My car was hauled to the salvage yard for assessment today.  I had to get it off the street because it was directly in the path of the AIDS walk tomorrow, and as of 8pm it would have been impounded.  It was impounded last year, and it cost me nearly $200 to set it free.  I tried to start it yesterday, and it didn't.  It was fine right after the accident, so it seems like it died of ennui, or its injuries finally took their toll?  In any case, it would not even turn over...


I called the helpful insurance people and explained my predicament.  We all agree that my car is going to be a total loss, so we are skipping the step of checking to see if it might be reparable. They will examine it and make me an offer.  I cleaned it out, I said goodbye, twice, and I went back to make sure it was gone.  It was such a good little car.


The insurance folks were nice enough to set me up with a rental car until I get my settlement offer. Perfect, since I was planning to rent one to go to Vancouver this weekend anyway, and now its free.  They paid for a "standard" size car, which means huge.  I asked for something smaller with better fuel economy and ended up with a Kia Rondo in "velvet blue." It is indeed the color of Isabella Rossellini's bathrobe in Blue velvet.


Every time I drive a rental car I'm a bit appalled.  My antique vehicle not only got better gas mileage than most new cars, but it had leg room and head room and ample windows for seeing out.  New cars have tiny, low windows with blind spots all over the place.  This Kia is ridiculous.  It seems to be made for very tall people with very short legs.  High ceilings, but the back seat is practically up against the front seat, and the hauling capacity is not better than, say, a Prius.


So what exactly is the point of this compact, yet tall, mid-size SUV?  Is it stylish? I can't see any practical reason it is designed this way.  It is certainly not an off-road vehicle.  I imagine it's front-wheel drive and a bitch to drive in snow.  Does simply taking up a lot of space appeal to people?  I'm sure it's a fine car, in a general sense, but whatever happened to "smart" design?


I want a car that is practical, light, fuel-efficient, and comfortable for leggy people like myself.  I don't care much about the height of the car roof as long as I fit.  I don't particularly need brakes that a mouse could operate.  Granted, my defunct Camry had brakes that required some muscle to bring to a stop, but this rental car... I can't even think about braking without jolting to a halt.  Maybe I should have taken the PT Cruiser instead.  Those are actually comfortable, despite their aesthetic shortcoming.


If you happen to be a Kia owner or a Kia lover, don't take offense.  I'm as picky about cars as I am about men.