original post: https://feddit.org/post/10733288
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"This is why we don't need #US #cars in #Europe"
this post was submitted on 13 Apr 2025
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Those things tend to be full of fancy bells and whistles too, and many don't even get a full legth bed anymore. The market isn't targeting workers with them.
I'm going to instantly judge anyone who gets one without a proper bed, but I can see why some might want the fancy bells and whistles. You know what someone with a physical job that involves lots of driving is going to want in their 50s or 60s? Comfy seats, adaptive cruise and an AC.
You see loads of absolutely fucking miserable old work vans where I come from, and while they often technically do the job, I've always hated driving them any time I've had to borrow one for work. The issue is not the tiny 2 liter diesel engine or the near total lack of an audio system (though that does suck if you're driving somewhere for 2 hours each way), it's the fact that they often weren't specced with AC in the first place and the seats feel like wooden chairs.
Now the newer ones of course are starting to get AC and some even have not just radios, but bluetooth! But the fact of the matter is, if I had to drive every single day for work and either one worked for me, I'd take an F250 over a Transit or a Crafter or whatever too. Even if the vans are now finally starting to feel as good as an economy car from the late 1990s.
Hell, I can even see why people would drive them to the supermarket. If you're self-employed or just run a company, you have a comfy work vehicle... Why spend money on a secondary vehicle at all? Just drive the one vehicle everywhere. It's also normal here to drive your work van to the supermarket to pick up groceries if you're already passing by. Why make a separate trip with your personal car.
All that falls apart if it's not a work vehicle at all though. Just get a fucking station wagon, or if you have a bad back, a normal large SUV. BMW X5 or MB GLE ought to be big enough for anyone that doesn't have a family, X7 or GLS if you do. I can fit 2 adults, 2 kids in child seats, a stroller, suitcases, and a bunch of bags in a normal 5 series or E-class wagon. Or an Outback. There are so many options out there. Best part is, these expensive German cars are still cheaper to buy AND to run than a big ass truck because the trucks have gotten so expensive and there's a huge weight difference. I get 5l/100km or 47 US MPG out of a diesel wagon on the highway without even trying to save fuel, 7 l/100km or 33 US MPG out of a gas powered wagon.