# Help widowed “Soccer Grandma” choose a car **URL:** \ **Category:** Buying/Selling\ **Created:** [June 24, 2026, 3:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896 "2026-06-24T15:45:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 1:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/44 "2026-06-28T13:24:16Z")
> [@Nevada\_545](#): > > While driving you should not be adjusting the audio system equalizer, reviewing the fuel economy charts, resetting maintenance reminders or adjusting driver preferences. Quite often climate is also run through that screen, meaning having to navigate to the corresponding sub-screen just to raise or lower the fan speed or temperature. Something more intuitively done with a knob or lever. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/48514_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 1:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/45 "2026-06-28T13:44:17Z")
> [@Nevada\_545](#): > > While driving you should not be adjusting the audio system equalizer, reviewing the fuel economy charts, resetting maintenance reminders or adjusting driver preferences. Most adjustments should be performed while parked. I agree, but let’s not forget that many functions can now be controlled by voice command. I now alter the fan speed, adjust the climate control temperature, turn on/off the seat heaters (or seat cooling fans), turn the heated steering wheel on/off, change radio stations, and raise/lower the audio volume via voice commands. I recently realized that I can also use voice command to display my tire pressure, rather than using the touch screen. If I need to use the SatNav system while I’m driving, I also use voice commands for that function, and I use voice commands to place phone calls to people in my contact list, and to send/respond to text messages. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 1:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/46 "2026-06-28T13:54:58Z")
Before bashing someone for their personal views, remember that everyone’s back and buttometer is calibrated differently, thus why there are soooo many choices out there… What may work for you or me, may not work for others… ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 2:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/47 "2026-06-28T14:18:29Z")
> [@VDCdriver](#): > > I agree, but let’s not forget that many functions can now be controlled by voice command. I now alter the fan speed, adjust the climate control temperature, Frivilous, unnecessary. That’s what hands are for. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 2:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/48 "2026-06-28T14:39:59Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > Frivilous, unnecessary. That’s what hands are for. Unnecessary - yes, frivolous - maybe to you but not others… Is it not better to keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving and not being distracted by knobs and such?? I have an infotainment center and ALL my HVAC controls are push button and twist knobs on the dash, it would be nice if it was offered with the stock system, but unless I went to the next gen Tacoma, I’d have to go aftermarket to get touch screen HVAC controls, I do love the steering wheel control, well what little was offered anyway, and voice would be even better… Screen grabs off CarMax (same thing), it’s to hot to go out and take pictures this morning… lol ![Screenshot 2026-06-28 093256](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/e/3/e385fdd4548078f4884ffd103d4a5b1137f5d9cd.jpeg) ![Screenshot 2026-06-28 093144](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/5/4/54f59878175dbde898fde83421ff68bf702ef7f1.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 2:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/49 "2026-06-28T14:48:21Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > Is it not better to keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving and not being distracted by knobs and such?? Adjust the climate at a light, still intuitive. I don’t need to look to know which knob controls fan speed or temperature. Nice to see some common sense still exists in a new vehicle like that. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 2:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/50 "2026-06-28T14:49:21Z")
Once again a thread has veered off of the original topic because The tire guy’s narrow point of view about modern vehicles , touch screens and any thing he does not like or understand. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 6:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/51 "2026-06-28T18:39:20Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > Quite often climate is also run through that screen, meaning having to navigate to the corresponding sub-screen just to raise or lower the fan speed or temperature. Look at the Sienna information display in the second picture of post 20; the HVAC controls are below the display screen, and the fan speed is controlled automatically. This is from the owner’s manual: Auto, Off and Defrost (A, B and C), basic controls are easy to find. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/f/4/f49de40450a57b923e639675107c968e11fa813a.png) If a reasonable temperature is selected, the driver won’t have to micromanage the A/C controls. > [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > Adjust the climate at a light, still intuitive. Problem solved. How often do you need to make adjustments? ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 8:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/52 "2026-06-28T20:32:05Z")
I won’t buy a car without auto climate control. I leave it in automatic, occasionally have to adjust it up or down a degree or two, simple button push. A number of cars I’ve been in have been switched to manual mode, and the driver is always fiddling with fan speed and temperature. ---
**Author:** ![Beancounter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/59ef9b/32.png) [@Beancounter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beancounter)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 10:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/53 "2026-06-28T22:41:48Z")
Both the Sienna and Honda are good choices are good long term choices but don’t hesitate to consider the “Domestic”. They’re all proven designs and will all fit your long term needs. Minivans are considered “uncool” compared to the current SUV’s and they trade at a a discount. All good advice, especially for those of a “certain age” who no longer feel the need to impress others with our ability to “climb mountains”, “cross the Serengeti” or continually “stream our information.” Great passenger capacity (“Stop Billy from touching me”), with good visibility, reasonable “junk” capacity and all the modern safety equipment without requiring a ladder to get you in. . ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2026, 11:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/54 "2026-06-28T23:16:52Z")
@ChrisTheTireWhisperer get with the program Step up Stop being cantankerous ---
**Author:** ![It\_s-Me](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/it_s-me/32/12660_2.png) [@It\_s-Me](https://community.cartalk.com/u/It_s-Me)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2026, 1:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/55 "2026-06-29T01:23:55Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > Adjust the climate at a light, still intuitive. I don’t need to look to know which knob controls fan speed or temperature. Because it’s raining cats and dogs, the wind is blowing hard, it’s 160 degrees in the cab and the next light is 75 miles away. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2026, 1:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/56 "2026-06-29T13:56:58Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > > [@davesmopar](#): > > > > Is it not better to keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving and not being distracted by knobs and such?? > > Adjust the climate at a light, still intuitive. Well then, your argument against modern tech just went out the window with your own words above, just make any needed adjustments while at the light… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2026, 9:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/57 "2026-06-29T21:10:55Z")
@ChrisTheTireWhisperer this sounds an awful lot like you 🫵🏽 ![that-one-contrarian-friend-starter-pack-v0-vo79rt750mzb1](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/d/1/d12e1e2e2eec1f89a806bdf9c87a582529529666.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2026, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/58 "2026-06-29T21:20:23Z")
I’m still watching the traffic light while my hand reaches for the temperature or fan knob. With a flat touch screen you need to look at the screen to know where to touch. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2026, 10:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/59 "2026-06-29T22:31:32Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > I’m still watching the traffic light while my hand reaches for the temperature or fan knob. Fond memories of those “drive by feel” days. Look how low the heater and audio controls are mounted in your 1981 Buick, isn’t that a hazard for most drivers? I don’t mind driving old cars once in a while, but those ergonomics were terrible. ![Screenshot 2026-06-29 134220](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/f/8/f8be30ff521ffde33dd205730980197449d9c890.jpeg) Displays/controls can be mounted at eye level, controlled with buttons on the steering wheel. Also projected onto the windshield. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2026, 10:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/60 "2026-06-29T22:34:05Z")
I knew what everything on that dash did by feel, and if I were back in that seat, it would feel as if I’d never left! The only ‘modern’ concession I would make: steering wheel controls for cruise, radio volume and source. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/48514_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2026, 10:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/61 "2026-06-29T22:35:45Z")
+1 I never thought that I would like the head-up display as much as I do. ---
**Author:** ![Triedaq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Triedaq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Triedaq)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 12:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/62 "2026-06-30T00:30:49Z")
There are features I thought I could live without, but now I wouldn’t want a minivan that doesn’t have these features. I like the automatic temperature control and that the driver’s side, passenger side and rear seating areas have separate temperature controls. I wouldn’t want a minivan that doesn’t have heating and air conditioning for the rear seating area. I like the power sliding doors. I often have to accomodate a handicapped passengers. It is so convenient to push a button on the key fob and have the door slide open or close. I have never had a problem with the power mechanism in either of the Toyota Siennas I have owned. I am 84 years old and I don’t want to go back to “the good old days”. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 4:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896/63 "2026-06-30T04:16:14Z")
> [@Triedaq](#): > > I am 84 years old and I don’t want to go back to “the good old days”. I’m 56 and they’re what I crave. Skipping record but: I guess I have an ‘old mind’ [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896.md?page=2) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-widowed-soccer-grandma-choose-a-car/205896.md?page=4)