After the grandchildren took off for the Jersey Shore with their mom Rebekah and I took a deep breath, poured a fresh cup of coffee, then cleaned the house. We had – momentarily – forgotten just how amazing this space is but it didn’t take long to regain the sense of wonder.

The other thing we did was to go car shopping. Both our vehicles are 2012 models that now require frequent repairs, so this is a good time to check out what’s available and trade in the one with the most miles.

The other element of our decision is the lack of comfort on long drives. Neither Rebekah’s Toyota Rav-4 nor my VW Golf offer much in the way of “tushie buffering” when we bounce down I-95; plus the road-noise situation with both models makes conversation a real challenge at times.

No offense to either vehicle. My Golf TDi has been as much fun to drive as anything I ever owned, and Rebekah’s Rav-4 likely the most reliable.

So, rather than write about what we have been looking at, let me ask my readers, “What do you recommend?” We need comfort, quiet, reliability and value. I would appreciate your best ideas?

I know, it’s been more than a dozen years since Rebekah and I purchased a car so we may not have a good grasp of concepts such as “affordable.” But I am soliciting your thoughts all the same.

We also treated ourselves to dinner at Nino’s Cucina Italiana in Greenville. It was a nice way to wind up a truly relaxing day.

So don’t be shy with your comfortable ride, quiet interior, reliable engine and reasonably affordable car tips!

Peace, always – DEREK