Member Since: 15 Mar 2011
Location: Not here
Posts: 206
My first fight against the eco nit wits
My first fight against the eco nit wits!...
School Dad's end of footy tournement curry... I unwittingly realised I was surrounded by utter tw ts when one gathered the courage to pipe up "so, is that your gas guzzler I saw you in earlier?"... I said yes, one said "I saw it... outrageous fuel economy isn't it".... another rounded on me with "have you been off road yet? ha ha... what do you need that great big thing for, it's massive".... I simply said (on the basis I run a small bathroom firm):
"Look, if I had a van outside that you didn't realize was a 2.7 diesel, just as 2 of my plumbers have, you'd just think "oh, mr trademan in his van, no problem", but because mine is a 4x4 you attack it in your mind.... I wont go onto the fact that there's still no proof of human global warming anyway and if you want to counter the natural effects, kill all the cows and get rid of the oceans who contribute nearly 80%... my car is, to me, a commercial vehicle I help save the planet with as it's the same a van I could have bought but it allows me afford to get my wife a 1.2 micra she can run the kids about in, I deliver my goods in the disco and then dont have to have a 3rd vehicle and can take the family out at the weekend in it. As for size, it's no longer than some of the estates I see your wives drop their kids off in"....... all in one breath!
They looked, smiled and said, well you put it that way it seems you've got it all worked out!
I felt good I shut them up in one (long) sentence. I think they realized they didn't have their attack well thought out!
10th Apr 2011 10:07 am
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
Sounds like you've been rehearsing that speech for a while Bodsys Brake Bible
Not overreacting at all then? You could have simply said - It's nicer than your car and I am not poor - anyone for another Nann?
10th Apr 2011 10:26 am
grzesiul
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6274
lol
10th Apr 2011 10:33 am
DiscoDunc
Member Since: 08 May 2006
Location: Bristol
Posts: 16390
I wouldnt even bother to justify it ... none of their business.
when people ask me why I have a 4x4 i normally reply along the the lines...
"for the same reasons you choose to own your vechicle" ..... (Personal Choice)
By the time they have pondered the answer, I have ignored them and started talking to someone else Duncan
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10th Apr 2011 10:39 am
TwelveSticks
Member Since: 16 Jan 2010
Location: Dublin
Posts: 798
I'd have just gone with " off!"
No... seriously, when anyone ever says anything to me, I just point out that I get better fuel economy out of it than I did out of my previous car (a 2 litre Merc E Class estate), and that nobody ever said a word to me about that car...2001 D2 GS (I must be mad!)
2005 D3 S 10-12 (gone and missed)
10th Apr 2011 11:27 am
VanTheNewMan
Member Since: 15 Mar 2011
Location: Not here
Posts: 206
I know. I did let rip a bit!
I forgot that it was actually the 2nd time someone asked. The other day my know it all mate made a snide remark and I just told him I bought it to kill the planet, take up 2 parking spaces and squash any animal that gets in my way! That was the end if that conversation. But.... Got to be honest in 3 or 4 weeks this has been the car Ive had most admired. Lots of people saying its the next car thy want to get etc etc.
It's all more comfortable now the loony car hating hypocrites in Labour Party are no longer in power!
10th Apr 2011 11:30 am
grzesiul
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6274
and it looks fecking awesome with all those goodies on!!!
In over 4 years of d3 ownership I can't recall anybody having a pop, if they did my answer would be simple - I drive it because I really like Land Rovers.
10th Apr 2011 3:28 pm
VanTheNewMan
Member Since: 15 Mar 2011
Location: Not here
Posts: 206
It's just jealousy. An easy tactic for the cynics is if you find you can't afford one. Become an Eco warrior instead. Cheaper but not very satisfying!
I think this happens with alot of things, some people really don't like you having more or better stuff than them.
10th Apr 2011 3:43 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72816
Curiously after almost 3 years in the Heelands I've never had anyone criticise my car choice! If they did i'd just say my choice in car is none of their business, I don't question their choice in transport, boiler or how many sprogs they produce! Would anyone question you if there was a Fawawi in the drive or would they just say "wow!", despite the fact it gets a fraction of the mpg?
10th Apr 2011 3:54 pm
Discoed
Member Since: 16 Jun 2010
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 1020
Re: My first fight against the eco nit wits
VanTheNewMan wrote:
the fact that there's still no proof of human global warming anyway
I have to query this comment. There IS an overwhelming scientific consensus that human activity is causing rapid global warming, faster than at any time in geological history causing mass extinctions and sea level rise, this isn't a myth - just bread the scientific papers. Its easy to choose to dismiss this evidence as scare-mongering, too easy. The truth is less convenient.
The data have been reviewed, scrutinised again and again. I suspect that climate scientists know a little more than Jeremy Clarkson and Nigel Lawson on the subject!! Why deny the facts? The reality is that we will still carry on burning oil faster and faster, searching out new reserves in ever more risky [environmentally] places until we reach the point of no return, I am afraid its a case of hang on and enjoy the ride. Until China, Canada, India, EU and the rest of the world stops burning coal and oil for power then we are all doomed anyway. There is little chance of turning off this consumption. Humans are dependent on fossil fuel to maintain current world population levels, oil supports our artificially high population from transport, fertilisers, health care power supply, plastics.
Having said all that I still drive a D3 and enjoy it. I make the most of being able to before the oil economy grinds to a halt or I can't afford diesel anymore. Maybe that makes me worse than climate sceptics I don't know. I don't kid myself that all is just fine. I am just glad I don't have kids to inherit the degraded, unstable and impoverished world we are passing on.
Time to fill up (and shut up) I think!
10th Apr 2011 4:23 pm
Frapp
Member Since: 19 Dec 2008
Location: Norff Zummerzet
Posts: 1654
TwelveSticks wrote:
I'd have just gone with " off!"
Sounds bang on to me No need for any explanationMember of the carrot crank club
Embarrassingly in for the 2nd round, bought another two
D3 Jack Russell carrier
D4 Landmark for towing duties
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ts when one gathered the courage to pipe up "so, is that your gas guzzler I saw you in earlier?"... I said yes, one said "I saw it... outrageous fuel economy isn't it".... another rounded on me with "have you been off road yet? ha ha... what do you need that great big thing for, it's massive".... I simply said (on the basis I run a small bathroom firm):
Why deny the facts? The reality is that we will still carry on burning oil faster and faster, searching out new reserves in ever more risky [environmentally] places until we reach the point of no return, I am afraid its a case of hang on and enjoy the ride. Until China, Canada, India, EU and the rest of the world stops burning coal and oil for power then we are all doomed anyway. There is little chance of turning off this consumption. Humans are dependent on fossil fuel to maintain current world population levels, oil supports our artificially high population from transport, fertilisers, health care power supply, plastics.
