2023-08-02 -- Small Cars

I often struggle to understand conflicting opinions, especially when it comes to personal preferences like car choices. (I love cars and technology, by the way.)

I spend as much time outdoors as possible. It's always been this way. Nature has a calming effect on me. While I don't subscribe to any supernatural or religious beliefs, I simply enjoy the positive impact it has on my well-being.

I rarely think about my work itself. My primary motivation is to earn money, which I then use to pursue my personal interests. For me, a vehicle is a means of transportation to escape the daily grind.

I doubt the Microlino(1) would have been suitable for my adventures or long-distance travel.

I'm passionate about powerful cars and the thrill of speed. The deep rumble of a powerful engine evokes a sense of nostalgia and excitement, rooted in childhood dreams.

However, it's important to acknowledge that large vehicles and SUVs are largely unnecessary for most people. Before we delve into my reasoning, let's establish some basic principles:

First, in Farsi we say (loosely): 'The cat can't get the meat, so it says I don't want the meat as it smells bad.' This adage essentially means that people often criticize what they cannot attain. However, that's not my case. I've owned multiple SUVs, including the ones I currently own. I can afford them, and I'll share some pictures to prove.

Second, I wouldn't hesitate a moment to own a $4 million Lamborghini Countach(2). I would gladly abandon my strong beliefs to have that car in my garage. I wouldn't be concerned about the irony of owning such a luxurious car in a city like San Diego, where many people struggle with homelessness. I want the 2023 Countach. 

There's a price for everything, and while I won't steal $1,000, but if the opportunity arose to steal $100 million, my conscience would be temporarily suspended.

Third, for outdoor activities, I do need a powerful SUV to transport gear and navigate icy and snowy conditions. I've always strived to own the latest model I could afford. However, in recent years, as I've reevaluated my priorities, I've questioned this approach. Why do I need to constantly upgrade to the latest model? Why can't I simply keep my current vehicle until it's no longer usable?

Let's be honest, I have to thank Trump for that. He began to demonize people like me, treating me as if I didn't belong. I believe he would have deported me if he had the power. My Iranian background, Dual American, Canadian citizenship, profession, skin color, and non-adherence to his religion made me an easy target. Despite his campaign promises to build thousands of miles of a wall to deter "rapists," he only managed to construct a fraction of that.

Given the tense political climate and the threat of potential deportation, we decided to hold onto our existing vehicles as a strategic move to minimize financial losses. By the time he was voted out of office, our cars were already six years old, but they still felt practically new. We plan to keep them until they're no longer roadworthy.

As a complex and often decisive individual, I consider many factors when making decisions.

Returning to the topic of cars, for someone like me who relies heavily on travel, a larger vehicle seems necessary. However, for most other activities, a smaller car would suffice. Ideally, I wouldn't need a car at all if the US had a robust public transportation system like many developed countries. Similarly, I wouldn't need to live in a sprawling suburban home that's a 15-minute drive from the nearest grocery store.

Owning two cars would increase costs for purchase, insurance, and maintenance. Using an SUV for all purposes might seem practical, but it comes with environmental consequences. By driving a large SUV, I contribute to air pollution through tailpipe emissions, brake dust, and tire wear, which are proportional to the vehicle's weight and engine size. Additionally, the larger the vehicle, the greater its impact on road infrastructure and the more insects it inadvertently kills. The acceleration and deceleration of a heavy SUV also exacerbate road damage.

Owning a larger vehicle increases my consumption of natural resources. For instance, it requires significantly more fuel to travel the same distance compared to a smaller car. This increased fuel consumption leads to a higher demand for transportation of fuel from refineries to distribution centers and gas stations. Additionally, it may necessitate more gas stations to accommodate the increased demand.

The environmental impact of driving a heavier vehicle is significantly greater than a smaller one. In fact, it could be up to ten times worse. It's important to consider that only 45% of crude oil is refined into gasoline, and even less, around 29%, is converted into diesel. If everyone were to drive smaller, more fuel-efficient cars in urban areas, we could reduce global oil demand by up to 50%. This decreased demand could potentially lead to lower oil prices and reduce the need for geopolitical conflicts over oil resources

The number of oil refineries would need to be reduced, making the industry less sustainable. Oil companies, which currently generate billions of dollars in profits due to the war in Europe, would see their profits decline significantly. The demand for fuel transportation would decrease, leading to a reduced need for trucks, drivers, and tires.

This is a simplified view of the situation. The implications are far-reaching and extend to various industries, including food service and manufacturing.

But let's consider the broader impact. Reduced air pollution, decreased demand for natural resources, and fewer people involved in the oil industry could all positively affect our lives.

So, why don't we change our habits? This is a complex issue. While we often say that cars are simply for transportation, we often choose to buy the largest SUVs we can afford. It is a status symbol.

The same trend is evident in the electric vehicle market. We prioritize range, often opting for cars with 300-mile capabilities. However, these long-range batteries significantly increase the vehicle's weight, accelerating tire and road wear. How many people truly need a car with such a long range? Why can't we embrace smaller, more efficient electric cars like the Microlino, Fiat 500e(3), Volkswagen ID.3(4), Honda e(5), or even the Jeep Avenger(6) (ironically, not sold in its home country)? These compact electric vehicles are more practical and environmentally friendly for daily commutes.

This isn't about the political polarization in the US or the extreme views of certain individuals. It's about our collective future, scientific advancements, public health, and environmental consciousness. It's about preserving the limited resources of our planet.

Here are a few examples of popular car models in developed countries:

 

Interestingly, Danish people seem to have a different opinion of Fiat's reliability compared to what's typically reported in US consumer magazines.

In addition to our SUVs, I've owned a BMW 135i, a BMW i3, a Fiat 500e, and a Mercedes A-Class. Unfortunately, these smaller cars often faced criticism and ridicule from friends and family. In the US, small cars are often seen as inferior or a sign of financial constraints, rather than a practical and environmentally friendly choice.

I plan to purchase a smaller car for my next vehicle. I no longer need a gas-guzzling SUV to run simple errands like buying groceries. I've realized that material possessions, such as large cars, don't define success. It's time to prioritize sustainability and practicality.

I'm ready to be more mindful and considerate. For long-distance trips to remote locations, I'll keep an SUV until I'm no longer able to travel or until electric vehicles become suitable alternatives. Any luxury cars I own will be treated as collectibles, hopefully appreciating in value over time. Moving forward, I'll prioritize the well-being of others, the environment, and future generations. It's time to shift my focus from 'me' to 'we'.

(c) I personally took these photos and own the rights to them. Please feel free to use them as you wish.

(1) https://microlino-car.com/

(2) https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/models/limited-series/countach-lpi-800-4

(3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_New_500

(4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_ID.3

(5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_e

(6) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Avenger