Why have 4x4s?

[Coley]

Originally Posted by Duke of York

What can I say about 4x4's that hasn't been already said.

I can understand when they are actually driven "off road" but most of them are driven very badly by people who think they own the roads

When I'm driving on the motorway, in my not so big Peugeot 306 diesel, those breese blocks on wheels like to push me along at 80mph. To be honest I feel quite threatened and I think the drivers know it.

[jerryh]

I had a Land Rover for a few years.

What's good about them?

1. They are taller and give a better view - either to see further ahead on the road (safer), to see the countryside over the hedges (for passengers. of course), or when used as a hide.
2. They can go and keep going where less capable vehicles cannot - on rough tracks or through floods or snow.
3. In such adverse conditions, they can help other stranded drivers.
   
   Remember the big snowstorm we had in the south a few years ago? On my 6-hour journey to work (it usually takes 1), my Land Rover and I pulled 3 normal vehicles out of snowdrifts and gave another stranded driver a lift.
   
   and also on a more personal note:
4. Mine was not not fast vehicle, so I was far less inclined to drive quickly and so was far more relaxed at the end of my journey.

A large number of the complaints made here about 4x4s should be aimed at the driver - the nut behind the wheel - not the car.

Jerry

[Duke of York]

Originally Posted by jerryh

I had a Land Rover for a few years.

What's good about them?

1. They are taller and give a better view - either to see further ahead on the road (safer), to see the countryside over the hedges (for passengers. of course), or when used as a hide.
2. They can go and keep going where less capable vehicles cannot - on rough tracks or through floods or snow.
3. In such adverse conditions, they can help other stranded drivers.
   
   Remember the big snowstorm we had in the south a few years ago? On my 6-hour journey to work (it usually takes 1), my Land Rover and I pulled 3 normal vehicles out of snowdrifts and gave another stranded driver a lift.
   
   and also on a more personal note:
4. Mine was not not fast vehicle, so I was far less inclined to drive quickly and so was far more relaxed at the end of my journey.

A large number of the complaints made here about 4x4s should be aimed at the driver - the nut behind the wheel - not the car.

Jerry

Ah but you seemed to have used your Land Rover for what it was actually designed for

Unfortunatley a lot of land Rovers spend most if their time on the outside lane of motorways (they seem to have some aversion to using the other 2 ) where they were not designed for

[Coley]

Originally Posted by jerryh

I had a Land Rover for a few years.

What's good about them?

1. They are taller and give a better view - either to see further ahead on the road (safer), to see the countryside over the hedges (for passengers. of course), or when used as a hide.
2. They can go and keep going where less capable vehicles cannot - on rough tracks or through floods or snow.
3. In such adverse conditions, they can help other stranded drivers.
   
   Remember the big snowstorm we had in the south a few years ago? On my 6-hour journey to work (it usually takes 1), my Land Rover and I pulled 3 normal vehicles out of snowdrifts and gave another stranded driver a lift.
   
   and also on a more personal note:
4. Mine was not not fast vehicle, so I was far less inclined to drive quickly and so was far more relaxed at the end of my journey.

A large number of the complaints made here about 4x4s should be aimed at the driver - the nut behind the wheel - not the car.

Jerry

I feel that these vehicles should be bought with more consideration. They do have some good uses I admit, But some people use them as a mere status symbol and that is sad. My main issue is the fule consumption not necessarily the driver.

[jerryh]

Originally Posted by Duke of York

Ah but you seemed to have used your Land Rover for what it was actually designed for

Quite true

Jerry

[stripee]

agree Coley, I drive an old Peugeot 205 diesel and so do many farmers near me, it is funny to see such old cars still going. But they are really tough and good off road, as are the post vans which hurtle along on the tracks. Why need an enormous vehicle apart from pulling trailers. The 4x4 was a replacement for the Landrover, and there weren't many Landrovers driven round the cities. Chelsea tractors

[stripee]

the Landrover of yore I mean

[Coley]

I belive in the old land Rover Defenders as they were demonstrated to be the best all purpose vehicle of all time. If I had to own any 4x4 by law, it would be one of those.

Any ideas on what their defending is welcome

[stripee]

they had character and there was a POINT to them!

[Cazzie]

Originally Posted by Duke of York

What can I say about 4x4's that hasn't been already said.

I can understand when they are actually driven "off road" but most of them are driven very badly by people who think they own the roads

You mean like 'Volvo' drivers....?!?