How to avoid bad car design

Test a car like you mean it. Run a new vehicle through the paces when you test drive it. Check the cup holders, the chargers, cruise control and, of course, the navigation system. Better yet, see if you can rent the car before you own it and take it on a nice, long road trip.

Find out what others say. Check out the auto review sites to find out how they review your car. Sites Such as Edmunds.com and CarandDriver.com can offer valuable information on a new vehicle. And ask your friends for a recommendation, too.

Be a critic. Most importantly, rely on your inner automotive critic. A slight discomfort or annoyance will feel much worse after eight hours of driving. Don’t brush off even the slightest inconvenience to focus on a “bargain” or stylish exterior, because it will come back to haunt you.