A rant about......

pekwah1 · 14th September 2007, 22:52

4x4s!

Now don't get me wrong, i started via un-biased on this subject.
I decided well, ferrari's are totally impractical cars, but no one has a go at the owners for driving them, so i thought, they're free to choose and buy whatever car they want.

Anyway, i drive a lot of miles a year as an engineer, and it seems to be more and more that every time i see a 4x4 on the road, the driver is not driving correctly / dangerously, plus other irritations.

The most usual ones are as follows:

- Talking on mobile
- Not indicating (AT ALL!)
- Piddling along in the middle lane of the motorway
- Tailgating
- Headlights are WAY too high compared to a standard car
- Don't look when changing lanes / entering a roundabout
- Don't give way

And the one that's started this rant?

THEY DO NOT FIT IN ANY PARKING SPACES!

Now this might not be such a big problem, but the fellow parents out there will appreciate the benefit of having room on both sides of the car for kids and baby seats etc. So when a whacking great monstrosoty of a car comes and not only parks next to you, but does not abide by the parking space lines meaning there is no physical way you would ever get the door open, let alone get a baby seat in, it really winds me up!

Well anyway, this happened to me today and it was really frustrating. I made sure that i had parked nicely so that i'd have room when i got back and then some idiot parks like, well, an idiot!

I'm going to start leaving notes on people's cars soon.

Getting back to the start of my post, at least ferrari's etc are driven for the means that they were made for; driving damn fast! but what the hell is the point of a 4x4 if you're not driving through farms or up mountains? If you need more space, buy an estate!

Rant over.

Apologies to all as i know this will probably spark up some hatred....

HappyMan · 14th September 2007, 23:03

Totally agree with you. I was entering a muti-storey car park today when i heard screeching noises behind me and looked in the rear view mirror to see a BMW X5 stopped in the middle lane who had decided they wanted to go into the car park too!

What more can you say apart from they are bigger than the normal car!

pekwah1 · 14th September 2007, 23:05

Thinking about it, i should probably have a go at all the people who park in the nice 'parent & baby' parking spaces at my local tesco who i then see getting back into there cars alone and then drive off.

HappyMan · 14th September 2007, 23:10

Yea but here in poland, if someone parks in one spot that is usually a miracle. Generally people turn into a space and if it is over two or three that doesn't really matter they are parked and that is all that matters. I am afraid I am the sad git who makes sure he parks within the white lines. I sometimes have a polish parking day where I will park exactly like the poles - diagonally - just for fun

Pottsy · 14th September 2007, 23:18

Now, I would never buy a 4x4, but to add some thought to the other side of the argument....

A correctly parked Range Rover will be 2 inches closer to you that a 525d estate. How can those 2 whole inches make a significant difference?

To be really friendly to other drivers, should we not all sell up and buy Fiat 500s?

All the rest of the gripes are aimed at the driving skills of the owners. If you stopped those people from driving badly in their X5s, then they'll just go out and annoy you in their new vehicles.

PS - A Ferrari 360 is wider than a Range Rover!

pekwah1 · 14th September 2007, 23:22

I understand that. It's just that they are totally pointless IMO.

As i said before i never used to have a problem before, but it's only since most of the near misses that i have had before have been the result of 4x4 drivers not paying attention, not indicating etc.

I totally admit to stereotyping, but i have so many run-ins (not literally) with 4x4 drivers on the roads that i have come to the conclusion that they are inconsiderate and arrogant drivers.

I probably am being unfair though. From the 1500 miles i have covered this week, i have seen ONE 4x4 that indicated, so they're not all bad.

Pottsy · 14th September 2007, 23:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by pekwah1

i have seen ONE 4x4 that indicated, so they're not all bad.

Probably hit the stalk by mistake when reaching for the mobile...

pekwah1 · 14th September 2007, 23:29

haha!

Well i still hold to 'you are fully entitled to buy what you want' thinking.

I know i'm not perfect and make mistakes, but i really wish people would start driving properly. Indicating is not difficult, but it can be very dangerous not indicating. I've had many near misses on roundabouts from people not indicating at all, or not cancelling their indicators.

I had a close miss this week.
I was changing lane on the motorway from the outside lane to the middle, but there was also someone changing from inside to middle.
As you should, i checked my mirrors, indicated, checked again and started moving, i guess i started moving across at the same time as the other driver and just realised at the last minute she was coming into the middle as well with no indication.
The worst bit is that she didn't even realise i was there at all even after we almost collided.

It really worries me how people can just be driving on a motorway with absolutely no awareness for other cars!

HappyMan · 14th September 2007, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pottsy

Probably hit the stalk by mistake when reaching for the mobile...

What is it about people in big cars. I know a guy who drives a Audi A6 and believe traffic lights are for lesser people and rarely stops at red lights.

As far as these people indicating I think it is wiped from their brains when they buy the car.

HappyMan · 14th September 2007, 23:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by pekwah1

haha!

Well i still hold to 'you are fully entitled to buy what you want' thinking.

I know i'm not perfect and make mistakes, but i really wish people would start driving properly. Indicating is not difficult, but it can be very dangerous not indicating. I've had many near misses on roundabouts from people not indicating at all, or not cancelling their indicators.

I had a close miss this week.
I was changing lane on the motorway from the outside lane to the middle, but there was also someone changing from inside to middle.
As you should, i checked my mirrors, indicated, checked again and started moving, i guess i started moving across at the same time as the other driver and just realised at the last minute she was coming into the middle as well with no indication.
The worst bit is that she didn't even realise i was there at all even after we almost collided.

It really worries me how people can just be driving on a motorway with absolutely no awareness for other cars!

Come to poland and it will really open your eyes to driving - you will never complain about the UK again

pekwah1 · 14th September 2007, 23:39

Oh i'll complain about everything i can until i die.
It's the british way of life

HappyMan · 14th September 2007, 23:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by pekwah1

Oh i'll complain about everything i can until i die.
It's the british way of life

You ain't seen nothing until you have driven in poland and experienced the polish way of driving which is different to the spanish, italians etc.

You would be amazed and england would seen tame in comparison

Brodick · 14th September 2007, 23:46

you want a piece of me pekwah1 - bring it on
after me saying you weren't sad and that your friend was just jealous
well no more I think your Civic owner mate is great

czechplastik · 14th September 2007, 23:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyMan

What is it about people in big cars. I know a guy who drives a Audi A6 and believe traffic lights are for lesser people and rarely stops at red lights.

I'd like to have a few words with him.

I've never really understood big SUV's, I have respect and appreciation for serious off-roaders like the Landrover Defenders (superb at what they do) having driven a few and seeing what they can do.

Most of the other ones, especially the smaller ones like the RAV4 and various Japanese models baffle me. Other than an increase in height in terms of driving position (which I never saw any real benefit to either other than some perceived status).

The BMW X5 is no bigger on the inside than a 5 series saloon. People think they are buying huge spacious SUV's and are in reality not getting any extra room. Instead they have a large vehicle that is not as fun to drive, has less room, costs more, is more difficult to park and attracts discontent from other motorists.

Really is pointless. The standard of driving is also appalling, people simply do not have the required skill to manouver large vehicles properly and safely (not always the case!) and it's not surprise that these vehicle are often responsible for car park prangs followed by disappearance!

Ban them all!!!

(bikes too while you're at it!)

My rant over

Brodick · 15th September 2007, 00:02

time to organise a CR-V meet in N. Ireland me thinks

I have my Honda CR-V (Suv) as we have 2 sets of relatives that live in the back of beyond and unless you have something with 4 wheel drive capability you just cannot reach their houses ( why they live where they live is beyond me)

it also guarantees that we can get out of our estate after a significant snowfall where 2 wheel drive vehicles just can't make the hill

only downside is that not all the hot ladies out there realise that I am single and available

ooohhh and it fits in most car parking spaces

fennj · 15th September 2007, 09:02

Got to totally agree on the " not giving way " several times when the 4X4s side of the road was blocked by parked cars they have just proceeded expecting me to give way. Wrong. Just because I'm in a smaller car doesn't make me a push over, I have made them reverse in the past. Suprising how quickly they will conceed when you get at of your car nobody really wants a confrontation.

I'll meet my match one day and get a wupped or have a head on collision.

HappyMan · 15th September 2007, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brodick

time to organise a CR-V meet in N. Ireland me thinks

I have my Honda CR-V (Suv) as we have 2 sets of relatives that live in the back of beyond and unless you have something with 4 wheel drive capability you just cannot reach their houses ( why they live where they live is beyond me)

it also guarantees that we can get out of our estate after a significant snowfall where 2 wheel drive vehicles just can't make the hill

only downside is that not all the hot ladies out there realise that I am single and available

ooohhh and it fits in most car parking spaces

Yea, but I like the CR-V so your ok

I wanted to buy the RAV4 when I was looking at the Civic and I really like it because it isn't huge and cumbersome, however the increased cost of running a car like that are crazy so I decided against it - at least until I am rich!

pekwah1 · 15th September 2007, 09:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brodick

time to organise a CR-V meet in N. Ireland me thinks

I have my Honda CR-V (Suv) as we have 2 sets of relatives that live in the back of beyond and unless you have something with 4 wheel drive capability you just cannot reach their houses ( why they live where they live is beyond me)

it also guarantees that we can get out of our estate after a significant snowfall where 2 wheel drive vehicles just can't make the hill

only downside is that not all the hot ladies out there realise that I am single and available

ooohhh and it fits in most car parking spaces

Time to make friends again then brodick!
As i said, i don't completely have a problem with them, just the drivers generally.
I'm assuming that you DO indicate and give way etc.
Plus, as i originally said, you've got it for a geniune need, battling the great outdoors with the 4x4 traction.

It's generally the stupid ones like the cayenne, X5/X3, Toureg, Range Rover, Shogun etc.

I do agree that unless you have the required skill to drive one and can comprehend size, don't get one!

jayt43 · 15th September 2007, 11:25

Here in Budapest, many of the large 4x4s you see (such as Porsche Cayenne Turbos) are driven by pimps or gangster types with shaven heads, large necks and the requisite dumb blonde (surgically enhanced, of course) sitting next to them.

One of the things I can't understand is that, with all of these top-of-the-range cars, no one seems to bother buying a HFT kit (mobile phone use whilst driving is rampant here).

I also concur with Happy Man about red lights and big cars. Stopping is certainly not mandatory for them! I was once very nearly rammed from behind by an imported Acura 4x4 (I'd slowed down for an amber changing to red, while the 4x4 driver started accelerating to get through). He did stop...barely....but for my troubles I got to hear an impromtu horn solo, accompanied by lots of angry fist shaking!

On a more sombre note, have you ever seen the damage a 4x4 does to an ordinary hatchback in a side or head on collision? Take a look at this segment (particularly the slow motion replays).

Hence, I'd hate to think what something like an Audi Q7 would do to a spaceship

Personally, I think that if you want a 4x4, you should have to pass another driving test specifically geared towards such vehicles (as often it seems those least well-equipped to handle large SUVs end up driving them).

Moreover, the same would apply to high-performance machines. Just because you've got the cash to buy an M3, EVO, RS6 etc, doesn't mean you've got the necessary skill to drive one!

Pottsy · 15th September 2007, 11:55

It's videos like that that make people buy huge 4x4s. Fathers have a significant instinct to try and ensure the ultimate safety of their children and partners, and a road going tank is perceived to offer just that.

14th September 2007, 22:52	#1 (permalink)
pekwah1 ><((('> o O Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 11th July 2007 Location: Horsham Posts: 120 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	A rant about...... 4x4s! Now don't get me wrong, i started via un-biased on this subject. I decided well, ferrari's are totally impractical cars, but no one has a go at the owners for driving them, so i thought, they're free to choose and buy whatever car they want. Anyway, i drive a lot of miles a year as an engineer, and it seems to be more and more that every time i see a 4x4 on the road, the driver is not driving correctly / dangerously, plus other irritations. The most usual ones are as follows: - Talking on mobile - Not indicating (AT ALL!) - Piddling along in the middle lane of the motorway - Tailgating - Headlights are WAY too high compared to a standard car - Don't look when changing lanes / entering a roundabout - Don't give way And the one that's started this rant? THEY DO NOT FIT IN ANY PARKING SPACES! Now this might not be such a big problem, but the fellow parents out there will appreciate the benefit of having room on both sides of the car for kids and baby seats etc. So when a whacking great monstrosoty of a car comes and not only parks next to you, but does not abide by the parking space lines meaning there is no physical way you would ever get the door open, let alone get a baby seat in, it really winds me up! Well anyway, this happened to me today and it was really frustrating. I made sure that i had parked nicely so that i'd have room when i got back and then some idiot parks like, well, an idiot! I'm going to start leaving notes on people's cars soon. Getting back to the start of my post, at least ferrari's etc are driven for the means that they were made for; driving damn fast! but what the hell is the point of a 4x4 if you're not driving through farms or up mountains? If you need more space, buy an estate! Rant over. Apologies to all as i know this will probably spark up some hatred....

15th September 2007, 00:02	#15 (permalink)
Brodick Perfect Guy! Rocketship door handle Join Date: 2nd December 2006 Location: Central Scotland Posts: 1,657 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	time to organise a CR-V meet in N. Ireland me thinks I have my Honda CR-V (Suv) as we have 2 sets of relatives that live in the back of beyond and unless you have something with 4 wheel drive capability you just cannot reach their houses ( why they live where they live is beyond me) it also guarantees that we can get out of our estate after a significant snowfall where 2 wheel drive vehicles just can't make the hill only downside is that not all the hot ladies out there realise that I am single and available ooohhh and it fits in most car parking spaces Last edited by Brodick; 15th September 2007 at 00:14.

15th September 2007, 11:25	#19 (permalink)
jayt43 Supporter Magic Rear Seat Join Date: 27th June 2006 Location: Budapest Posts: 509 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Here in Budapest, many of the large 4x4s you see (such as Porsche Cayenne Turbos) are driven by pimps or gangster types with shaven heads, large necks and the requisite dumb blonde (surgically enhanced, of course) sitting next to them. One of the things I can't understand is that, with all of these top-of-the-range cars, no one seems to bother buying a HFT kit (mobile phone use whilst driving is rampant here). I also concur with Happy Man about red lights and big cars. Stopping is certainly not mandatory for them! I was once very nearly rammed from behind by an imported Acura 4x4 (I'd slowed down for an amber changing to red, while the 4x4 driver started accelerating to get through). He did stop...barely....but for my troubles I got to hear an impromtu horn solo, accompanied by lots of angry fist shaking! On a more sombre note, have you ever seen the damage a 4x4 does to an ordinary hatchback in a side or head on collision? Take a look at this segment (particularly the slow motion replays). Hence, I'd hate to think what something like an Audi Q7 would do to a spaceship Personally, I think that if you want a 4x4, you should have to pass another driving test specifically geared towards such vehicles (as often it seems those least well-equipped to handle large SUVs end up driving them). Moreover, the same would apply to high-performance machines. Just because you've got the cash to buy an M3, EVO, RS6 etc, doesn't mean you've got the necessary skill to drive one! Last edited by jayt43; 15th September 2007 at 11:31.

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This thread is about: A rant about......, it's in Any non Civic chat here please! at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; 4x4s! Now don't get me wrong, i started via un-biased on this subject. I decided well, ferrari's are totally impractical cars, but no one has ...

14th September 2007, 23:03	#2 (permalink)
HappyMan Super Moderator Rocketship door handle Join Date: 16th August 2007 Location: Poland Posts: 1,658 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27 Times in 27 Posts	Totally agree with you. I was entering a muti-storey car park today when i heard screeching noises behind me and looked in the rear view mirror to see a BMW X5 stopped in the middle lane who had decided they wanted to go into the car park too! What more can you say apart from they are bigger than the normal car!

14th September 2007, 23:05	#3 (permalink)
pekwah1 ><((('> o O Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 11th July 2007 Location: Horsham Posts: 120 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Thinking about it, i should probably have a go at all the people who park in the nice 'parent & baby' parking spaces at my local tesco who i then see getting back into there cars alone and then drive off.

14th September 2007, 23:10	#4 (permalink)
HappyMan Super Moderator Rocketship door handle Join Date: 16th August 2007 Location: Poland Posts: 1,658 Thanks: 9 Thanked 27 Times in 27 Posts	Yea but here in poland, if someone parks in one spot that is usually a miracle. Generally people turn into a space and if it is over two or three that doesn't really matter they are parked and that is all that matters. I am afraid I am the sad git who makes sure he parks within the white lines. I sometimes have a polish parking day where I will park exactly like the poles - diagonally - just for fun

14th September 2007, 23:18	#5 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo guru Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 4,772 Thanks: 7 Thanked 64 Times in 33 Posts	Now, I would never buy a 4x4, but to add some thought to the other side of the argument.... A correctly parked Range Rover will be 2 inches closer to you that a 525d estate. How can those 2 whole inches make a significant difference? To be really friendly to other drivers, should we not all sell up and buy Fiat 500s? All the rest of the gripes are aimed at the driving skills of the owners. If you stopped those people from driving badly in their X5s, then they'll just go out and annoy you in their new vehicles. PS - A Ferrari 360 is wider than a Range Rover!

14th September 2007, 23:22	#6 (permalink)
pekwah1 ><((('> o O Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 11th July 2007 Location: Horsham Posts: 120 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	I understand that. It's just that they are totally pointless IMO. As i said before i never used to have a problem before, but it's only since most of the near misses that i have had before have been the result of 4x4 drivers not paying attention, not indicating etc. I totally admit to stereotyping, but i have so many run-ins (not literally) with 4x4 drivers on the roads that i have come to the conclusion that they are inconsiderate and arrogant drivers. I probably am being unfair though. From the 1500 miles i have covered this week, i have seen ONE 4x4 that indicated, so they're not all bad.

14th September 2007, 23:29	#8 (permalink)
pekwah1 ><((('> o O Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 11th July 2007 Location: Horsham Posts: 120 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	haha! Well i still hold to 'you are fully entitled to buy what you want' thinking. I know i'm not perfect and make mistakes, but i really wish people would start driving properly. Indicating is not difficult, but it can be very dangerous not indicating. I've had many near misses on roundabouts from people not indicating at all, or not cancelling their indicators. I had a close miss this week. I was changing lane on the motorway from the outside lane to the middle, but there was also someone changing from inside to middle. As you should, i checked my mirrors, indicated, checked again and started moving, i guess i started moving across at the same time as the other driver and just realised at the last minute she was coming into the middle as well with no indication. The worst bit is that she didn't even realise i was there at all even after we almost collided. It really worries me how people can just be driving on a motorway with absolutely no awareness for other cars!

14th September 2007, 23:39	#11 (permalink)
pekwah1 ><((('> o O Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 11th July 2007 Location: Horsham Posts: 120 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Oh i'll complain about everything i can until i die. It's the british way of life

14th September 2007, 23:46	#13 (permalink)
Brodick Perfect Guy! Rocketship door handle Join Date: 2nd December 2006 Location: Central Scotland Posts: 1,657 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	you want a piece of me pekwah1 - bring it on after me saying you weren't sad and that your friend was just jealous well no more I think your Civic owner mate is great

15th September 2007, 09:02	#16 (permalink)
fennj Locking Wheelnut Join Date: 20th April 2007 Location: South Yorkshire Posts: 146 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Got to totally agree on the " not giving way " several times when the 4X4s side of the road was blocked by parked cars they have just proceeded expecting me to give way. Wrong. Just because I'm in a smaller car doesn't make me a push over, I have made them reverse in the past. Suprising how quickly they will conceed when you get at of your car nobody really wants a confrontation. I'll meet my match one day and get a wupped or have a head on collision.

15th September 2007, 11:55	#20 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo guru Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 4,772 Thanks: 7 Thanked 64 Times in 33 Posts	It's videos like that that make people buy huge 4x4s. Fathers have a significant instinct to try and ensure the ultimate safety of their children and partners, and a road going tank is perceived to offer just that.