Car choices

[cjsmith]

Test-drove a 2007 Corolla. If I buy one of those, I know exactly what I want on it. (Well, almost. Undecided about sunroof: just another thing to go wrong?) Spent lots of time fiddling with it in the parking lot and on the road, and it passed almost all of my tests.* That's pretty good.

Not at all firm on the decision for a Corolla though. Should drive a Yaris too. Better turning radius, a tinch better mileage, fewer frills available. Want to compare the two on trunk space. Would have done that today if I didn't have to get to the airport.

Should also drive that 2001 Prius before somebody buys the dang thing. Financially stupid to consider it, I know. Its batteries have half their useful life gone already, and I know darn well I don't drive enough to warrant a Prius even at used prices. Ah well. I may drive it anyway. :-)

____________
* Failures:
- No way to get cassette-playing capability. Would have to replace the radio right off the bat to get it.
- Cup holders suck. They're there but they can't be retracted and they fit only one size of object.
- Recirc exists only when the windshield air vents are turned off. Stoopid interlock.
- Timer turns rear window defrost off. Every car will fail this, though, and I know I can change it.
- Right-side mirror does not fold.
- Turning radius is distinctly mediocre compared to what I'm used to.

Comments

[plymouth.livejournal.com]

If it's good for something, I hope someone will tell me, because after 6 years I still haven't figured out what that might be.

I find that in combination with the vents being open it makes for a lot more flow-through at speed. But then I am totally a windows-down kind of girl. I refuse to use my AC when it is less than 90 out because windows are so much nicer.

But the REAL advantage to a sunroof, IMO, is that leaving it cracked when the car is parked in the sun results in reduced interior temperature. Much more effective than leaving the windows cracked because of that whole hot air flowing upwards thing. I pretty much don't close mine for the entire dry season.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I like windows-down too, except when there are other cars on the road ;-) (smokers, people playing loud music, etc). OK, I'm exaggerating. I do enjoy riding with the windows down.

Mmmm, yes, cracking it while parked. Good reminder; thanks.