Hmmmmmmm, while i didnt bother to read this complete thread, mainly because of the offence i felt, you ppl seem to have missed the point of 4wd's. I own a Landcruiser, and like it or not, it gets driven daily and yes, i use it in traffic, car parks and even in resenditial roads etc etc etc.
However, it also gets used for work, to cart the dog around, tow the race car every month, tow the camper trailer when my partner and I go camping and lets me see more of this great country. So, while you narrow minded fools rave on about how bad 4wd owners are, just remember a majority of us use them as intended, a true work horse. That said, MOST (read this carefully kiddies), I said MOST, not all, woman can't drive...full stop. Even fewer understand the mechanics involved in driving a 4wd and understanding the extra responisiblity of sight, braking, cornering and making allowances for a 2.5 tonne piece of metal.
So remember when you seek open mindedness for your import choice, it works both ways. Give respect for ppl's choices and you will recieve it back for your own. And while I think about it, leave the city limits, do a road trip to Longreach, 1770, Agnes Waters, anywhere north, west, east or south and start to understand why ppl own 4wds. Our government cant be bothered building decent rural roads, roads that most sedans fall apart on, and ones I am reluctant to drive my R33 on as well. Then you'll understand why.