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I offer an observation if not a solution to your dilemma.
I think one of the marketing companies assigned large sums by GM cash discovered that a large majority of the population, men included, don't have a friggin idea of how, when and at what rate to point and turn a vehicle properly. They discovered that wheel alignment, tire and suspension parts manufacturers are invariaby profitable no matter the state of the economy. Finally, the marketeers convinced the big three to concentrate their efforts on building trucks and SUVs, for these vehicles are most able to absorb the punishment of curbing, holes and other solid obstructions on our roads than a regular vehicle can provide.
And this is the reason why the big three, and pretty soon the big two, continue to build and push trucks and SUVs onto the US consumer, no matter the consequences to our environment and earth's resources. They even go so far as to label these vehicles as "green" and "environmentally friendly", as in 2.5-3 ton SUVs (now called "sport-wagons") powered by hybrid technology, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, or all of them, none of which attain more than 23.5 mpg.
For the more forward-thinking among us, I think the ideal vehicle for uncoordinated spouses would feature half-track technology from world wars past along with lower body and full coverage under-vehicle shielding made from light weight, carbon-kevlar (or just plain steel as an option) armor-cladding. Upper body pieces, including breakaway door handles and outside mirrors would be made from recyclable milk, egg or Maalox cartons and quickly replaceable using quick-disconnect, Dzus-type fasteners.
All vehicles would have a choice of two colors, a generic off-white or a generic dark brown plastic appearance for low cost maintenance and repairs. Paint surfaces would have a semi-satin to flat finish to reduce glare and increase visibility so drivers can more easily extricate themselves from road construction ditches and just plain ditches found along the highways of America.
The Pontiac Aztek was an early design effort, but I think they have a larger, improved version on the drawing boards featuring the latest in mag-anti lift technology to compliment the very high center of gravity manufacturers build into these vehicles.
Or you can wait until your spouse is 80 years old and fails the "back up 10 yards" test at the local DMV to continue legal driving as we know it. I think that's more realistic.
I'm glad I could help.
Sherwood
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