My parents are getting me a new (used) car, and they insist on getting me an SUV (hummer H3, Xterra, and QX4). They think that SUV's, being more safe then cars, should be what they get for me. This of course is not totally true right? I really want a car (altima, etc) for the gas millage and the handling
Granted, they tend to have better impact ratings (yuo could run that H3 into a wall and be fine...) than cars, you are at the mercy of decreased manuverability and higher rollover problems.
Maybe consider a crossover? You gain some handling but still retain more overall size for your own protection. That said, you still need to be able to manuver a car before you can really use an SUV.
I would think an Altima, Accord, Camry...etc would probably be your best bet - a good sized sedan with good ratings and decent mileage.
SUVS are no safer than passenger cars according to new research from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and children riding in SUVs have similar injury risks to children who ride in passenger cars, according to the new study published in the journal Pediatrics.
Well I would go for a Car if security is my primary concern. Road handling is connected to safety and there is not a single SUV which is on road better in this count. Cars are better to handle and I would go for it. Add to that Financial safety too. We dont have to spend a lot on our gas compared to cars
Get the SUV and trade it in at a Nissan dealership under the clunker law and get what you want.... Otherwise, the parents are gonna have the decision, so, consider it a blessing. If you are on here then you are probably going to mod said car/suv etc... If you get the SUV then there isnt going to be as much that you can mod and therefore will save you money and allow you to have a life. Unlike some of us tuners on here that think about cars all the time, and what we have to do to get them running and so forth. So, consider it a blessing and be safe but guzzle gas, or trade it in and buy what you want. Beggers cant be choosers...
If you're in it during a car crash with a smaller vehicle, yes, simply because of high ground clearance (you go over the other car) and more mass.
When crashing into another large car or a wall, refer to crash ratings. I think Hummer doesn't do so well here.... And you have to consider manueverability and rollover as well.
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