stuff123

TK, the big cat lover , put that in her Facebook status.

I might look at a Subaru or something different nowadays, but first I’d have to sit in it. Test drive would be good, too. And it would probably be white.

I’ve had a number of different cars over my time behind a steering wheel and rented many others in various business trips and I have come to a simple conclusion about a car. The most important thing it should do is get you from point A to point B as efficiently as possible.

Since I live in Canada, I used to always look at the big 3—Chrylser, GM and Ford aka Fix Or Repair Daily. I didn’t have any good luck with Chrysler’s or Ford’s so I leaned toward GM and specifically Pontiacs—6 or 7 in a row.

The last few have been much more comfortable because they cut out padding from the door so the interior is wider and they opened up the area around the pedals so my feet weren’t cramped.

They drive very nicely. When I accelerate it responds as it should. When I brake, it stops quickly. Brakes should be 4-wheel disc and ABS. Tires should be the best you can afford. The car would be white in colour, because it hides the dirt best and comes up clean. Get the paint sealant option so you don’t have to wash and wax it so often.

Why the Subaru? If it was good enough for the Aspen police force, then it will work in my neck of the woods, too. Other vehicles will have to do the same.

I would avoid the hybrids for now. They are a very good idea but I think you will be paying for research and development costs for a few years yet. The technology isn’t proven and the repair costs will be high because you will be forced to go to the dealership a lot more. It should be respectable on gas consumption.

I would take any new car to my car guy at Alfonso’s garage. The dealership visits will only be for recalls and warranty issues. Alfonso will tell me straight up what needs to be done and he lives and breathes cars. So, in my eyes, he is an expert and I don’t feel like he is taking me to the cleaners.

The bottom line for TK is get a car that you would like to drive. Sure, make some practical decisions on what works and what doesn’t but you are going to be driving it so it should suit your needs and not what others tell you.

Talk to some more friends about their ideas, and then go sit in a few cars. The car will tell you whether it is right or not. It’s not much different than buying a new sofa—just waaaaay more expensive.

Spend wisely and get a good pair of polarized sunglasses and a nice driving hat, if you are into hats. It’s a mode of transportation, not a reflection on your personality and a measure of your success.

Opinions are OK. Recommendations are just stronger opinions. Car of the Year awards are more about “bribing” the writers to get them to vote for the car.

So buy the car that makes you the happiest. It’s your money and no one should tell you how to spend it.

I think the one in the picture isn’t a good idea. Where do you put the golf clubs?

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