SUVs, what exactly is the appeal??
Discussion
I really don't get it. I'm not ripping on anyone who has such a vehicle, on the contrary, I wish to gain their insights here...
Stuff like BMW X5, VW Tourag, Range Rover, Mercedes GL class etc. Why?? Are you ever gonna take it off road?? (Kerbs don't count.) Is it because people want an elevated driving position but can't bear to buy a people carrier?? (that one's understandable I guess) Is it the 'cool/active/lifestyle/whatever' image? Is it the menacing 'I'm bigger than you so get out of my way' image in the mirror of the car in front? Is it just somehow more interesting and cool then a regular car? Is it really any more practical than a large estate car?
I couldn't possibly justify buying such a vehicle unless I had a humongous caravan to tow or lived on a farm. And if I did, it would be a Land Rover Defender. Just about the only off-roader I would ever consider buying in any circumstance....
Especially in Central London, Range Rovers in Central London, seriously what is the point!?
Like I said, please don't tell me off if you have such a car, share with me your experiences. I'm merely curious. I just want to know, what exactly is the appeal??
Stuff like BMW X5, VW Tourag, Range Rover, Mercedes GL class etc. Why?? Are you ever gonna take it off road?? (Kerbs don't count.) Is it because people want an elevated driving position but can't bear to buy a people carrier?? (that one's understandable I guess) Is it the 'cool/active/lifestyle/whatever' image? Is it the menacing 'I'm bigger than you so get out of my way' image in the mirror of the car in front? Is it just somehow more interesting and cool then a regular car? Is it really any more practical than a large estate car?
I couldn't possibly justify buying such a vehicle unless I had a humongous caravan to tow or lived on a farm. And if I did, it would be a Land Rover Defender. Just about the only off-roader I would ever consider buying in any circumstance....
Especially in Central London, Range Rovers in Central London, seriously what is the point!?
Like I said, please don't tell me off if you have such a car, share with me your experiences. I'm merely curious. I just want to know, what exactly is the appeal??
Basically I use mine for any sort of moving stuff, ( have two great danes) ,for towing a trailer with a track car on it, but most importantly , for winter. I have proper winter tires and I often travel through snowy regions. It is just invaluable for the purpose and is the only thing I drive in the snowy months.
For ages before the recent fuel price rises I was considering an early Frontera. I do like the looks, but for me it would be almost entirely due to the luggage space. When I have all my music equipment in the Astra I need the seats folded down and it's a bit 'Tetris' getting it all in. In the Escort I wouldn't say it's dangerous, but I know if I had a front-end collision I wouldn't have a chance of walking away, I would be crushed by 200lbs of very solid bass cabinets 
. Being able to carry it all plus keep all 5 seats up would be very useful. However, I suspect I'm probably in the minority with that being the reasoning 
Also, I (personally!!) wouldn't be able to drive a modern 'premium' 4x4. I'd feel too... flash. Yet I wouldn't have the same problem with even the largest of saloons from the same manufacturer.
. Being able to carry it all plus keep all 5 seats up would be very useful. However, I suspect I'm probably in the minority with that being the reasoning Also, I (personally!!) wouldn't be able to drive a modern 'premium' 4x4. I'd feel too... flash. Yet I wouldn't have the same problem with even the largest of saloons from the same manufacturer. They don't appeal to me, but my Dad has a Suzuki Grand Vitara (not really in the league you are talking about I know) but then he wants different things in a car to me.
He and my Mum appreciate not having to bend down to get into the car, they like the roomy interior and the fact that they have plenty of room to put cups and sandwiches when they're out for the day and stop for a bite to eat, they also appreciate the view from the slightly elevated position.
They do take it mildly off road down farm tracks etc too and my Dad loads it up with all sorts of junk.
Some friends also have a X3, they like the raised driving position and also find it easier to put their little girl in than a conventional car.
So horses for courses I guess.
As a poseurs weapon of choice however I think they're crap however lol
He and my Mum appreciate not having to bend down to get into the car, they like the roomy interior and the fact that they have plenty of room to put cups and sandwiches when they're out for the day and stop for a bite to eat, they also appreciate the view from the slightly elevated position.
They do take it mildly off road down farm tracks etc too and my Dad loads it up with all sorts of junk.
Some friends also have a X3, they like the raised driving position and also find it easier to put their little girl in than a conventional car.
So horses for courses I guess.
As a poseurs weapon of choice however I think they're crap however lol
I am/was of the same opinion but last summer i had the use of an X5 for a day,well firstly i dont really like BMW,(i prefer my driving hatchy and French)secondly i have never really got the whole SUV thing,but i have to say what a nice place to be it was,i can now understand why people like them they really do make a nice drive and the comfort and nice driving position was very good.The one i had use of was a 330D,i can imagine the bigger engined and petrol engined versions must be even better.
Like i said not for me but i can see why people like them.
Like i said not for me but i can see why people like them.
I used to think the same way as you OP but two things changed my oppinion.
Firstly, I moved to the middle of nowhere. The roads here are inaccessible in the winter, infact, last winter I crashed my 320D going down an icey hill and did £3k worth of damage. We have a Dicovery. We use it for regularly off-roading / greenlaning. Also taking the dogs out and trips to the tip. It really is a utility vehicle and I cant imagine being without it.
Secondly, a friend took me for a spin in a MY10 FF Range Rover Autobiography. Until that moment I always thought Range Rovers were pointless. I went from that to wanting one within about 2 minutes. They are extremly capable offroad / in bad conditions. Some say even better than a defender but that aside its just such a fantastic place to be and there are so many toys!! Seriously, find someone with a newish FF RR and go for a spin in it, it will be a revalation!!
Firstly, I moved to the middle of nowhere. The roads here are inaccessible in the winter, infact, last winter I crashed my 320D going down an icey hill and did £3k worth of damage. We have a Dicovery. We use it for regularly off-roading / greenlaning. Also taking the dogs out and trips to the tip. It really is a utility vehicle and I cant imagine being without it.
Secondly, a friend took me for a spin in a MY10 FF Range Rover Autobiography. Until that moment I always thought Range Rovers were pointless. I went from that to wanting one within about 2 minutes. They are extremly capable offroad / in bad conditions. Some say even better than a defender but that aside its just such a fantastic place to be and there are so many toys!! Seriously, find someone with a newish FF RR and go for a spin in it, it will be a revalation!!
My Rangy goes off road regularly (up to it's door handles in muddy water more than once) tows most of my village out of schtuck when we get snow, regularly tows large trailers 2-3 tons, and carries my two German Shepard Dogs and familly junk all over, it can do all this whilst keeping my in leather and wood lined Air Conditioned luxury with every mod con known to man...
What else can do that?
I dont personally see the point in Defenders ect unless you are a 'lets OFFroad' freak or a gamekeeper halfway up a mountain in Scotland a decent Rangy or Land-Cruiser can do 99% of what a defender 110 can do with 100 times the comfort and practicality, and genuine day to day useability, 90's are just a joke for actually using in the real world
What else can do that?
I dont personally see the point in Defenders ect unless you are a 'lets OFFroad' freak or a gamekeeper halfway up a mountain in Scotland a decent Rangy or Land-Cruiser can do 99% of what a defender 110 can do with 100 times the comfort and practicality, and genuine day to day useability, 90's are just a joke for actually using in the real world
Edited by 10mpg on Sunday 24th April 12:48
Edited by 10mpg on Sunday 24th April 12:52
Very versatile vehicles.
Most have seven seat options which fold away when not in use and don't have to taken out and stored somwehere when not needed.
Fold everything down and you basically have a small van.
Deemed safer. Unless you hit something bigger than you, you should come out of it better.(Although as for the other guy........)
Higher driving position.
Handy in winter (even on summer tyres - 4wd will generally always have better grip than 2wd (in general - let's not start a winter tyre debate....please)).
Footprint in no bigger than a big estate.
Towing and offroad ability.
Look more manly.......
Most have seven seat options which fold away when not in use and don't have to taken out and stored somwehere when not needed.
Fold everything down and you basically have a small van.
Deemed safer. Unless you hit something bigger than you, you should come out of it better.(Although as for the other guy........)
Higher driving position.
Handy in winter (even on summer tyres - 4wd will generally always have better grip than 2wd (in general - let's not start a winter tyre debate....please)).
Footprint in no bigger than a big estate.
Towing and offroad ability.
Look more manly.......
I find they are pretty comfy for long journeys and incredibly practical in terms of how much stuff you can chuck inside. Also, living in the country side they are so much nicer to drive around the lanes which are often a bit rough.
I dont own one myself but use my parent's Discovery 3s when I need a larger vehicle or I am between car and would definitly consider one for myself if I had the money.
I dont own one myself but use my parent's Discovery 3s when I need a larger vehicle or I am between car and would definitly consider one for myself if I had the money.
Not sure I need to justify it to anyone.... I never felt the need for a 4 x 4 but....
But the S-Type Jag is useless in the snow & last year in December I walked 4 odd miles in a business suit & carrying an overnight case in the snow from Chatham station because nothing else was running aside from a few 4 x 4s. Also my wife & I have aged parents which if we need to be there, we have to be there rain snow or shine & finally in the middle of doing a shed load of DIY at the mo so wanted something I could use as a builders truck. So we went from 56 plated S-Type to W plated Jeep Grand Cherokee from E Bay.
And although it has taken a while I'm beginning to love it. Mine is run on a car allowance from work on a fuel card, but given there won't be the massive depreciation new cars take I anticipate saving money in the medium to long term.
But the S-Type Jag is useless in the snow & last year in December I walked 4 odd miles in a business suit & carrying an overnight case in the snow from Chatham station because nothing else was running aside from a few 4 x 4s. Also my wife & I have aged parents which if we need to be there, we have to be there rain snow or shine & finally in the middle of doing a shed load of DIY at the mo so wanted something I could use as a builders truck. So we went from 56 plated S-Type to W plated Jeep Grand Cherokee from E Bay.
And although it has taken a while I'm beginning to love it. Mine is run on a car allowance from work on a fuel card, but given there won't be the massive depreciation new cars take I anticipate saving money in the medium to long term.
Some interesting answers here.
I live in london and many of them seem to be driven by females to take the kids to school.
There is now where to go off road and they never have off road tyres so they were no use in the snow my neighbour couldnt even get his x5 off his drive due it's ridiculous 19" 'low profiles.
Some of the new ones are not even 4x4 - it's not needed by the sort of people buying them as long as it has that look of an suv.
I live in london and many of them seem to be driven by females to take the kids to school.
There is now where to go off road and they never have off road tyres so they were no use in the snow my neighbour couldnt even get his x5 off his drive due it's ridiculous 19" 'low profiles.
Some of the new ones are not even 4x4 - it's not needed by the sort of people buying them as long as it has that look of an suv.
Edited by rallycross on Sunday 24th April 13:18
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