The art of buying a new car

Yesterday, I test drove a couple new cars. You would think that since the auto industry is in a world of hurt, the dealers would do everything in their power to exceed customer expectations.

I've done my on-line research. I'm looking for a small car, nothing fancy (no vanity issues here), just to tool around town in. My criteria:
1. comfortable seats and headrest
2. center armrest (1 and 2 are the most important because of back issues)
3. decent gas mileage
4. automatic headlights (I guess I could learn to turn of/off lights again, but I haven't had to do that for 10 years or so, why start now)

I don't think I'm too demanding. So, how did it go?
1. Chevy Aveo - no center armrest. No sale.
2. Pontiac Vibe - I asked for a test drive. Took quite a while to find someone to help me. He wanted to ask all kinds of questions about style, color, etc. I said didn't matter at this point, just want to drive. Finally, he picked a silver Vibe parked right out front. Turned the key -- the car didn't start. He said the problem was it was too cold. Not buying it -- it was 45 degrees at the time. So, he started the process to find another car to drive. Took over 10 minutes while he searched -- even though they had 30 Vibes on the lot. Another employee told me not to worry about the car not starting, it happens because they don't drive them regularly. People -- a car not starting is NOT a good way to show how reliable it is. It certainly doesn't make me want to buy. I did test drive the car. There are automatic headlights - 1 point. But the seat, headrest and arm rest were only so-so. That's what I told the salesperson who then tried to talk me into a Pontiac Torrent. Did he not hear -- small car. I asked for his business card. It took him another 5 minutes to go somewhere before he could give me a business card. I thanked him and left.

Now in reality, I could buy the Vibe for about $15k. It is kind of cute and does meet the basic criteria. I'll keep it on my list -- for now, but would probably go to a different dealer.

3. Honda Fit - no center armrest. Salesman Mark tried to talk me into a Civic. I'm really thinking about the Vibe/Fit/hatchback kind of look, but I did sit in the Civic. He did NOT offer a test drive. OK, but not on the list.

4. Volkwagen Rabbit - Cute car. Does have a comfortable seat/headrest. Does have a center armrest which is moveable. The armrest is not as good as I would like, but is doable. Gas mileage is less than the Vibe. Price is about $5k or so more expensive. Ride is nice. Heated seats - nice extra. NO auto headlights (well, they do come on automatically, but you have to turn off the interior lights at night every time).

Is it worth $5000 dollars more? Not sure.

You know what. My old truck with the auto headlights, great armrest and so-so seats runs just fine for now. Guess I'll just keep thinking about buying a new car and not really taking any action.