[Spridgets] SUVs and pickups

[kgb at frontiernet.net]

Is it conceivable that some people might actually have the need for both? I drive my small truck (Jeep Comanche) as my daily driver. I can pick up animal feed, lumber, or other items that would not fit in a car trunk without driving home and changing vehicles. He also gets 25 miles per gallon, so he does as well as most modern fuel efficient passenger cars, and better than some. His main disadvantage is the fact that he can only carry one passenger.

On the days that I have human company, the Jeep Cherokee has almost all the advantages of the Comanche, with the added benefit of being able to carry more than one passenger. He still has 4WD that is needed for many of my local roads, year round, not just during winter. Since his gearing is slightly different, he averages around 33 MPG on the highway. Again, as well or better than many modern vehicles. With the rear seat folded down, I can still carry feed and supplies without driving home to change vehicles, but that reduces him to a one passenger vehicle.

I also have the Chrysler convertible for fun and personal enjoyment. He averages over 40 MPG on the highway, so he is a very comfortable economy car that also has style and flair that is lacking on any of the rubber stamped econoclones, regardless of manufacturer. No, I don't need him, any more than I need my Spridget. I just happen to like him and find him more useful than a TV that is bigger than my wall or a stereo system that will break windows 20 miles away, so whose business is it to tell me that I shouldn't have him? He also has sentimental value, as he was the last Christmas present Gary gave me prior to his death.

Kate