June 16, 2007

Pros and Cons of owning a Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is a vehicle that is not suitable for everyone unless you’re the type who enjoys outdoor adventure.

People who prefer the comfort of luxury vehicles and are used to the feel of leather seats are going to be disappointed. Same with families who prefer the safety and security found on SUVs.

You see the Jeep Wrangler is more of a vehicle for those who just wants a transport that can get them from destination A to destination B without considering comfort along the way and without having to worry of damaging the vehicle. These traits may label the Wrangler as crude, but who cares; ever since the iconic Jeep was developed it has always been about attitude, adventure, and danger.
 
About.com has listed the pros and cons of owning a Jeep Wrangler and I have taken the initiative to post them here for you but of course if you want a more detailed discussion on the matter just visit the aforementioned site.

Best things about owning a Jeep

  • Classic design / unique look
  • Can be fully customized to your liking - lots of options & aftermarket items
  • Unique styling serves as both an SUV and a convertible
  • 4x4 capabilities - can handle any road anywhere
  • Height advantage over most cars - great visibility
  • Good heating system
  • A simply constructed vehicle that’s easy to repair
  • Short wheelbase, powerful drive train, body size & tight turning ratios all great for off-roading
  • Small size & light weight, make it a cinch to swing into tight spots
  • Great vehicle for all seasons
  • Jeep fraternity of friends for life
  • Rugged and durable - lasts for many years & many miles
  • Handles well on pavement, mud, sand, snow, water, etc.
  • Appeals to adults & teens alike
  • Durable interior made for weathering the elements
  • Fun to drive - turns every drive into an adventure
  • Relatively low price / good value
  • Excellent resale value
  • Parts are plentiful and cheap for repairs
  • American made

Worst things about owning a jeep

  • Weak acceleration, especially on interstates
  • Awkward ingress - requires high step in
  • Lack of cargo space for luggage, groceries, etc.
  • Noisy - road, wind, engine, and tire noise
  • Firm suspension results in a stiff, bumpy ride
  • Rear visibility can be a challenge with the top on
  • Slow steering
  • Tall, boxy profile is not aerodynamic meaning greater wind resistance & wind noise
  • Uncomfortable front seat positions for taller drivers
  • Everything is an "option" - carpet, steel doors, rear seat, etc.
  • Outdated appearance of gages and switchgear
  • Difficult getting in and out of rear seat
  • Even in the summer, the air is cooler than you’d think - must always bring a jacket
  • Small, flimsy doors
  • Rear-view mirror is in the line of vision for taller drivers
  • Windshield wipers remain in the upright position when "off"
  • Base sound system is less than adequate
  • If you’re riding without the top/sides, you must always be prepared for rain - plastic bags are a lifesaver for your gear
  • Cramped rear seating
  • Lack of side mirrors when you take off the doors
  • Short wheelbase makes highway driving rougher than in larger vehicles
  • Insinuated roof
  • No lockable trunk/cargo area
  • Less practical in colder climates
  • It’s only a 4-seater
  • Poor fuel economy (typical of SUVs)

June 6, 2007

Jacqueline Saburido: Life after a tragic accident


Beautiful Jacqueline Saburido had a bright future ahead of her. But a drunk driver changed all that.

Her life changed completely after a tragic car accident that left 60% of her body disfigured.
It could have gone downhill from there. But it didn’t. In fact Jacqueline was interviewed in Oprah, by the Australian 60 Minutes show, and featured in a Discovery Health for face transplant.
Here Jacqueline’s story:
(Source www.mopo.ca)  
Early on Sunday morning, September 19, 1999, Jacqueline Saburido, 20, and four friends were on their way home from a birthday party. Reggie Stephey, an 18-year-old star football player, was on his way home from drinking beer with some buddies. On a dark road on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, Reggie’s SUV veered into the Oldsmobile carrying Jacqui and the others. Two passengers in the car were killed at the scene and two were rescued. Within minutes, the car caught fire. Jacqui was pinned in the front seat on the passenger side. She was burned over 60% of her body; no one thought she could survive. But Jacqui lived. Her hands were so badly burned that she no longer can use them. She lost her hair, her ears, her nose, her left eyelid and much of her vision. She has had more than 40 operations since the crash and has many more to go.

Stephey cannot forgive himself for driving on that night. He’s aware of devastating Jacqueline Saburido’s life. In June 2001 Reggie Stephey was convicted of two counts of intoxication manslaughter for the deaths of Jacqui’s two friends. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined $20,000.
It’s a good thing that Jacqueline’s father and family have been very supportive, helping her fight every day to make progress. She says that children always look — some kids shout, some ask their mothers what happened, some follow, some hide; some call her a monster but the worst is when children cry.

But Jacqueline chooses to be happy together with her family who never judge her and give her love to the fullest.  

Jacqui has since bravely used her tragedy to help others. She has allowed graphic post-accident photographs of herself to be used in the media (posters, TV commercials, and internet chain mail) to illustrate a possible outcome of a drunk driving accident. She is most well known for a commercial where she holds a pre-accident photo of herself in front of the camera, which she lowers to reveal her disfigured face and says "This is me, after being hit by a drunk driver."

So many times we are reminded of not drinking and driving. But some of us never think tragedy could strike us – or worse, that we could bring tragedy upon the lives of others – until it happens.