LOCAL MAN TORN BETWEEN SUV OPTIONS

REXBURG-News broke early today that a local man is "up in arms" over the purchase of his new SUV.

"The race is neck and neck between two fantastic contenders," declared Derek Long, investment banker for Algiers and Associates. "It has basically come down to the Lincoln and the BMW. As yet, neither has proved the obvious choice."

The Long family, Rexburg residents for the past three years since their move from Costa Mesa, California, is eagerly awaiting the results of Derek's choice. "I really don't care too much about it," says Derek's 17-year-old daughter Tina, "as long as it has a TV and a backseat power output for my cell."

Derek's wife, Deedee, has similar standards. "If he thinks he can get us into anything without seat warmers, he's nuts. Derek had better not blow this one."

"It's not as easy a decision as one would think, " says Mr. Long, "horsepower ratings are great and all of that, but who knows if it can really tow my boat, jet skis, four-wheelers, snowmobiles and fifth-wheel travel trailer?"

"Plus, even if it can," continues Long, "what is the ride going to be like? I mean, it's not like I'm buying a truck here."

Another important concern is gas mileage. "It would be really easy to make the decision based on gee-whiz gadgets," says Derek, "but there is an element of responsibility as well. The Lincoln really does have some super options, and is a lot bigger. But that BMW gets two whole more miles per gallon in gas mileage, and it's really important to my associates that we maintain an enviro-friendly image."

Up until recently, the Long family had been quite satisfied with a 1995 Ford Explorer. "We really pampered that thing," says Derek, "a friend of mine thinks I can get about three grand above blue book out of it since we never took it off-road. Or maybe we could let Milosh have it for a while; he'll turn 16 next summer. I'd hate to see it go; it's just with rigs like the Expedition running around downtown, no one can see me talking on my cell anymore."