[Brookhaven]

"When you need a new car, you should buy the most fuel- efficient one that truly meets your needs."

The last line is really just common sense, but it doesn't imply you will not buy a SUV. What does "meet your needs" imply:

• If you have a decent sized family, or have to haul your kids and their friends on a regular basis, then a mini-van or SUV "meets your needs".
• If you routinely have to haul items, then a mini-van, full sized van, SUV, or pickup truck "meets your needs".
• If safety for you and your family is a big concern, then a larger car (which tend to do better in crashes) "meets your needs".
• If cost is your main consideration, you have to take into account that larger engines tend to last longer than smaller ones, because they aren't pushed so hard. A car that lasts you 8 years will cost you less than a car that lasts you 5 because you aren't making payments for 3 additional years.

[JenB]

If you have a decent sized family, or have to haul your kids and their friends on a regular basis, then a mini-van or SUV "meets your needs".

Hehe.... when my parents got our SUV, our fuel costs went down - because before that we drove a 15 seat passenger van! Why don't I think this church would like our family at all?

[Darnright]

"The last line is really just common sense, but it doesn't imply you will not buy a SUV. What does "meet your needs" imply:"

You forgot one primary need - the need of people who live in areas of the country that get snow to have a vehicle that is more able than a rear wheel or front wheel vehicle to maneuver on snowy streets.

We live up a private, gravel road (emphasis on the "up") which stays snowy long after the main roads are clear. Therefore, we have a "need" for our Ford Explorer (our 6 cylinder gets 20mpg on the highway, so getoveritalready).

I get very tired of busybodies telling other people what they "need" or "don't need", when it comes to automobiles. Using Jesus to do so is beyond the pale.

[Darksheare]

Hmmm.. A Humvee then meets my needs.
*grin*