I owned a 78 CJ-5 Golden Eagle for 13 years. the month I bought my Sprotage (used with only 8k on the clock) I sold the Jeep. Why? I was bored with it. We all have the same Aftermarket parts, lifts, tires and tops. And frankly I got really tired of my Jeep being messed with. People thought it was a parkbench if I had it sitting with the top and doors off. silly things kept getting stolen out of it. and the same rocker cover leak annoyed me to no end. But, lifting a KIA? I thought it would be cool to stand out from the crowd.
I'm sure we all have stories now of our rigs getting reconized far from home. I had a guy in Washington State ask me if I was at Mudfest in Sweethome, Or 5 months ago! He remembered my KIA and shook my hand. then asked me a ton of questions.
Jeeps climbing the same dune at the coast, versus a Sportage making the same climb, People respect you suddenly for your driver skill than your mods.
oh! and when I pull out Jeeps, Toyos, (not a sammy yet) I take pictures <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />
also, I'm 6'3" I don't fit in a Sammy. used to bang my head on the CJ's rollbar. My Sporty and my Dad's SWB Raider (with bouncy seat option <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />) are the only smaller SUV I fit in well.

<rant over>