4x4 owner who actually needs one?

Question

Is anyone else in the same sort of position?
I live on a mountain in Wales, and it's a mile along a track to get to the top road.
A car can't make it down to the house. Neither would an ambulance or a fire engine, so we really need a 4x4. I have to get my daughter to school 7 miles away, and the nearest bus stop is 3 miles away.

Do you think I should invite Mr Gordon Brown for a cup of tea? He can say goodbye to his exhaust and sump!
It makes me so angry. Shouldn't these taxes be means tested? I agree with cutting down on 4x4's in town's, when they are unnecessary.

Lol, would love to come mudding!
It's heaven here, actually.
I have a Series III Landrover for 'off-roading' as we call it!

I live on a budget, and have an ancient Daihatsu, falling to bits.
Mate.

Answer 1

I have absolutely nothing against people driving 4x4's when they're really needed. Those who do shouldn't be punished with extra taxes.

However, I live in Los Angeles, where cars are status symbols and bigger is considered better. You can't swing a dead cat here without hitting a Hummer or a Ford Excursion or a 4x4 with a lift kit on it. It makes me sick that people are so selfish and irresponsible that they'd rather screw up the environment than have to "settle" for a smaller car. And you wouldn't believe how angry and defensive they get when someone even suggests that their choice of car is ecologically irresponsible. They start to foam at the mouth about how it's their God-given right to own any damn type of vehicle they want. It's like "This is America! You F***ing COMMIE!!!" Either that or "I'm not going to jeopardize my family's SAFETY for a few extra miles per gallon!!!", as if driving their kid to school in a Prius is tantamount to child endangerment. And as if "safety" [wink, wink] was the real reason they bought the hugest vehicle they could find.

So, yes I do think you have a legitimate need for a 4x4, and no, I don't think you should be punished for it by having to pay higher taxes.

However, if downtown London is anything like downtown Los Angeles, I can definitely see why Mr. Gordon Brown thinks this tax is a good idea.

Answer 2

I have a 4X4 which does 35 miles to the gallon of diesel so I don't consider it is a gas guzzler.Peoples attitude change when they want a tow out of some mud or deep water, suddenly 4X4's are OK,what people drive should be their own choice, there is too much interference in our lives. As for global warming I only do about 80 miles a week so my vehicle is less polluting than a salesman doing 500 miles a week. Just get off our backs, we don't ask you to pay for it.

Answer 3

I believe you're talking about a four-wheel drive vehicle. It's all about status and symbols. I drive a convertible and a if I pull up beside a Hummer SUV the tire is higher than my door.

Most people don't know, or those who don't own one, that you can't drive it very fast in four-wheel drive mode because it's unsafe. Therefore, I must assume that most people drive them for looks. The upkeep is higher if something needs fixing in the drive-train.

I see that Gordon Brown was listed as being Chancellor until today. So, maybe he would come to tea.

Perhaps people would be better off to show off their wealth by buying expensive, country mansions. They would be probably cheaper to heat than to drive a 4x4 and the resale value wouldn't drop as quickly. And, they'd have about as much room.

Answer 4

I dont own one myself but I work for an environmental agency. If we didnt have 4x4s some of the work we do would be very difficult or impossible! Whilst I understand that no-one needs one in a town are they any worse polluters than sports cars or top of the range models like BMWs etc?

Answer 5

Your question won't be honest. I force a extensive SUV 4 x 4 and have under no circumstances had a crash or gotten a value ticket in it. the reason I force this type of auto is so i will tow the family individuals tenting trailer and have each physique in a single vehicle. that is like asserting all blonds are stupid or all law enforcement officials like donuts and espresso. A generalization it fairly is often incorrect.

Answer 6

I have a 4x4 ford ranger truck and I really need it, we live in north USA way lot of snow and we live in the country as well, many times could not get out without it. They really work well, snow, mud and the like.....I don't know who Gordon Brown is but I don't think you like him!!!

Answer 7

You chose to live there or did Gorden "bully" you into moving to such isolation.

Mind you, can I talk!
I "buggered-off" to Uganda to get away from "New Labour" - the lying leaches.

Much better here.
(for our colonial friends across the pond - this is a very British question)

Answer 8

I bet you have one of the big four wheel drive monsters, there are plently of smaller vehicles but poseurs like you like to drive big fancy motors and I think you should have to pay £5,000 a year road tax never mind a couple of hundred.

Answer 9

Very good point, Farmers and people in rural locations like you have no choice.

Invite the TW*T round for tea and laugh at him.

Answer 10

I think you are living in hell, come here to the USA. I'll show you how to go muddin. (Driving our 4x4's in the mud)