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Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather
October 6, 2009 6:02 PM
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Ridiculous size car = over inflated ego

I didn't need a study to tell you that

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3 replies
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dohtem
October 6, 2009 6:59 PM
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@Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather: No, let's not.

Land Rovers (the Range Rover is model of the Land Rover brand. Confusing, I know.) can actually be taken off road and will kick ass.

The Hummer is just big.

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Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather
October 6, 2009 7:15 PM
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@dohtem: the people I see driving Land/Range rovers in NYC where there is NO OFF-ROADING OR ROUGH TERRAIN are some of the biggest douche bags you want to meet. I have no problems with owning a car for functionality but how functional can it be when everything is smooth paved roads? And the people I have encountered and witnessed driving these are asses.

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pecan 3.14159265
October 6, 2009 7:26 PM
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@Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather: But if you had to have only one car, don't you want one that can do all the things you do, not just one of the things you do (go to work)? We only have one car, and it's a crossover SUV. Because it's the only car we have, it should be able to do everything we would do, like be good on rough roads and in icy conditions, hold all of our stuff when we travel (lots of stuff, pet).


I'm just saying, if you only have one car, it's important to get one that balances all the things you do with your time.

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Rachacha
October 6, 2009 8:22 PM
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@pecan 3.14159265: Most of the Hummers in NYC that I have seen have been modified with the chrome wheels and the wide low profile tires and a body lowering kit. Those people will NEVER be going off road, and the way they have configured the vehicle makes it terrible for rough roads and for driving in any type of mud or snow.


If you are someone who enjoys off roading, you equip your vehicle with large high profile mud and snow tires on plain steel rims. If you are someone who wants a versitile vehicle suitable for many driving conditions and ample hauling, you will likely upgrade from the factory to some nice looking features (aluminum rims, body trim kits etc.) but you will keep the stock wheels and tires as they are designed for multiple driving conditions.

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pecan 3.14159265
October 6, 2009 8:28 PM
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@Rachacha: I wasn't even talking about the Hummer, only the Range Rover and @Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather's suggestion that Range Rover owners only buy them because of status and @dohtem's defense that they can be taken off road with ease.


@Trai_Dep: They're different only in that one can choose a crossover for different reasons, just like one can choose a Range Rover for different reasons. Whether it's to take a road trip or go off roading, it doesn't matter. The point is, people are free to buy vehicles regardless of what they use them for - I was merely saying that if you only have one vehicle, and one of your hobbies would require a vehicle capable of handling rough terrain, a certain type of vehicle (in this case, a Range Rover) is a legitimate choice.

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Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather
October 6, 2009 8:37 PM
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@pecan 3.14159265: sweetheart, I don't get why you can't accept that the majority of Range/Land Rover owners buy the vehicle because of status. I'm not talking about the guy that lives in Montana or in a rual area that actually uses the vehicle (which more often than not would be a Land Rover Discovery) to hunt, go into the back woods or just for off roading. I am talking about the people that wouldn't even know how to get out of a snow ditch in an 86 maxima let alone a Range Rover. They buy it for status. I don't see Thule racks mounted to the top of the cars for ski'ng or snowboarding, or flood lights on the grill. I see snobby affluent people (celebrities included) that act like jerks when they get behind the wheel because they think they are better than everyone else due to the vehicle they are driving.

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SgtMajorFragg
October 7, 2009 4:00 PM
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@Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather: Get over yourself. It's not that big a deal. If you let these people get to you, the it's you that have the problem.

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Trai_Dep
October 6, 2009 8:12 PM
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@pecan 3.14159265: Cross-overs are different, tho. Aren't they?

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Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather
October 6, 2009 8:01 PM
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@pecan 3.14159265: I have no problem with getting a car that is functional throughout all seasons and terrain. However, when you live in a luxury high rise building and you drive your car on asphalt 99.9% of the time what's the point of having a 70k SUV that was designed more for driving off road? It's status and pretentiousness at its best. That's what I am pointing out.

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Dawnrazor
October 6, 2009 8:54 PM
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@Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather: \"However, when you live in a luxury high rise building and you drive your car on asphalt 99.9% of the time what's the point of having a 70k SUV that was designed more for driving off road?\"


Oh, I don't know, maybe that's just what the person WANTS? What difference does the motive make as long as the buyer is legally purchasing the goods, and how is it anyone else's business anyway? Even if someone wants to buy something primarily as a \"status symbol\", what's wrong with that? It may be a \"waste\" from another's perspective, but hey, \"different strokes for different folks\".


Actually I have a strong feeling that a lot of the loathing and anger directed at goods (and the people who buy them) such as luxury cars, high-end consumer electronics, high-end jewelry/clothing, and other \"unnecessary\" and \"indulgent\" products actually represents a form of reaction-formation driven by feelings of envy. If I can't get it, I'll just convince myself (and everyone else who will listen) that I don't want it anyway.


Why can't we just live and let live?

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Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather
October 6, 2009 9:01 PM
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@Dawnrazor: I am a firm beliver in that, I personally don't care how you spend your money, but don't act like a dick because you have it. I don't loathe people that have more than me, I loathe people that act like I am supposed to bend over backwards because they have a bigger bank account, or act like shit heads because they drive a certain car or have an Black amex.

I compare it to my hatred of the Yankees. As a born and bred NY'r and METS fan I can never root for the yankees. Not because of jealousy but because of the obnoxious, dickhead fans that think they can abuse people, be nasty and don't want to hear anything negative about their team. I fully accept that the Yankee's are a great team with a great history but its the fans that kill any type of rooting I may do for the team.

Same applies to Range Rover/Land Rover drivers. Living in NYC I see more than my fair share of snotty, pretentious people that drive these cars that act like they are above everyone else.

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Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather
October 6, 2009 9:03 PM
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@Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather: and I am certainly not jealous, I don't envy anyone in this world. I am a person that is quite happy with my life and the things I want I have or am working hard to achieve and obtain. I just make honest observations of things I see.

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floraposte
October 6, 2009 6:06 PM
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@Burning pakalolo not even noticing the weather: Except that doesn't seem to hold true for other ridiculous-sized cars. There's something about this specific brand.

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mbz32190
October 6, 2009 6:04 PM
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That's because nobody buys Jags except the elderly...my math professor keeps mentioning she is buying one soon, and I just cringe. (not because I can't afford it, but because they are JUNL)

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3 replies
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floraposte
October 6, 2009 6:07 PM
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@mbz32190: It'd also be interesting to have a ticket-per-mile figure, not just a ticket-per-owner; my understanding is that yer basic Jaguar doesn't spend a whole lot of time on the road.

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Josh
October 6, 2009 6:53 PM
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@floraposte: Actually, according to the article, they do take mileage into account

The findings were standardized based on the number of violations per 100,000 miles driven for different models.
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floraposte
October 6, 2009 6:57 PM
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@Josh: Oh, thanks, I totally missed that. That does enhance its validity.

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mbz32190
October 6, 2009 6:05 PM
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@mbz32190: whoops, should read JUNK

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suburbancowboy
October 6, 2009 6:05 PM
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Does this have to do with the visibility of the vehicle attracting cops, or that the vehicle attracts assholes to buy them?
Not to stereotype, but people who buy Hummer's (with the exception of the .05 percent of them who actually take them off-road) don't give a s**t about the environment. This also reflects their general outlook on life. A disregard for rules and consideration for other people. So it isn't surprising that they would get the most tickets.

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varro
October 7, 2009 12:04 AM
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@suburbancowboy: Some of both, as well as the fact that the overcompensating that causes men to buy Hummers also causes them to break traffic laws.

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SgtMajorFragg
October 7, 2009 4:07 PM
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@varro: Some of both, as well as the fact that the overcompensating that causes men to buy Hummers also causes them to break traffic laws.

My God, an ill-advised opinion based upon anecdotal evidence with no concrete data to back it up. You steaming bag of gas.

We're it a Ferrari, Porsche or a Lamborghini, would you say the same thing? Of course not, because you've found a target and all your friends here are goading you on.

Class envy, plain and simple.

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SgtMajorFragg
October 8, 2009 7:27 PM
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@varro:

Wow, I guess I got told. How enlightening.

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lawnmowerdeth
October 6, 2009 7:38 PM
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@suburbancowboy: And attitudes like this probably make some people want to get one. To give a big middle finger to people telling us what to care about and how to live.

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QuantumRiff
October 6, 2009 6:48 PM
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@suburbancowboy: I know many guys who drive them that are the most upstanding, polite, gentlemenly men you have ever met. of course, their version is armor plated, Diesel, and has a mounted .50 caliber machine gun on top.. Pretty much 99.5% of the rest are the opposite of a porcupine... (pricks are not on the outside...)

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pecan 3.14159265
October 6, 2009 6:08 PM
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@suburbancowboy: I'm pretty sure it's the size and ubiquitous nature of the Hummer itself that attracts cops. Tahoes and Suburbans can look similar from a distance, but there are no other vehicles that look similar to Hummers, so it's easier to spot them from a distance.

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suburbancowboy
October 6, 2009 6:18 PM
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I do think certain personality types (and rich kids with parents who will buy them a Hummer) prevail.

Also, I wanted to apologize for the grocer's apostrophe in my previous post.

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hi
October 6, 2009 6:19 PM
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I'm sure you know every Hummer owner to make that statement. Maybe it's because police tend to sterotype people. PO: \"Hmmm Hummer owner.. they are such jerks with ther big fancy cars. I bet they have lots of money. I'll pull them over and make my quota. They have enough money to just pay the fine and are too busy with work to go to court. \"

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3 replies
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mrearly2
October 7, 2009 4:29 AM
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@hi: @Rachacha: I woulda laughed at him and said, your inability to drive shouldn't disqualify me...
It's true that most people are rather pathetic on the roads, even when the roads are clear. If you have good equipment and know how to use, then you ought to pass 'em if the situation calls for it.

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Trai_Dep
October 6, 2009 8:14 PM
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@hi: ...Except that most are leased, or underwater if they paid (and probably took the six-year plan).

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Rachacha
October 6, 2009 8:12 PM
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@hi: That is quite possible. I remember one time after a large winter storm (for Washington DC anyway) getting pulled over by a police officer because I was traveling at 30MPH on I-95 in my SUV and I passed him. He pulled me over and yelled at me (no ticket) saying I was not driving safely for the road conditions and mumbled something about stupid SUV 4 wheel drive drivers thinking they are invincible in the ice and snow.


I am sure that he was responding to accidents left and right from people who were not driving in a safe manner for the road conditions. I am sure that I was pulled over because I fit a stereotype.


That said, as someone who was born and raised in upstate NY, 3\" of snow did not constitute a storm and was something that I had been driving in for over 15 years. I was driving at a speed well below what I felt comfortable with, in 2-wheel drive. I would have driven the same way in my SUV or the sports car that I had at the time. My driving was based on my driving experience, not based on the superpowers that I felt my vehicle gave me.

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Saboth
October 6, 2009 6:25 PM
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I really have to laugh at the theory that it is the driving position that causes them to get more tickets. Sure...not the fact they have so much money they can blow 50-70k on a car for no other reason than \"I feel more important in this vehicle\". If you wanted an off-road car, there are far better vehicles...if you wanted a large cargo holder, there are more suitable choices, if you wanted a powerful vehicle...etc. This thing is simply there to make a statement: \"Everyone! Look at me in envy! I really hope to piss off a lot of people!\"

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yagisencho
October 6, 2009 6:32 PM
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Three Scions in the top seven? Ouch. I hope the insurance companies are at least considering both primary driver age AND vehicle model for calculating premiums. My wife and I both drive Scions, but we also have perfect driving records.


*knocks on wood*

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2 replies
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Applekid
October 6, 2009 6:45 PM
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@yagisencho: I think it's because the Scions are targeted at the Fast & Furious crowd that refuses to get off my lawn after I yell at them (and then proceed to do donuts on it).

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Kimaroo - 100% Pure Natural Kitteh
October 7, 2009 2:39 AM
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@Applekid: I have a Scion xB and it never has been on anyone's lawn. I chose this vehicle because it has many features that other cars in that price range just don't come with: ABS, iPod hookup, very safe, lots of storage space, Electronic steering stabilization, good sterio system, and decent gas milage. I love my car and my husband does too. Oh, and, we've never gotten a ticket.

Also, I really hate those stupid movies. Lol.

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bobpence
October 6, 2009 6:38 PM
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Credit where due, FTA: \"The findings were standardized based on the number of violations per 100,000 miles driven for different models.\"

I was ready to blast the authors of the study or the news article if that was not considered, so good on 'em for doing it right.

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enine
October 6, 2009 6:53 PM
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Why are the Tahoe and Suburban labeled as \"similarly bloated\"?

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3 replies
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dohtem
October 6, 2009 7:04 PM
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@enine: IIRC, the H3 sits on a Tahoe chasis.

And the Suburban is bigger than the Tahoe.

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enine
October 6, 2009 8:36 PM
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@dohtem:

H3 is on the colorado/canyon/trailblazer frame, H2 on the tahoe/suburban. The only difference between the tahoe and suburban is the length, but that doesn't explain why they are as \"bloated\" as the H2

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cristiana
October 6, 2009 8:21 PM
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@dohtem:
H3 is on the Colorado chassis, H2 on the Tahoe/Yukon one.

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kaptainkk
October 6, 2009 6:55 PM
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That's what these pretentious fucks get for driving a gas guzzling POS! Narcissism at it's best!

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JKirchartz
October 6, 2009 6:58 PM
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Good.

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gStein_*|bringing starpipe back|*
October 6, 2009 7:09 PM
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It might have to do with this situation i ran into the other day...
relatively full parking lot, i spot 4 spaces in the row next to me (think about it like a + )
i pull around to park, and some jackoff in a large yellow hummer decides that he needs to park in all 4 spaces.
(i yelled at him, and he ignored me... i guess a 22 year old kid in a camry isn't going to phase you when you have the ego of a hummer-driver)

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subtlefrog
October 7, 2009 2:30 PM
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@gStein: You could always get yourself a starter pack of these:

[iparklikeanidiot.com]

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trrwilson
October 6, 2009 9:17 PM
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@gStein: I have an uncle who does this. In his defense, though, he does this in remote areas of the parking lot. He's really really paranoid about his car getting dinged by carts/doors/etc

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tbax929
October 6, 2009 10:03 PM
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@trrwilson:
I think it's okay if you're parking way out on a sparsely populated lot. However, taking up two or three spaces in a lot that doesn't have a lot of free spaces to begin with is douchey.

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Rachacha
October 6, 2009 8:49 PM
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@gStein: I saw a similarly parked vehicle (not a Hummer) repeatedly at the local commuter lot, and mumbled what a jerk the guy was for parking like that as I walked by (as did others). When I came back home one evening, the car was still there, and someone had printed out about 50 signs on 8.5 x 11\" paper saying things like \"Look at me, I am special, I need to take up 3 spaces for my precious car\" and \"Yes, I am a moron\" and \"I can't park\" and placed them under the windshield wipers, in the door gaskets etc. the entire car was plastered with the signs...I have not seen the car since.

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SgtMajorFragg
October 7, 2009 3:52 PM
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@Rachacha: Uhmm, yeah. One for snopes - like the lipstick scrawl on the mirror, \"Welcome to the world of AIDS.\" Pictures or it didn't happen. You just want to put in your 1.5 cents.

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The Porkchop Express
October 6, 2009 7:32 PM
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@gStein: Now I'm not saying you should have done anything, but.... that yellow paint means he wants to be looked at. It also comes off with a key/lighter/any rock.

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subtlefrog
October 7, 2009 2:27 PM
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@The Porkchop Express: I don't condone vandalism, and I wouldn't have actually done it, bud damn, I'd still be reliving the fantasy in my head.

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PDQ2
October 6, 2009 7:10 PM
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I disagree with the \"driving position\" argument too. We have a Ford pickup and a Lexus SC. I find that in the pickup I'm able to look further ahead and plan better. Knowing that the truck can't stop as fast and that it doesn't handle as well on wet pavement I feel safer being able to see more of what's going on.

I definitely feel at a disadvantage in the Lexus. Sure I see (and can miss) potholes that I don't always see in the pickup, but I also really have to closely watch taillights directly in front of me.

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dohtem
October 6, 2009 7:32 PM
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@PDQ2: Because you need a truck to see ahead, so does the guy behind you. And the guy behind him.

You see where I'm going with this...

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ScottCh
October 6, 2009 8:25 PM
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@dohtem: +10, you nailed it.
Backing out of a space sandwiched between two SUVs/Trucks/vans/crossovers is da pitz, and I look forward to the day it becomes rare... Again.

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thisheregirafFe
October 6, 2009 8:32 PM
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hey asshole, hummers are for dicks !!

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jstonemo
October 7, 2009 2:50 AM
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I bet none of you pretentious tree-huggers have ever driven an H2. I don't own one, but have driven one off-road and it is a great truck/SUV. There is NO difference of wanting a bigger vehicle and wanting the biggest and baddest HDTV, both of which eat more energy than some may like. Get over it and go eat some granola and don't forget the patchouli!

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algormortis
October 7, 2009 1:24 PM
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@jstonemo: Yeah, but if you're going to get 12 miles per gallon in the equivalent of a tank, why not go for class and style and get a Range Rover or, even better, a restored classic Grand Wagoneer?

In the spirit of disclosure, i'm sure the 372 bus i take to school every day is far bigger and more badass than anything Hummer has ever dreamed of, anyways. Besides, i create wealth, not hug trees. My arms are too short.

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SgtMajorFragg
October 7, 2009 3:58 PM
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@algormortis: What does it matter if my truck gets 12mpg? Are you paying for my special moment at the pump? Who gets to decide where your automobiles of choice are classy and stylish and mine are not?

It's all subjective crap. I don't hate you because you \"create wealth,\" (and WTF does that mean, anyway?), why hate me because I drive what I want - and can afford to do so?

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Klaus_Kinsky
October 7, 2009 1:54 PM
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If I wanted a hummer, I would have asked your girlfriend.

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pot_roast
October 7, 2009 3:29 PM
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GM's stats show that the majority of Hummer H3s were purchased by women. I think CR had that article too, but the links have rotted.

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SgtMajorFragg
October 7, 2009 3:41 PM
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I own a Hummer; I use to haul my off-road bikes and my dive gear. I've owned for three years and have never gotten a ticket, much less get pulled over. It's a very efficient inline five-cylinder FWD vehicle and helped me when I was towing a trailer from a farm in upstate NY. In my Jeep Cherokee Limited I was pulled over a dozen times or more.

Sub-urban cowboy opines that people that buy Hummers are assholes; I counter that only assholes judge other people. I'm sick to death of the class envy on this site.

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AllanG54
October 7, 2009 3:54 PM
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I don't know if Hummer owners are worse or more inconsiderate than other vehicle owners. Most still don't signal lane changes and many don't keep within 15 mph of the speed limit either. I think it's just that they're so much more noticeable that it's easier for the cops to say, \"I saw you do this.\" So they become easier targets.

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