Drove one of these the other day

"Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen" (distraxi) 02/03/2015 at 23:41 • Filed to: None

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Well, close enough, it was a GMC Yukon. I had to visit Michigan for a few days, and I figured this time of year there was a decent chance of snow, so I booked a full size SUV from Hertz (this being the only category they'll guarantee you 4WD on).

I've driven my share of Toyota and Landrover 4WDs, but this is my first time piloting a full-fat american Urban Assault Vehicle. Seriously, how can you people drive these things? I've worked in office buildings with better visibility (and maneuverability). I thought the vibro-butt lane-departure and proximity warnings were a great joke till I realised you actually need them to avoid running over small Hondas.

I now have the greatest respect for anyone who's insane enough to drive a Caterham or similar ground-hugger amongst these whales.

p.s. Note the name of the ship in the pic. Classy.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen 02/03/2015 at 23:45

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They're not that hard to drive! It takes some getting used to, but once you drive one for a week or so it becomes second nature.

misfitmascots > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen 02/03/2015 at 23:50

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I hope you weren't serious

Textured Soy Protein > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen 02/03/2015 at 23:52

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I had a similar experience with driving a loaner 2014 Toyota 4Runner over a weekend. The damn thing is so tall, you can barely see normal-height cars. It's a good 4" taller than my '05 Grand Cherokee, with a silly high cowl height. Pretty much the only way to see a normal car behind you is through the backup camera.

BigBlock440 > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen 02/03/2015 at 23:53

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I never understood how people can be so proud of their ineptitude behind the wheel of anything larger than a golf cart.

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > misfitmascots 02/04/2015 at 00:00

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Only semi - it is, after all, Oppo. I'm never too serious about anything round here.

I am, however, seriously amazed at how much closer to an actual truck (commercial not pickup) than a midsize SUV the thing was to drive.

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > BigBlock440 02/04/2015 at 00:05

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That's an FP-worthy comment.

And who said anything about ineptitude? I've been licensed to drive an articulated heavy truck for about 30 years: this is childs play. I just don't think it's any fun.

BigBlock440 > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen 02/04/2015 at 00:16

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How can it be hard to drive if you've driven anything bigger? Hell, even a box van has less visibility, it doesn't even have to be a semi. It's really not that hard to drive.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen 02/04/2015 at 01:06

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I rented a Flex to bring people to Lake Tahoe in the snow and it did very well, I was surprised. It was a heavy snow year.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen 02/04/2015 at 12:15

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Don't know why everyone is questioning your driving abilities for this. Those monstrosities are awful to drive. The phrase "how can you people drive these things?" could be equally applied to a Prius, which is not difficult to drive, just mind-numbingly terrible.

Also, I've almost been hit by so many of those things drifting halfway out of their lanes that clearly most folks are not capable of driving them.

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 02/04/2015 at 23:32

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Thanks for getting what I was saying. Mind-numbingly terrible is exactly right.

This is the most negative comments I've ever had to a post - must have pushed some hot buttons.