My "second car" has always been a compact pickup truck. It has to have a bed big enough to hold a twin-sized mattress (i.e. it's a real bed).
The current truck (a '96 Ranger) has a 3rd set of seatbelts for some poor slob who has to sit in front of the gearshift. But it's really only built for two passengers. A fullsized pickup is a different story. If the shift is on the steering column, then three can sit comfortably.
Now, my Ranger is something of an exception: it's a "light truck", but it conforms to the government's emissions standard for passenger cars. And it gets 24mpg (during the summer).
My complaint is that the auto industry and the government are in collusion to thwart attempts to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy and crash-worthiness by classifying all sorts of vehicles as "light trucks". I see this titanic Ford Expedition cruising by and I ask "That's a truck? Where's the bed?"
It's gotten to where I think I must be out of touch with the rest of the country. Take the poll and let me know if I should get back on the medication.
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