Cars

Here are some things to think about before purchasing a new vehicle.

Most important: what is the turning ratio? (I think that is the proper term.) This is very important to notice when taking it out for a test ride. (Full disclosure: I have never taken a car out for a test ride before buying it. Why is this? It seems we are always buying a car right before a dealership closes, or before we're on to some other event - it never is a leisurely, pondering type of thing.) This turning ratio can become a point of real dislike with a car instantly, especially if your prior vehicle's TR was amazing and could handle your individual style of quick parking decisions, intricate maneuvers in the library parking lot, and most importantly, especially if you ever need to drive in Maryland, the ease of making U-turns, without having to resort to distressing 3-point turns in the midst of moving traffic. Sigh.

Another item to notice: how high is the point where the door panel and the driver's side window meet? In other words, how easily can you reach the bank's drive-thru window? Does the height of the window/door cause you to twist your arm out through the opening and torque your body to transact business outside your driver's side window? Does this unnatural torquing sometimes cause your foot to move and accidentally rev the engine in park, scaring all occupants and causing you minor embarrassment?

And lastly, check that the sound system controls are conveniently located on the driver's side of the panel, since 99% of the time, the driver will actually be using these buttons, not the passenger.