It proves jack.
I'm not going to enter into an internet research war but it's like everything else that can be discussed. There are 2 sides to every argument.
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I can't see how the length of time with the same owner comes into it? Most/all studies just use average vehicle lifespan - irrespective of owner. IRC the average vehicle lifespan in the US is around 13 years. In Australia it would be higher.
I actually think manufacturing methods may have been more efficient for older vehicles. They were built mainly by hand, and if you go back far enough they had wooden frames for the body shell.
I am sorry you feel that way. This is not an "Internet Research War" this is a topic I am quite interested in, and if you could prove to me that I am doing the right thing for the environment by driving my 1968 SIIA I would be very happy. But so far you have posted a single unsupported comment then taken your bat and ball and gone home. Sure there are 2 sides to every argument, but I am yet to hear one from you???
I once had a discussion with the air quality adviser to the Californian government who was responsible for their program to buy back old cars many years ago. I was advocating just what you and Dobbo are - he was dismissive and said that "people who cannot afford to buy a new car would not maintain their old car properly, so they would be worse for the environment"
Thanks for your response. I don't want to seem likme I am having a go, I am just trying to understand and therefore help.
If you look at some of the other posts there is a lot of well reasoned argument.
I would like to add that realistically the other cars you have mentioned are not really direct competitors. As I see it, Freelander 2 is a stand alone rather than competitor.
It is superior offroad to all mentioned and a lot more luxurious (and expensive) than some you have mentioned.
It has also been noted that they are very good on fuel, so in no way could they be called gas guzzlers.
I commend you for doing some research over and above believing the anti 4wd hype that is often bandied around by people with no real knowledge, and worse, no desire to educate themselves.
Danj, to compare your Kia Rio against a TD4e freelander 2.
- Your Kia uses MORE fuel (0.1 L/100 more on a combined basis)
- The FL2 is only 0.3 m wider and 0.5 m longer than your kia.
Not looking at the TD4e, just a straight TD4.
And while the measurements may be similar, surely you can appreciate that the 4wd is a much bigger car than a hatchback. And I'm getting rid of it (anyone want one - going cheap).
It is likely that as much as anything my problem is psychological. I have a real issue with the proliferation of 4wds that are bought to do no more than the grocery shopping and the school run. If I had my way, I would legislate that you could only buy a 4wd if you were to use it for its intended purpose (going off road, towing a caravan, boat, etc). The fact that I am considering buying a 4wd is something I am struggling with. I love camping and being in the bush but the poor little rio just isn't cutting it. So what to do????
Many similiar cars (e.g. VW Tiguan) are fitted with a particulate filter and because of this comply with euro 5 standard, rather than euro 4.
I agree that it is not particularly sensible to make a decision based on one component. However it seems that this is the one difference between the freelander 2 and other cars (which don't shape up in other areas).
So what is the verdict? Is the freelander 2 a car with enough environmental cred to allow me to commune with nature with a relatively clear conscience? As I have previously said, I know nothing about cars and get a different answer depending on who I talk with.
Over to you....
Thanks BigJon,
I appreciate your understanding.
I realise that I am coming across as a total doofus.
My freelander is on hold, the dealer is getting angsty and I don't know what to do.
And yes I have to get this particular car as it is the right colour. See..girly girl!
Okay, I think I may have it sorted.
Apparently the particulate matter (that's soot to you and I) is entrapped in the particulate filter. When the filter is full of soot, it is burned off at high temperature and released into the atmosphere as CO2.
So choose your poison.
Diesel has health implications. CO2 has environmental implications.
Me, I'm buying a Freelander 2 (I think). And taking shorter showers!
I personally see no point in buying a 4wd for doing no more than the grocery and school run, though I don't have an issue with it per se. (I don't care what people waste money on:D). If I had no requirement for a 4wd I'd certainly not be spending money on a 4wd to drive around town when there are better handling vehicles about - I often wonder if the soccer mums et cetera in their "around town" Prados and Pajeros have any comprehension of the sacrifice that they have made over a well built european saloon car for example.
I think you'll find immense satisfaction in a 4wd if you like getting outdoors as you mention. Not long ago I was considering getting rid of my Land Rover(s) but I quickly came to realise that no other 2wd vehicle is going to give me the escape that a 4wd can give. Sure, it gets used 80% of the time around town, but it's more practical than having two cars and the other 20% makes it all worth the while.
That is a reasonable assessment, however diesel soot also has environmental implications (albeit some +ve and some -ve).
Why not the TD4e??? Having the engine shut down when not needed will have a greater environmental benefit in australia than a soot filter.
I agree that people shouldn't be able to own a 4x4 unless they can justify a need/use for it. Both of ours get used on a regular basis for their intended purpose, and most days we commute to worrk on mountain bikes.
However, that said, If people who buy 4x4s need to justify their need - people who buy 6.5L V8 HSV commodores should as well - They are much worse offenders - wonder what justification they would have?
What on earth does that prove?
I could go out & pay cash for a Supercharged Sport if I wanted to but I have no interest in current cars.
My cars range in age from 13 to 61 years old & they are all perfectly maintained.
Heck, I ride a 34 yo Peugeot bicycle to & from work 3 days a week - maybe I should buy a new bike just in case there's too many emissions from this one.
I barely have time to keep up with the happenings on AULRO, let alone chase around "quotes" to post here.
I base my answers on what I read in magazines. They have done the research & present their findings & it all seems reasonable & logical to me.