Date:         Wed, 1 Jan 2003 17:19:04 -0800
Reply-To:     Tromper <evilpig@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tromper <evilpig@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Compromise  was SUV Bashing)  was Think Positive to start your
              new year
In-Reply-To:  <000101c2b1f0$dc2b7c60$6401a8c0@gumby>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

On the topic of more then you need...

The Vanagon is in many respects a compromise for me.  In all reality about
85%+
of my driving could do just as well with a gas cheater such as the one my
lady drives.
Indeed we do tend to use her golf for basic bumping around, and it does a
fine job.

The problem comes into play on issues of maintenance, and the Great
Satan yclept "Mandatory Insurance" which would bring the cost over
maintaining two vehicles greater then the cost of added Vanagon miles.

I do keep an eye on fuel prices et al, and do have an old rabbit convertible
waiting in the wings for when the equation changes, or when the spirit moves
me to run
a convertible.
[Seattle winters are far from conducive to that feeling]

I have debated a Syncro, and in fact the equation would then fully justify
a secondary vehicle, so I would run the rabbit, or perhaps pick up something
even a wee bit more practical; although it would do a fine job on my
commute.
Whereas I do enjoy the greater view and just the "feel" of the van, I try to
appreciate all vehicles in their own light (so far there have been few I
detest)

Regardless, perhaps a show of hands for those who do run secondary vehicles
for commuting et al would be in order.

The next question would be
"How many SUV owners do the same arithmetic, and how many are just trying to
compensate for physical or emotional lacks?"
 [Some are probably "under compensating" and should be driving semis, or
trains. :oD]

Best Regards all

Tromper
1982 Dieselfant II
"The Manatee"


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of G.M.Bulley
Sent: Wednesday, January 01, 2003 3:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: SUV Bashing) was Think Positive to start your new year


It is strange. I am on 10+ very diverse lists; due to other obligations,
I read about +/- 1% of the mail on each at this point.

This issue of SUV's has come up on 4 of the 10 in the past 2 weeks, the
arguments and opinions being the same. Most people are fed up with
SUV's; a small handful insist they need them to transport their
dog/mother/kids/car-pool through knee-deep snow 4 months of the year.

Cars are appliances, nothing more. LaMachine. Black&Decker. Hoover.
Homelite. Ford. VW. Compaq. Whirlpool. GE. All tools to make life
easier.

Does it make sense to buy WAY more appliance than you need? Ask those
who buy Vulcan ranges, Kubota yard tractors, Milwaukee hand tools, 5,000
square foot McMansions or other "way-over-the-top" consumer
contrivances.

We are a nation of insecure people, seeking security by buying far more
"product" than we need. What to do? Be, and pray for not only for peace,
but for integrity in leadership.

Bringing ideas to life,
G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
www.bulley-hewlett.com
AIM = IExplain4u
+1.919.658.1278
"Fax mentis incendium gloria culpum"