[Diy_efi] The SUV craze

Mon Jul 19 16:13:00 GMT 2004

You're right I'm in the US.  Right outside Phialdelphia, Pennsylvania.  Part
of it is that I'm a techo-phile.  I like mechanical things.  I do take the
Jeep to work alot.  (You could definately call me an offroad freak)
Luckily, I've got enough space at home to keep 2 vehicles.  In Philadelphia,
there is no such thing as a free spot either.

I can drive the 4x4 most places, I just worry about breaking a critical part
and getting it home.  If I know I'll be pushing the limits of what the jeep
can do off road, I take it on a trailer, so myself and others are safe.

You're right that no one needs 4 vehicles.  I was trying to illustrate what
considerations I used when picking a vehicle.   SUV's have a place and
purpose. They're a tool, and many people aren't using the right tool for the
job.

Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: Gianmarco Rizzo (BE/EAS) [mailto:gianmarco.rizzo at ericsson.com]
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 11:17 AM
To: 'rsegriggy at earthlink.net'; 'A list for Do-It-Yourself EFI'
Subject: RE: [Diy_efi] The SUV craze

Rick, all you need is a Fiat Panda 4x4 :-)

no need to tow the 4x4, it is a 4x4 itself. it carries 5 people (ok, not
very comfortable, but how ofter you carry a full load?), good for commuting,
very cheap on petrol (4x4 can be disengaged) and believe it or now, with
that car u can go where only goats can go, or almost.

jokes apart, (but the Panda 4x4 is really a great multipurpose small car)
reality is that nobody really needs 4 large cars. i have 2, but one is just
a "collection car" and does just a few km a year to go to meetings.

i supposed you are a US resident.

in europe, nobody or almost owns many vehicles, and so large ones. as
average we all have small cars and survive no problem. when we are more than
4 or 5 people, we take 2 cars. offroad freaks usually have a small car for
everyday use, or just use the offroad all the time, and stand the
discomfort.

reality is that if everyone in ole europe had 2 (or more) large cars, there
would be no space left for nothing else. here in urban switzerland, for
example, there is no such thing as free parking space...

i do 95% of my mileage alone, probably less than 1% in more than 2. thats
why my car is a small hatchback (with a big engine though). when i need to
carry lots of stuff i fold the rear seats, or fit the thing on top of the
car (dont know the name in english). if i needed even more loading
capability, i'd buy a trailer and fit a tow bar. a trailer costs a tiny
fraction of the cost of a large car, and can leave it home when im alone and
unladen (99% of the time). the few times a year i need to carry in-laws or
friends in large numbers, i rent a  larger car. cost is still negligible
compared to the cost of using a large car all the time (dont forget the 5
dollars or so a gallon we pay here the gas.
its just a matter of habit and lifestyle. i dont miss not having a large
car, expecially when looking for parking downtown...

gm

-----Original Message-----
From: diy_efi-bounces at diy-efi.org [mailto:diy_efi-bounces at diy-efi.org]On
Behalf Of Rick Gentile
Sent: Montag, 19. Juli 2004 17:08
To: 'A list for Do-It-Yourself EFI'
Subject: RE: [Diy_efi] The SUV craze

It's a long debate of form vs. function.  Those (admittedly few) that use an
SUV (or a sports car) for it's designed purpose create an image that goes
with the vehicle.  The form followed the function, but the function made the
form popular.

Good fuel economy is good function, but the form doesn't inspire the public.
Governor Ah-nold portrays a tough, man of action, and his Hummer reflects
that.  It also has a form that inspires thoughts of actions.  GM wasn't dumb
when they built the H2.  It keeps the form of the H1, but skimps on the
function.  Large tires and ground clearance are a design stage.  Much like
the land yachts from the 70's were "stylish."  Now, the late 70's and early
80's are a "what were they thinking" design.

It would be great to have a vehicle designed for every situation.  I'd love
a honda or other small car to get me to work every day.  But I'd like
something with a back seat, so more than 2 people can travel together when I
go out with friends on weekends.  I also have a Jeep CJ-7 which I take to
off road parks as often as I can.  I'd like to drive it up and home, but
it's over 2 hours and there's a good chance I'll damage something that won't
make a difference going 5 mph in the woods, but will be dangerous at 65mph
on the highway.  So I trailer it.  So now I need a commuter car, something
with room for four adults, and can tow #6000 of trailer, jeep, and parts.  I
could own 4 vehicles and use each one, or get one to cover all the bases.
I've distributed my needs and use 2.  A Ford Bronco to carry people, tow,
and occasionally go to work.  I use the Jeep for fun, to learn (It's got a
GM TBI system :) ), and to commute.  (No highway, so the lack of overdrive
isn't a factor)

If anyone has a suggestion on what to replace the Bronco with to get better
mileage, tow the jeep, carry friends, and be a commuter car, I'm all ears.

Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: diy_efi-bounces at diy-efi.org [mailto:diy_efi-bounces at diy-efi.org]On
Behalf Of Robert.H.Warren-1
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2004 10:14 AM
To: diy_efi at diy-efi.org
Subject: [Diy_efi] The SUV craze

I agree with you all on the SUV craze,
however, I drive a 00 V8 Mountaineer,
because I have a boat to pull, and I hunt.
My Dad drives a Suburban, and we have
always hunted in it.  I say Long live the
SUV's but only let the people who use them
drive them.

also there are some interesting pages on
Hydrogen, since I just thought it would be
fun to have and be able to do.  I actually
have always wanted an older Corvette, so
now I have something to do with it, when I
get one.

sorry for the length,
-Rob
Just something interesting to try...
http://www.unitednuclear.com/h2.htm

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