Buying a new car is like picking out a new lover

First, you have to identify one that looks good and you are attracted to.

Do you want something with some power or are you more interested in comfort?

Do you like a muscle car, a vintage car, a sporty car, or a simple domestic?

Are you looking for something steady and reliable or something more sleek, fast, and with a hint of danger?

Once you’ve identified a possible winner, you have to examine it more closely. You know, check out the features.

Do you want an automatic so you can sit back and enjoy the ride or do you prefer a stick-shift where you get to be in control and wield a little power?

Can you picture yourself driving it? If you can then perhaps you’re ready to take it for a test drive.

When you first get in you have to make a few adjustments because it’s not a one-size fits all. Once you are prepped and ready to take it for a spin, I suggest you start out slow and easy, kinda like going out for a lazy drive on a sunny afternoon. Let it warm up a little bit.

Once the engine is revved, let it go, and see what this baby can do.

When you put your foot on the gas is it smooth and fast, rough and hard, or does it do the herky-jerky?

Does it hold a steady course, slip and slide, or just miss altogether?

Does it hum along, whisper quietly in your ear, or roar and rumble as if never driven before? Then again, maybe you want one that has no mileage instead of some.

At the end of the test drive you have to shut it down. Does it sputter, go quietly into that good night, or is it revved and raring to go for the next ride?

Before you can make a decision to keep this ride, you have to consider the maintenance costs. Is it high-maintenance and after a short period of time you will want to trade it in or low-maintenance where you can cruise for a while before you have to worry about bumps in the road?

What’s the warranty?