to guess how many fewer organs there would be out there for donation. Please take the time to sign the back of your license etc.

This is anti-cyclist....this is just the reality of riding a bike and coming across the occasional bad or distracted driver.

[James T]

Originally Posted by HockeyFan

That scared me to death when I moved here! I'd never seen it before, so I had no idea to watch for it. There's still times motorcycle drivers go too fast -- if traffic's stopped, go 20, not 60, as we can't see you until the very last second otherwise (especially between carpool lanes and regular lanes, as it's often required to get out of the carpool lane to exit).

I don't agree with it being legal, but it is. I do my best to watch, but I had a motorcycle nearly hit me the other day when I was completely stopped. Now, what can I do about that?

I smoked when I was younger, and whilst in my car I'd ash my cigarette out the window. A few times in slow freeway traffic I nearly had my arm taken off by a motorcycle rider.

[James T]

Originally Posted by MagicTouch

I've been driving trucks and SUV's my whole life (since 16), which is about 30 years and I'm female. What I hate about the people that now drive large trucks and SUV's don't know how to drive them. They think they can drive them like a sports car, it doesn't work that way. What I really don't appreaciate is the little girls driving big trucks/SUV's who are on the phone and think there in a little sports car and think they own the road. Someone needs to teach them how to drive a Truck/SUV. I've never been in an accident and that's not bad condsidering I've been driving for 30 years, and I'm a female driving an SUV. The SUV came in handy with 3 boys, being a single mom, and going camping, fishing, surfing and diving with my sons. Now they are all grown-up and on their own and I still drive an SUV. After so many years in a Truck/SUV, I tried driving a car felt like I was sitting on the asfault. Just my opinion ....

Sadly, I'd estimate 98% of all current SUV drivers do not even know the difference between independent suspension and a solid axle, or the difference between coil and leaf springs. And, forget trying to explain to them that four wheel drive doesn't equate to superior handling to all two wheel drive passenger cars.

[James T]

Originally Posted by missionhome

I think many people that hate SUV's don't have kids or haul anything around. I could see how you would think an SUV is impracticable. But my wife drives an SUV because there aren't many cars out there that will allow her to: drive our three children around (plus the twice weekly carpool), the kids friends, their backpacks, the dog, soccer equipment, the mountain of Costco food, an Easy Up canopy (for our kids soccer games and cross country meets), that new table we bought, etc. So if there is another type of vehicle that can fit stuff like that in it, the please make me aware. I think the Costco food alone makes a regular sedan impossible. My car can't fit the Costco stuff without it overflowing over into the passenger seats, but my wife's SUV can. Until then, I think my family needs at least our one SUV. Are there people who don't need SUV's- definitely. But many people need a vehicle this size.

My neighbor handles her kids and their friends just fine with a wagon.

[Mathguy]

Whoops, my post above is supposed to say "Isn't" anti-cyclist.

Stay safe.

[CLQ]

It's a family car alternative to the minivan. Plus, they are safer than a smaller car if you get in an accident. We were T-boned in an SUV and the car barely budged. A friend's mom in a similar accident driving a sedan had major surgery and car was totaled. She is lucky to be alive. If you get hit by one and you are in a little car be careful. Plus, there are many big rigs on the road. If you can't beat them, join them. I agree they should be more fuel effiecient and they will be soon. I read somewhere the bigger SUV's are going green in 2008. I don't think people should get one if they don't need one but it is the best choice for our family.

[missionhome]

James T,
What is the type of wagon that seats seven people? I'm curious because I would prefer a wagon if it had the seats.

[JackSparrow]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

I mean this completely seriously, if it weren't for motorcyclists....I'd hate to guess how many fewer organs there would be out there for donation. Please take the time to sign the back of your license etc.

This is anti-cyclist....this is just the reality of riding a bike and coming across the occasional bad or distracted driver.

I'm an organ donor.

And I was before I rode as well.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by missionhome

James T,
What is the type of wagon that seats seven people? I'm curious because I would prefer a wagon if it had the seats.

I can hear Boss Radio 93 KHJ playing when I look at this, cruising to Zuma through Malibu Canyon...

"She was black as the night
Louie was whiter than white
Danger, danger when you taste brown sugar..."