Does the car fit you?

As you open the driver’s door and slide into the seat, note how easy it is to get in and out. You shouldn’t have to duck your head or contort your body. Tall SUVs and pickups can be difficult to enter because of their high step-in height, which can be especially inconvenient for short people and children. Are the door handles easy to operate? How heavy are the doors, and can you open them with one hand while holding a work bag or a bag of groceries? Can kids get in and out by themselves?

Be sure the vehicle has the same upholstery you intend to buy. Leather seats, for instance, can have different padding than cloth seats, which affects their overall comfort. Some people prefer leather because it’s easier to clean. But it isn’t as comfortable when it’s cold and can burn bare legs when it’s hot.

Adjust the seats. Seat comfort is very important and a highly personal judgment. Whether you’re tall, short, or in between, look for a comfortable seat with multiple adjustments, all geared to help you find and maintain your optimum driving position. You want to be able to easily move the seat up and down as well as back and forth. Having a height adjustment option can make a big difference, particularly for a shorter driver. The seat should fit your body’s contours and support you from the thighs to the shoulders. It shouldn’t pinch or protrude into your back. Adjustable lumbar support can make a big difference in seat comfort, as no two people sit in exactly the same position.

Can you reach the safety belt quickly and easily? Can you position it across your shoulder, chest, and hips properly, and does it allow for free movement under normal driving situations? Are the armrests even and do your elbows touch down on them naturally?

Check to see if the headrest can be adjusted to provide adequate protection in a rear-end collision. The top of the headrest should be at least even with the top of your ears.

Adjust the steering wheel. Most steering wheels adjust up and down; a telescoping design also lets you move the wheel in and out. Does the steering wheel feel comfortable in your hands? Is the horn easy to use? Are there audio and cruise-control buttons on the steering wheel? This can make it easier to perform common functions without

taking your eyes off the road.

How is the driving position? Once you have the seat and steering wheel set to what’s right for you, assess your driving position. You should be able to reach the pedals without sitting too close to the steering wheel. Your body should be at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel so the air bag has room to deploy, if necessary. In addition to a telescoping steering wheel, adjustable pedals can really help you find a comfortable driving position. You should be able to reach all the controls without taking your eyes off the road. And is there sufficient space between the top of your head and the ceiling?

Check your visibility. Make sure you can see the instrument panel clearly. You should also be able to see well in all directions while maintaining a comfortable posture as you drive. A high dashboard and low seats—or high seats and a low roofline—can obstruct the view forward. Wide roof pillars can block your view to the rear, creating dangerous blind spots. Can you accurately judge the location of your front bumper from over the dashboard and down the hood? Adjust the side mirrors so they’re positioned right for you.

Get familiar with the interior

While you’re sitting in the driver’s seat, look around and assess your environment. There are many elements that make up a well-designed interior. Is this one that you will want to spend a lot of time in over the coming years?

Check the controls and displays. Any person who will be driving the vehicle should be able to see, reach, and use all controls easily. The dashboard layout should be logical and intuitive. Are the instruments easy to see and interpret? Are controls for the audio and climate-control systems logical and uncomplicated? The buttons and knobs should be large enough to operate them quickly, easily, and without having to take your eyes off the road for more than a second. Controls you use at night should be illuminated. Push buttons should give good tactile feedback. Labeling should be clear and unambiguous. Adjust the climate-control system to your preferred temperature to see how it works.

Now is the time to find the emergency brake, hood and trunk releases, fuel-filler door release, power-door lock button, window controls, and maybe the seat heater switches. Are there map lights in the front or is there simply a single dome light behind the front seats?

Are there places to stash things? Are there sufficient storage spaces for CDs, an MP3 player, a cellular phone, or anything else you like to have close at hand while driving? See if a soda or water bottle, a large cup, or your favorite travel mug will fit securely in the cup holders. The cup shouldn’t block access to important switches. Some cup holders are positioned directly in front of air-conditioning vents, which can rapidly cool a hot drink while at the same time blocking air coming from the vent.

Open the glove compartment. Can it hold more than the owner’s manual? There should be room for maps, a flashlight, a tire pressure gauge, and any other things you carry there.

How does the audio system sound? Insert your CD or connect your MP3 player to see if the audio quality meets your expectations. Turn it up to a volume you would typically use. Run through the common audio controls to see how easy they are to operate.

Source: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/does-the-car-fit-you/index.htm