S x 5

We all have a list of wants and needs when we look for a car. These include everything from features and options to satisfying our own sense of vanity – and everything in between. Of course, these decisions affect everyone who will ride in the car on a regular basis, not just the purchaser. Here are the five S's that establish my family's criteria for our next purchase:

Size.
We are a family of three guys. My partner and I are both six-footers plus. And our 13-year-old son seems to grow an inch a month. So size is certainly a big consideration. We want to make sure we are comfortable both on trips around town and on longer, interstate jaunts.

Stuff.

We have become accustomed to a high level of features. The Lincoln and our other car, a Ford Explorer Limited, are both top trim levels loaded with equipment. I'm pragmatic, but I don't believe in roughing it.

Spend.

Price is an issue. We're not the 1%, and we live in a state that charges property tax on vehicles. A modest $25,000 purchase brings a $1,500 tax bill the first year of ownership (or even lease...ship). We have a $35,000 cap (ish). I consider this a post-negotiation figure.

Safety.
Bring on the airbags, stability control, lane departure warning, laser cruise control, drowsiness monitors, seatbelt pretensioners, and 5-star crash test ratings.

Style.
We're guys. We want a car that looks good. More concisely, we want a car that looks BADASS. In other words, if there's a Toyota in our driveway, rest assured it's a guest.

Our purchase experience will be a balance of the S's. We will identify the compromises in each vehicle we consider. I'm looking forward to that.