Now that I’ve got your attention… I don’t really drive one of the big rigs. I drive a Ford Expedition. SUV owners are either saying, “Eh – My Tahoe is just as big,” or “Oh yeah – my Explorer is quite big enough, thank you very much.”
The truth is – I’m just not a “big car” person. They don’t suit me. I don’t know how to gracefully enter or exit them, I can’t park them to save my life, and if I didn’t have a little alarm that lets me know when I’m getting too close to something behind me, I would have taken out any number of trees and bushes by now.
Obviously this truck was not my choice. After almost a year of cramming three car seats across the back seat of Chris’ Jeep Liberty, we resigned ourselves to the fact that we really needed something roomier. Like any other proper suburban family, we initially discussed minivans. Chris was very against this idea. He practically broke out in hives at the thought. But I could have cared less. I’m not much of a car person in general.
I think my disinterest in cars was cultivated early when as a teenager, I drove a 1985 used “Red Renault Alliance.” I put this in quotes because that is generally how people referred to it: “the Red Renault Alliance.” Here is a picture:
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My parents purchased this when I got my drivers license so that I could drive myself to school (at the time I had a very inconvenient public transportation commute from Capitol Hill to Georgetown). My father seemed to believe that I was incredibly lucky to have my own car to drive instead of sharing theirs. I of course, knew that “lucky” better described my friends who were getting new Suzuki Samurais and Cabriolet convertibles for their sixteenth birthdays. Seriously though, I now agree with my father. Upon the Red Renault Alliance’s demise just two short years after we bought it, my brother did have to share a car with my parents. Which in his sixteen year old opinion “sucked.”
The next car that I had was purchased after I got my first job out of college. It was a little blue Toyota Tercel. And in my own twenty-two year old opinion, it “sucked.” But it was all I could afford. And after the dramatic explosion/car flipping/burned feet drama of the Red Renault Alliance, I was not interested in buying anything used. My tiny Tercel had vinyl seats that burned the backs of my legs in the summer and no power steering. This completely destroyed the amazing talent for parallel parking I developed in my parents’ crowded Capitol Hill neighborhood. But just like the Red Renault Alliance, the Tercel was not a status car, and I continued to view cars as simply a means of transportation.
Eventually, I had other larger sedans (Saturns, a Camry), but my interest level never increased. I liked driving a shiny new car, but had no inclination to actually maintain it.
When I met Chris, it was clear that he wasn’t not a car person either. In fact, when I first started dating him, I always drove. His car was a hand me down from his grandparents. I don’t remember the make, but it was white with maroon interior (I believe his friends called it the “maxi pad”) and it had started emitting fumes that made him light headed after about 15 minutes of driving. He moved on to a very basic Jeep Cherokee and shared my apathetic attitude toward maintenance.
So fast forward eight years, three kids, several mediocre cars and a suburban commute later…and we were at a loss as to what we wanted. One weekend, Chris went out to test drive some minivans he had researched online, and instead came back with this:
I was speechless. It was huge. I had to step up onto a running board in order to hoist myself into the front seat. This was by far, the biggest vehicle that I had ever tried to drive. But it’s now been over a year, and like anything else, I’ve gotten used to it.
Reasons why I hate driving it include the following:
Like I said, I’m terrible at parking it. And I don’t even mean parallel parking. I walk out of the grocery store and locate my car by looking for the big truck parked on a diagonal. No matter how carefully I try to get into a space, I usually end up crooked or right up against one neighboring car and a mile away from the other. I’ve even been keyed! And I often end up with some man trying to help direct me in – like those airport guys on the tarmac helping planes pull up to the gates. It’s just humiliating.
Additionally – I find that people are mean to me. Maybe they see my big truck and think that I have an aggressive personality to go with it. All I know is that I have the hardest time getting people to let me change lanes in traffic. It’s like they’re in their little economy car thinking, “Oh no you don’t, you big gas guzzling bully – you’re not cutting in front of me.” If only I could install a sign that said, “I am not driving this car by choice – I have too many children to fit into an environment-friendly compact car.” I doubt anyone would care. They’d probably just key my sign.
Finally, we just don’t match. I don’t look like a big car person. Not only is it not my style, but I don’t have the attitude to pull it off. I’m not particularly petite, but I’ve seen tiny girls climb out of trucks bigger than mine looking like they own the parking lot (they, of course can park without taking up two spaces). This will never be me.
So what car SHOULD I be driving? Most would answer this question with their idea of a dream car. Something eye catching, fast, vintage, expensive… But I’d rather spend the money on my house or a great vacation.
Someday my children will get their drivers licenses, and they’ll be the ones envying their friends with fancy new cars. That’s right – they’ll be driving whatever junkie jalopy we give them. And they’ll be damn lucky to have it!
Too funny! We had a ‘Red Renault Alliance’ growing up, it was my mom’s and we took it out underage all the time! Then I got a FIAT from my parents, used and not un-sucky. But NOW I have the most beautiful, efficient (27 miles to the gallon), trouble free, fit it all in, 11 year old white Expedition named Snowball! I am so one with this car that even if I won the lottery I wouldn’t give her up! But the new Expeditions seem less friendly, I’ll give you that. And black doesn’t help.
With changing lanes you have to just signal and move. The small cars know you may not see them so they’re extra careful around you!
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Keyed you.
Should have bought a minivan.
Thanks for blowing up the Renault. It’s probably why I’ve still never had a car. Though, I might have gotten the old and gold Saturn as a hand-me-down if the hurricane hadn’t decided against it.
As for the ideal car for your situation, go Dutch: http://clevercycles.com/blog/images/family_bike_1.jpg (we can’t use link tags in comments?)
Oops, nevermind…
I’m not a car person either, and I’m now driving a bigger car than I ever had in mind. But it’s a CRV and my very first brand new car. I was so sad when my 12 year old Mitsubishi Expo finally died. It was just the right size for my upright bass and sound equipment. The CRV is the most luxurious car I’ve ever had, but I’m still getting used to its size. Parking downtown is even more of a pain now and I’m really having to tone down my previously zippy driving style. But that’s probably a good thing…
You’re right… the big SUV doesn’t look like you, but for the life of me I can’t put you with a particular car. Hmmmm… maybe you’re not a car person. Although, I think I could see you driving a vintage car, like a ’58 MG Roadster.
I felt the same way when we got our SUV but now I cannot imagine how we could do all the stuff we need to do with the kids, their activities and equipment (hello, the double stroller alone takes up half the car!) with this monster.
A minivan with an economical 4-cylinder engine would have been perfect. How about a Honda Element? With an SUV, you’re pushing around bigger wheels, tires, and 4WD components you do not need. The off-road capabilities of an SUV are completely wasted in this application, and I think that’s one of the things that gets us small-car drivers blood boiling. Ninety nine percent of large SUVs with off-road capability never leave the pavement, and are just a huge rolling waste of resources we can’t see around when stuck behind, when in front we are blinded by your high-mounted lights, and in an accident, your unnecessarily high bumper (for clearing ditches in the woods?) rides over ours, inflicting deadly damage.
I dont drive but when we rent a car we always have to get the big monsters to fit the kids inside. Thats just how it people so stop being mean to Cake!
My first car was a 78 two door Chevy Caprice Classic that could hold 18 people. Needless to say I always had to drive.
I bought a smaller SUV and wish that I had gotten the minivan. And then my soul died a little when I made that realization.
I am going to be like anymommy and address all of these excellent comments:
Paris Apartment – I love your blog and live vicariously through you as you fix up your new house. I’m glad to know that we share the Red Renault Alliance experience.
Matthew (my brother – ominotigre) – As usual, I’m so happy that you read my blog. I didn’t have the highest of expectations when you saw me posting something and said, “that’s really long Kate.” Sadly – if I’m not a big car person, I’m even less of a bike person – don’t think I’ve been on one since age 12.
Cyndy – You play the bass? That is very cool. I envy people who actually do what they love for a living. Will have to check out your blog.
Ainsley – You’re right – I’m not really a car person (although I have to drive EVERYWHERE). I do think vintage suits me – in that it harkens back (that’s a real word right?) to a time when women didn’t really drive. Maybe I’m a “chauffer person.” Yeah – that sounds good.
Anastasia – As usual we are of one mind. But I bet you are much better at parking…
Mr. T in DC – Is this really my brother hiding behind a different identity? While I agree with you wholeheartedly, I pity the fool that…nope – I’ve got nothing. And I SO wanted to say “I pity the fool…’
Suzie – love your blog. Especially the pictoral today. And I like how you’re calling me “Cake” – it’s almost the same as my actual name, “Kate.” In fact – I think it’s what I called myself when I was two…
Renee – you just made me laugh. “My sould died a little” – hilarious.
I am not much of a car person either. I drive a minivan, so obviously I am not trying to be cool. Fortunately, I do know how to park it:)
That car is unecessary… a stationwagon or a van or even a sedan would’vt been fine. the reason we are mean to you on the road is because you are ridiculous. you’re not going to the trek Sierra Nevada mountains, you’re driving on the freeway. SUV’s are retarded, wasteful, and prototypical of suburban overconsumption and douchebaggery. enjoy your $120 fill up!
Yeah! My first piece of hate mail! That’s what I get for being featured at DC blogs…
Anonymous – you must have been one of the many friendly DC residents that I used to stand in line with at the DMV…You haven’t changed a bit. Great to hear from you – let’s catch up soon!
I love it that people can say what’s on their minds, but they can’t say who they are.
Well, my first car was an ’67 Madador and if some people on here think your car is a gas guzzler, they should drive this one.
Then I had a Mazda 323 – I bought sometime in the late ’80’s and then I bought a Neisan Pulzar with T-Tops (don’t recommend those) but a nice car.
Then an ’87 Volvo, a ’93 volvo and now I have a 2001 Volvo. The last two were wagons and neither had that flip seat – ’cause my husband doesn’t like them. He thinks of you are in an accident – things wouldnt be good for that set of passengers.
So there we are… we only have one child and I can’t imagine having three and all those car seats. I’d say a mini van or what you are driving…. poor thing.
wfbdoglover – You are right. If you’re going to criticize, don’t hide behind “anonymous”. That’s the coward’s way out. Mr. T in DC was honest AND provided his name (or nom de plume) AND was also polite about what he had to say. There aren’t enough Mr. T in DC’s out there….
LMAO – yes, Mr. T is PC in DC, and I do appreciate people that are kind when they state their opinions and I’m always up for different ones.
Truefully, seeing that this is your HUSBAND’S fault, maybe you should just divorce him for buying it. (TOTALLY kidding).
But seriously (snicker), you could have the house and he could LIVE IN THE CAR – seeing that you don’t like cars – like you said (snicker)
Maybe THAT could make those “anoy”-o-monster commenters happy, and then they could stop leaving comments like that. (giggle)
Thanks for the kind words! Agreed, the comment by anonymous was a bit harsh. I prefer constructive comments because I’ve certainly had a few bits of hate mail over the years on my blog.
That said., I’m definitely a small-car person. I’ve had a Toyota Celica, a Corolla, a Honda CRX, a Hyundai Excel, and now a Mazda 3. With the 5-door hatchback you could fit 2 car seats in back, not 3, but if you have fewer than 3 kids it’s a good compromise of sportiness, fuel efficiency, and practicality. Plus, it generally attracts smiles on the road.
Good luck if you decide to change vehicles!
I’m not a big fan of ginormous SUVs mostly for one of the reasons you mention: they’re hard to maneuver. They do, however, have a great line of sight. Still, it’s hard to justify the gas-guzzling characteristics of these behemoths, especially in this economy and with current environmental concerns. If automakers would produce these cars with a hybrid option, more of us might not worry as much about their carbon footprint.
I have to agree with Mr. T: Honda and Toyota both make very comfortable, roomy mini-vans that are economical and make sense.
Thanks for your honesty in this posting. While I don’t curse the drivers of most standard SUVs, I do curse and hex the drivers of Hummers. Talk about conspicuous consumption gone wrong.
As a compact car driver, I have to admit feeling annoyance at SUV drivers steering their oversize vehicles through narrow DC streets with cars parked on both sides (like in Adams Morgan or Georgetown), but then again I have never had to fit three car seats and two adults in one vehicle. Just how big are car seats? I thought as long as there was a seatbelt for each one, they would fit? Apparently, they must be wider than the average person’s bum. :-)
SO funny!
Thanks for visiting me :-) And this post is hilarious! My first car was a nice little Dodge Shadow. It was red. I loved it!
We’ve got a mid-size sedan now, but with another baby on the way (and who knows what the future holds?) I constantly tell my husband that we’ll probably have to get a minivan, but I want it pimped out. For real.
The first car I purchased myself is a black honda civic (96) and yes I still own it but it is rarely driven. In fact I had to use jumper cables for the very first time just last night to start it since it’s rarely driven. The second car I purchased is a 2006 Subaru Outback – both cars were purchased new because I prefer not to deal with car troubles and would be much happier not having to own a car at all. My husband and I were living in CO when we purchased our car and felt the need to own a new/safe car since the birth of our twins. Yes, we used our 4 wheel drive in the mountains. Prior to the purchase, we test drove the Highlander hybrid and decided it wasn’t much of a “hybrid” and way more money than we could stomach spending on a car. We considered the Prius but w/2 kids and a dog it really isn’t realistic. Unfortunately there are NO great options for those of us w/children – not only do we have to fit our children and their “seats” but we need room for a stroller too and going away for a week or extended weekend requires a piece of luggage for the top of my car. So ANONYMOUS, it’s great that you are really good at name calling but if you paid attention to what Cake said you would realize that she did NOT purchase the SUV and had no input b/c if she could have her way she’d be taking public transportation. And for the record, she carpools w/her husband and drives less than 15 miles round each day trip during the week. Until you have a husband/wife and 3 children STOP throwing stones.
When Matthew drove your car to pick me up at the DC airport in December, the first thing he said was, “Guess what kind of car I’m driving”. I guessed everything except that mammoth of a car. My jaw dropped when I saw it in the parking garage.
Should have gone with the minivan…
Et Tu Christine?
I’d like to point out to the haters (not aimed at you Christine – I love you) – AGAIN – this car was not my choice. This post was about how I don’t like the truck…
I have bad luck with cars. They are always exploding or crashing or breaking in the weirdest places. I’ve decided I just need a driver.
It’s just not the car I pictured you to drive–it does not suit you at all.
I guess the part I don’t understand is the argument that it’s for the kids. I’m one of three kids. My parents never needed anything that huge. We had a godawful red volare station wagon that refused to die so was around to embarrass the bejesus out of us all the way through high school. It was plenty big enough for all the stuff we did. A minivan would have worked or even a smaller SUV. (Seriously? You let your husband pick a car for you? I think I’d be more pissed at not having any input on the decision than whatever he showed up with.)
Just do me a favor: when you’re sitting at a red light waiting to make a left, please don’t keep edging up so that me in my cute little car now can’t see to make a right. That’s got to be the most freaking annoying thing for me when it comes to SUV drivers. You’re already sitting 5 feet up in the air. Why do you need to edge up and block my line of sight when I’m practically sitting on the ground??
Oh, the car drama. Glad I’m not alone. We just bought a minivan. I know, I know…a whole different group of haters. Honestly, it was the smartest thing we’ve ever done. (So SUVs for me…I don’t trust myself driving anything that large.)
We’re kind of the same situation with car seats…if you’re interested in my humble opinion, you know where to find me. :)
Just found your blog, love it!
So, on the other end of the spectrum, our good friends just had their third baby (3 kids under 5). My spouse and I were talking about how they’d have another additional expense, since they’d have to get a new car in order to fit all 3 car seats.
They came to visit this weekend, and to our shock, they showed up in their old car–a Prius!!–with 3 car seats in the back. We also have a Prius (don’t worry, I’m not some smug eco-activist who is going to look down on you for your car. My husband is in sales, and puts 50,000 miles on his minivan in a year, so we can’t talk!), and I have NO idea how they did that. They did say something about losing skin when they were trying to adjust them….so maybe not the choice for you.
Uh, topic. Could a smaller SUV (not the Liberty, I hear those are kind of smallish inside) fit your car seats, like a CR-V? Everyone I know who has one of those loves them.
We have a Yukon XL and when we first purchased it we thought it would be perfect for our family. It was until gas prices went through the roof and now we curse every time we fill up. It is great for hauling everything and everyone around but it is a kicker in the pocketbook. Oh well we did it to ourselves.
My first car was a mustard colored Renault Alliance. It was a great little car till I totaled it.