Getting used to driving small cars...

[Thirty-Nine]

Originally Posted by twowheels

Every time I see a truck like that next to a small car, pedestrian, bicyclist, etc, all I can think of is impeding death. Don't you feel even a tiny tinge of guilt?

No.

First off, I don't own a vehicle that large, and probably never would. I prefer to drive smaller vehicles. If I were to buy an off-road-capable vehicle, I'd get a four-cylinder Toyota or a Suzuki. That's just me, though.

Secondly, people are free to buy whatever vehicle they like and customize it as they choose (within the law, of course). Additionally, the large trucks I drove were show or tow vehicles, but were actually used off road and for vehicle recovery. These weren't pavement or carpet queens—they were workers.

[twowheels]

Originally Posted by Thirty-Nine

No.

First off, I don't own a vehicle that large, and probably never would.

Ah... OK... I didn't realize that the pictured vehicle wasn't yours, I got the impression that you were showing your two vehicles side by side.

Secondly, people are free to buy whatever vehicle they like and customize it as they choose (within the law, of course).

That's the thing... most aren't within the laws, particularly regarding bumpers; mudflpaps; tire extension beyond body; etc, though enforcement is lax. Also, I think that the laws should regulate crash compatibility better... if you want off-road capability you could remove/fold bumpers/etc to get the additional clearance -- or trailer it. In Europe they even test for pedestrian injury.

Additionally, the large trucks I drove were show or tow vehicles, but were actually used off road and for vehicle recovery. These weren't pavement or carpet queens—they were workers.

Sure, such vehicles have a place, but the majority of the most outlandish vehicles are that way for looks not function.

[Yaris Hilton]

Gas is already rising again, of course. Late last fall gas was under $1.30 here. Now it's about to crack $2.00 again. A year ago it was pushing $4.00, and I expect we'll see that return before long.