Finger Pointers and Suv’s

February of 2009 I was helping a friend with a paper route. I got to one driveway where I was greeted by the home owner who I handed his paper personally. He started making small talk about the weather and other things. While we were talking, his neighbor across the street was pulling out of their driveway in a Ford Expedition. This prompted my newspaper customer to make a negative reference to their vehicle of choice as it drove down the street. He clearly said “Guy’s like him and their big SUV’s really pollute the air”. I kept my mouth shut for a couple seconds knowing this statement was wrong. I then asked “what are his other vehicles like”. My customer said “That’s it, just that truck”. I then started a conversation leaning in the direction of the larger vehicles being safer in some kinds of accidents.

While we were talking, I looked over his shoulder noticing he had 2 cars in his garage, one of them being a full size Cadillac which probably had a motor as big or bigger than the SUV he was complaining about. Next to the Cadillac was a Toyota sedan. I didn’t say anything about my observations while we were talking, but here was a example of a two vehicle home complaining about a one vehicle home simply because of the vehicle type chosen.

After driving away to continue the paper route, this conversation caused me to go into one of my ‘Curious George’ modes. For the next 45 minutes while doing the paper route, I paid close attention to the vehicles owned in this Menomonee Falls Wisconsin community.

Actually that guy with the Expedition he was complaining about had nothing on some of the other homes I spotted. Numerous homes in this community have two, three, and four vehicles. This was more common than someone might think. A few homes had a lot more, … A LOT MORE.

I found one home that I just have to talk about because it is obvious they use a lot of gasoline in their family. This home had a full size work truck which probably belonged to the man of the house. Then there were two mini vans which I’m assuming were the family transportation. Two rusty clunkers were parked in the driveway closer to the road. These apparently belonged to the teenagers in the home. My guess is these two cars are not tuned up and probably not driven in any efficient manner if driven by teenagers. Next to the garage was a trailer with two snowmobiles on it. Inside the garage was a dirt bike and the usual snow blower and lawn mower equipment. The back yard hard a motor home on blocks for the winter.

I admit it, I felt this was something the guy complaining should see to cool his jets on SUV’s. The fact is that there are also some cars on our roads that use unforgivable amounts of gasoline. Think of what this does for pollution. I personally can verify this. Anyone who has been in the image gallery of my website and looked at the pictures of the vehicles I’ve owned in the past can see my old green Chevrolet Caprice wagon. This wagon had a 454 engine and a half ton rear end in it. I put more gasoline in this family style car than any truck or SUV I ever owned. Almost as fast as I fueled it up, it was gone. The car ran absolutely great. It had no fuel leaks, it was using every drop the way it was made to do when it was built. Definitely not a good vehicle for running around in, that’s why I got rid of it.

For all the finger pointers out there bad mouthing SUV’s, … yes you are entitled to your opinion, but take a look at the bigger picture, … the whole picture, before making that opinion public.

Reporter Joseph Toth

Washington Micro Bank BBS

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/suvs-articles/finger-pointers-and-suvs-771580.html

Tata Xenon Xt - Review

The charcoal grey interiors catch the eyes instantly. IP styling is great and is analogous to the other Tata models such as Sumo Grande. The finishing is quite superior to its predecessors.
I felt like hugging the person who designed the front end. I felt that it’s just built for me. The large command seating position, tilt adjustable wheel and pedals adds to the comfort. The commanding seats are specially designed for extra comfort with large legroom. I can’t ask for more. In spite of such great features it has some drawbacks too such as irritating central console mounted windows and switches. The thin gear stick too takes away some of its charm.
The rear seating part poses some problems. The small door and high sill line is the root cause of all evil. The ladies department of any family would prefer avoiding sitting at the back. The upright back rest and just enough legroom don’t comply with most of our expectations. The maximum number of people who can board the rear part can be four. Taking five for long distances would cause a bit of discomfort
Like its predecessors the suspension is good and thus offers a smooth ride. The shocks caused by the bumps and potholes are almost absorbed. But the cabin clatters even if the windows are closed.
Salient features:
Cost: Rs. 8,64,000 (On the road, Chennai Xenon XT (2*2))
Rs. 9,70,000 (On the road, Chennai Xenon XT (4*4))
Personalization Kits: Front nudge guard, roof light, roof rails, roof carrier, side step, canopy to change the silhouette, bed liner to prevent scratches, lockable boot lid covering to protect your stuff from the vagaries of weather and chrome rear nudge guard.

Standard equipments: such as power windows, power steering, foldable 2nd row seats, lumbar support seats, electrically adjustable rear view mirrors, heated rear view mirror, analog clock and remote operate fuel flap.

source : http://blog.itechtalk.com/2009/tata-xenon-xt-review/