I'd love a 4x4, but which one

[SloppyPerformer]

Hi,

Although a road car is more than capable of towing a caravan I'd love to tow with a 4x4.

I'm not sure which one to get though. Is there any 4x4s available where you aren't 4 times as likely to be killed during a side impact than a normal car?

I'm also worried that hitting a child not only hits it high up on the leg but also it's them on the body and very likely on the head. Are there any 4x4 cars that aren't as dangerous as this to pedestrans?

I've heard that no 4x4 cars were in the top ten safety for pedestrans or occupants and that only two were in the top 20. Does anyone know which these are?

Janet

 

[rayc]

Janet, Most 4 x4 have a very good safety rating for drivers and passengers, where did you get your figures from?

The Honda CRV for example has a 5 star rating for both frontal and side impact for passengers and driver, so I am sure that I'm not 4 times as likely to be killed in it in the event of an accident than in a car ( but as you don't name the cars its hard to make a direct comparison).

It has also got a very good pedestrian rating so again if I hit you with it at any specified speed you are not 4 times as likely to be killed than by other vehicles at the same speed (but again as you don't name the cars I cannot give exact comparisons).

If you give me the make and model of the car you drive I will be pleased to provide the crash ratings for it. I hope you took more care in selecting your vehicle than you appear to have done in selecting the figures you quote. I am more than happy to trust my judgement than yours concerning the safety of the car I choose to drive whether it be 4x4 or otherwise.

 

[CliveV]

Another laughable dig from the anti's - the statistics coming from the "make up a nimber and double it" school of statistical analysis.

This is what they are good at - when outnumberred and forced to admit that the 4x4 actually has an ability that some people want and need - they spoil any credibility they have by making up the numbers!

Sloppy Performer is actually a very good description.

 

[MONKEY1]

Janet,

There are many cars out there which offer the benefits of 4x4 (i.e. traction) without the many compromises you rightly identify. The excellent Volvo V70, the Audi A6 Subaru Impreza of which most comes in petrol or diesel in some form. They also usually do a lot more to the gallon and cost less to insure and service.

There is so much written about the positive and negatives of 4x4 ownership, only you can decide and we should respect that.

Regards Monkey's Husband.

 

[Kanga_5075163]

Ok Ray,

can we have the stats for the mitsubishi warrior 2.5 diesel? including the pedestrian rating!

 

[Pelyma1]

Seems to be a lot of environmental questions around here. Surely the most green form of transport (and what most pressure groups want) is public transport. Can I ask what that does to a child or an adult come to that.

I'd like to ask if you are so worried about about side impacts on 4x4s do you go on about front impacts. If you feel concerned so much, I'll let you drive into the side of my disco 3 and then I'll drive into the side of your car and see who fairs better.

As for frontal impact on a child, please specify which child, they come in different sizes. There is a school of thought that normal cars flip pedestrians over the top to be run over by a following car. 4x4 tend to be driven more slowly and at 30 mpg that I actually get from my car I'm over the moon with it.

If of course you would like them banned for some other reason such as cost then please be clear about it and stop hiding behind smokescreens. I look forward to your challenge of driving into the side of my car, but you'd better look out when 2.7 tonnes gets its revenge side impact or no side impact.

 

[Pelyma1]

As a second, here is a disco 3 in a side impact with a heavy fast moving car. The video takes a couple of minutes to download. But tell me would I have any problems in this impact _ it had more effect on the car it rebounded into a CRV

http://www.lightningrodder.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=down&bid=106

 

[CliveV]

Nice one Paul - REALLY, REALLY NICE!

Well done!

But watch out!! when you outmanoeuvre the anti's they "don't like it up em!" to quote Chris and are likely to come back at you with bile and a viciousness truly amazing for such a forum.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Janet, Most 4 x4 have a very good safety rating for drivers and passengers, where did you get your figures from?

The Honda CRV for example has a 5 star rating for both frontal and side impact for passengers and driver, so I am sure that I'm not 4 times as likely to be killed in it in the event of an accident than in a car ( but as you don't name the cars its hard to make a direct comparison).

It has also got a very good pedestrian rating so again if I hit you with it at any specified speed you are not 4 times as likely to be killed than by other vehicles at the same speed (but again as you don't name the cars I cannot give exact comparisons).

If you give me the make and model of the car you drive I will be pleased to provide the crash ratings for it. I hope you took more care in selecting your vehicle than you appear to have done in selecting the figures you quote. I am more than happy to trust my judgement than yours concerning the safety of the car I choose to drive whether it be 4x4 or otherwise.

Hello Ray,

I think Sloppy Perfomer, is actually concerned about the affect his 4x4 may have on ther road users, perhapse you could reply from that perspective.

 

[Gareth_5061755]

I tow with a Land Rover Discovery 3. It is the best car you will ever have to tow a caravan with, and it will also excel in all other areas.

It is more economical than my wifes Mini Cooper, and takes up less roadspace than many large saloons. It could carry 7 kids to school if I wanted it too, the alternative would be a journey by TWO normal cars. (I choose to make my kids walk).

I have far superior visibility than in a normal car.

Any car driven badly is dangerous. The answer to road safety is not to dictate what car to drive, but to properly train all drivers.

I have a family, and choose to transport them in the relative safety of a 4x4. I drive sensibly at all times, and am therefore less of a risk to other road users than the person who drives around at high speed in a low slung, less visble small car.

Draw your own conclusions, but please do not be put off buying a 4x4 by the inaccurate arguments put forward by a vocal minority who will not be happy until we are all living in the dark ages and hugging trees to relieve the boredom.

 

[jacky3]

k.a.n.g.a.

knownout a---hole never going away

sorry i had to revert to that,but hes just so pathetic

 

[CliveV]

Do you know Guy's!! I am sitting here enjoying a cuppa feeling that warm glow of satisfaction that once again an "Anti" has been well and truly outvoted.

Isn't life GOOD!

And it looks so much better still from my vantage point of my Range Rovers driving seat. Yep! 2.7 tons or pure ability. Driven sensibly by yours truly, using LPG to be greener than most and to save me money! As for being dangerous to other road users - well that is down to the driver and if your driving is anything like your antics on this Forum Kanga - then God help those arround you!

As for us (as group of 4x4 drivers supposedly "not caring what injury or death they cause" - how on earth can even your bizarre logic come up with that conclusion?

The statistics simply do not confirm what you say.

On a previous post you said in the USA 4x4's have a sticker in them warning that the have a higher centre of gravity and need to be driven accordingly. Also in the USA you get a sticker on your MacDonalds Coffee cup warning you that the coffee is hot.

Similarly a packet of peanuts in the USA carries a warning that "This product may contain nuts"

Perhaps you should hang a similar sign round your pathetic little neck.

 

[Pelyma1]

But my dear kanga your mate has told me I'm going to die in a side impact where as your little car isn't. I'm either in danger or not, dangerous or harmless? Which is it to be? There are 40 ton artics driving down the road through the towns why do you not attack those. Your clan really need to prioritorise what is going to harm others. Is a 7.5 ton lorry doing 85mph in the fast lane of the motorway not more of a danger than me who is going to be killed by the next Saxo that runs into the side of me??

Or are some vehicles more equal than others? Perhaps you would like to entertain us all with your thoughts.

Warmest wishes

 

[CliveV]

No this is going to be interesting! Just let me get my tea and i will sit back and whatch a Troll struggle.

 

[Kanga_5075163]

k.a.n.g.a.

knownout a---hole never going away

sorry i had to revert to that,but hes just so pathetic

Nobby will you refrain from using foul langauge

 

[Kanga_5075163]

Still waiting on the stats for the warrior, perhaps a 4x4 pilot can help out?

what about stats for the terrano, shogun, land cruiser, range rover etc etc

AAAAAAH THE TRUTH WILL HURT!

 

[Pelyma1]

You seem to be having problems Kanga answering any questions directed at you. Cat got your tongue? Come on there is a good chap lets us know your thoughts - your normally very quick to do this, so why are you so sloooowww now?

Kind regards

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

As a member of the aristocracy can I make my point on the 4x4 saga. I havent got one because when I inherited Daddies peerage I was robbed by the bloody government by inheritance tax. I do have the worlds first 4x4 though, its a 1924 CangaAnywhere charabanc. I would love to update it and have a modern 4x4 so for posting my support could all 4x4 owners please make donations to Lord Braykewynde at Screwemm Hall, Notax, Jersey. Thanking you all in anticipation.

 

[derek_5078799]

Ive just read this thread hoping to get some factual information so that I can form an opinion as whether to change my existing car to either a Cmax or smaller 4x4. But the only information that any newcomer can get from the thread is the drivel that the likes of Kanga and Clive spout at each other on not just this but in all threads (or it seems like it).

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Ive just read this thread hoping to get some factual information so that I can form an opinion as whether to change my existing car to either a Cmax or smaller 4x4. But the only information that any newcomer can get from the thread is the drivel that the likes of Kanga and Clive spout at each other on not just this but in all threads (or it seems like it).

Kanga hijacks ALL threads.

 

[Kanga_5075163]

But my dear kanga your mate has told me I'm going to die in a side impact where as your little car isn't. I'm either in danger or not, dangerous or harmless? Which is it to be? There are 40 ton artics driving down the road through the towns why do you not attack those. Your clan really need to prioritorise what is going to harm others. Is a 7.5 ton lorry doing 85mph in the fast lane of the motorway not more of a danger than me who is going to be killed by the next Saxo that runs into the side of me??

Or are some vehicles more equal than others? Perhaps you would like to entertain us all with your thoughts.

Warmest wishes

Dear Paul,

Many thanks for your reply

Regarding 40 ton artics, I'm against those, stoopid govt should force freight onto the trains and use smaller lorries to transport across the towns/cities etc

7.5 ton lorries don't do 85mph.

regarding the side impact issue my mate daventura assures me that he has never told you that you will die in a side impact, can you date the posting?

Anyhow if you are driving a modern saloon and a saxo made of bacofoil impacts you side on, you will be fine, now if a monster 4x4 impacts the side of a saloon the side protection system will be useless because the impact is at head height, this is what makes a 4x4 dangerous, especially when you consider that they handle like loose knicker elastic the chances that one fails to negotiate a bend is very high and a collision will occur. A truck however has bumpers that are low down and will impact the side of the door utilising the side impact protection system. If you care to go the eu website and read Council Directive 70/156/EEC which is the findings of the research into the protection of motorists/pedestrians and other vulnerable road users before and in the event of a collision with an off road vehicle and a freight transporting vehicle, you will find that you are far better off being hit by a truck rather than a 4x4

 

[BrianStAlbans]

The only kangaroo who knows no bounds.

 

[Kanga_5075163]

Kanga hijacks ALL threads.

I seem to remember this being a favourite saying of CliveV

 

[Kanga_5075163]

Ive just read this thread hoping to get some factual information so that I can form an opinion as whether to change my existing car to either a Cmax or smaller 4x4. But the only information that any newcomer can get from the thread is the drivel that the likes of Kanga and Clive spout at each other on not just this but in all threads (or it seems like it).

Derek, I only ever speak the truth where 4x4's are concerned and have to put Clive right because he always spouts a load of one sided lies so that new forum users get the idea in their heads that is is ok to drive a monster 4x4, which it is not!

 

[Pelyma1]

I'm sorry Derek that you've found this I've lurked on this forum some time and you can get some really good info, it is just unfortunate that some seek to wreck it. I don't know what car or caravan you have, but if you are looking to change to a 4x4 there are many forums that are car specific where you don't have these problems. There are also some general 4x4 ones where people are generally very helpful. IMHO you do need to consider how you are going to use the car mostly. If you're looking to buy a new car try to get the car for a day or more to see how it fits your lifestyle.

I have no experience of Cmax, but of smaller 4x4s I would say the X Trail & Freelander are well worth a look (bear in mind a new Freelander is out in 12 months, so many good deals about)I have heard good things of the Tuscon but have no personal experience. I can also recommend the Frontera as a good cheaper buy. HTH