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People may buy for status and image or they may buy for perceived value. SUVs were originally designed for off road fishing trips. Loggers and farmers buy 4x4 trucks for field work. Super duty trucks are used for hauling trailers carrying construction equipment or horses. A car with a long wheelbase and a V8 engine is most comfortable on a long trip. I once had a 3 ton Cadillac hearse that got 13 mpg highway and 10 city. It had a longer bed than a truck and I was fresh as a daisy after five hours on the road. Most of the time I found a 4 cyl. four door car to be adequate with 35 mpg highway. With more than 3 small children a van is needed. The passenger-miles per gallon is about the same. For local trips within 10 miles I ride a bike. Streamline any vehicle and the efficiency increases by up to 50%.
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