On owning a contemporary car

If, like me, you hold on to a car for ten years and only replace it when various parts begin to fall off, the accoutrements and amenities in new models are something of a shock.

The last one, acquired new in 1999, introduced me to the cup holder, an invaluable feature of modern American life.

This one, a 2011 model, tells me when she wants maintenance.


Presumably the next one, if there ever is such a thing, will drive itself.