My Daughter Wants to Buy an SUV

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bee13 @ May 8 2007, 09:29 PM) [snapback]438066[/snapback]</div>

Why not?

If she is financially independent, rents/owns her house/apartment, has good credit for a low rate loan, a savings account to draw for the down payment, good driving history so she can get a decent insurance quote and does not give a fig about pollution.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ May 9 2007, 11:30 PM) [snapback]438903[/snapback]</div>

I think we both agree with him there.

It took me about 1.5yrs to completely change my mind but I am in a bit of an accelerated program. lol

 

I lack the energy to argue with you guys anymore tonight...I'll see if I feel up to it tomorrow.

 

Wow. Slap your teen now.

I'm... sorta a teenager (22 years old) and I'm appalled at the narrow vision that she has. She does not know the value of money.

You need to somehow get it through to her that IT ISN'T ALL ABOUT HER IMAGE. It doesn't matter if she drives an econo box or an suv or a prius. Her (worthwile) friends will always think of her the same. If she hangs out with too many materialistic friends, then she is hanging with the wrong crowd.

Run through the fuel numbers with her. Ask her if she wants to spend all her money on fuel and make more stops at the gas station. If she isn't working, make her find a summer job. Then make sure she pays for her own gas in her current car. Tell her that if she buys the SUV, her gas expenses will nearly double.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bee13 @ May 9 2007, 12:29 AM) [snapback]438066[/snapback]</div>

I geuss you should let her get an SUV and when gas prices go up to 4+ then she will realize what a dumb mistake that was, unless your still paying for her expensis :blink: . Most people dont realize that they usualy get much lower than the MPG stated, i think we all know this.

 

Here is a fantastic, topical read on how everybody's use of gasoline directly affects us all.

SF Chronical article

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob64 @ May 10 2007, 04:40 AM) [snapback]438928[/snapback]</div>

LOL She's 26 years old. She's an adult, I'm sure she has a full time job and supports herself already.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AndreJ @ May 10 2007, 03:31 AM) [snapback]438937[/snapback]</div>

Ha. The Prius is the first new car I've owned, so I never knew what the stated MPG was for any of my any other cars.

Dave M.

 

Tell her to check out the Toyota FJ Cruiser! They say women love the way it looks and the men love the way it handles.

[attachmentid=7960]

I just bought one and love it -- both for it's looks and handling! She can find out all she needs to know about the car (good and bad) at:

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/
http://www.toyota.com/fjcruiser/index.html

 

One of my buddies is a teacher. One of his students said that FJ looked like a hummer with Down's Syndrome. Tasteless, but apt at the same time. Every time I see one now I snicker.

I suppose the real question here is does this lady actually need the vehicle for some purpose that her civic is not suited. It seems the answer is "no", but have we asked that yet?

 

Maybe she can get a great deal on a used Hummer. I think my local Ford lot might have an H2 still sitting there.

At 9 mpg (or less) how often can she afford to fill the tank?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ May 10 2007, 10:42 PM) [snapback]439725[/snapback]</div>

The H2 shouldn't be that bad. My '01 GMC ext.cab 4x4 got 16-15mpg stock and it weighed 5400lbs.

It should be similar in weight to a regular H2.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SW03ES @ May 10 2007, 12:11 PM) [snapback]439149[/snapback]</div>

Adult? Hardly. With a view like that, she is extremely immature in my opinion... but I suppose its a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. If she can support herself, don't even bother to help her with the car payments.

At least do this one thing though:
Make her buy the SUV from Toyota or Honda. According to this consumer reports mag that I have, those two manufactors have the LEAST number of problems over a eight year period. Here, I've scanned the image:

 

If she thought it was cool, would she get a Britney Spears shave?

Wait - don't answer that!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tripp @ May 10 2007, 11:47 PM) [snapback]439707[/snapback]</div>

The FJ is a very good 4x4 SUV.

It's a much better vehicle than both the Wrangler and Hummer H2. It has more horsepower, can tow more weight, gets about 15 mpg, can outperform the Hummer and is about equal w/the Wrangler in performance but far exceeds it in comfort and overall usefulness. The Wrangler has a more "macho" image and Wrangler owners like to thumb their noses at the FJ for that reason, but H2 owners have no defense.

As for looks, that's subjective. I've already heard on other boards the abuse directed at the car, usually by arrogant Wrangler owners. The Wrangler and H2 are no beauties either. So, snicker all you like, it's a very functional vehicle that outperforms its competitors and looks just fine to me. Anyone seriously interested in a 4x4 SUV for use both on and off-road should definitely consider it.

 

I'm not saying it's not good at what it was designed for, I'm just saying I can't get that mental picture out of my head. If people have a legitimate use for the vehicle that's great. If they're buying it because it boosts their self-esteem then they've got issues that they need to work out.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(F8L @ May 11 2007, 01:52 AM) [snapback]439752[/snapback]</div>

The H2 weighs 6400 lbs. and because its GVWR is >8500 lbs., it's EXEMPT from even being tested for EPA mileage.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?se...p;page_number=2 observed 10 mpg w/an H2.

http://www.elcova.com/h2/faqs.html#What%20...0for%20the%20H2 says 11-13 mpg.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cwerdna @ May 12 2007, 09:34 PM) [snapback]440897[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the info.

That is completely insane though. A 2006 Chevy 2500HD 6600 Duramax Diesel weighs less than that pig. Talk about a total and utter waste of a vehicle! At least the Duramax is useful and gets nearly double the MPG when driven right. (my buddy is getting 19mpg in his 2007)

"Specifications (6600 Duramax, Allison 6-speed 2500HD 4X4 Crew Cab):

Price As Tested (MSRP): $61,985
Body Type: 4-door pickup, ladder frame
Layout: front engine, 4WD
Engine: 360-hp, 650 lb-ft of torque 6.6L (403 cu in), OHV turbodiesel V8
Transmission: 6-spd auto with Tow-Haul mode, Range Selection Mode, Grade Braking (Allison 1000)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Curb Weight: 2,668 kg (5,883 lb)
Bed Length: 1,999 mm (78.7 in), opt 2,479 mm (97.6 mm)
Ground Clearance (4WD): front 226.1 mm (8.9 in), rear 188 mm (7.4 in)
Towing Capacity (4WD): 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Observed Fuel Economy (combined city/hwy): 17.7 L/100 km
Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive
Direct Competitors: Dodge Ram Mega-Cab Cummins Diesel, Ford F-250 diesel, GMC Sierra 2500HD Crew Cab diesel
Web Site: www.gmcanada.com

 

Does the daughter STILL want an SUV w/gas prices at an all time high even when adjusted for inflation?

http://wbztv.com/local/local_story_141080856.html

 

My first thought, if faced with such a situation, would be to have her rent a vehicle for 2 months. One month the SUV of her choice and one month a vehicle you find more suitable for her situation. Have her pay all associated costs then make an informed decision. Status or left-over money for fun.