Ever since we decided to look for a new car, I have been somewhat preoccupied with what I want. I tend to keep a car about ten years, so this one will be with us until I a well past 80. This will probably be it until my kids come and take my keys away.

I have some ideas about what I want and don't want in a car. I would be happy with round head lights, but I don't want those little blue, purple-ish things that blind on-coming drivers. I don't mind shifting my own gears, so why would I pay an extra $1200 for an automatic that weighs 100 pounds more than a 5-speed manual?

I really like to roll the windows up and down with a crank, but it's hard to avoid electric windows these days. I have no need for key-less entry. I don't have a problem with using a key to unlock the door.

But I would like to have anti-lock brakes and side curtain air bags. Air conditioning is a must in this climate and cruise control a feature that I can't live without.

I don't want loud music, and if the radios are a fragile as the one in my present car, I can get along without any radio at all. I have been without one for seven years anyway. The one in our truck probably still works, but I never turn it on.

My present car has a spoiler that has no aerodynamic function, but it puts the LED brake lights up high where I like them. And the alloy wheels look sporty, but I could do without those items.

I like instruments. The more the better. I like to know what is going on under the hood.

I will be happy with a 4-cylinder engine of about two liters. How much power do you need on the Interstate, anyway? With a 5-speed, two liters is enough. My present car has 2.2 liters and 132 horsepower. More than enough.

Naturally, I am looking for good gas mileage. I put $48 worth of gas in my car yesterday and that will last about a week. Anything that has to be filled up in less than 500 miles won't be found on my carport.

The fun thing is going to be when I start talking to the car salesman. Those guys just can't believe that anybody wants a practical car these days.
Howard