Cars are somewhat more permanent than ice cream, I think. So with that thought, I'd like to update my Ice Cream Theory to the Test Drive Theory.

Here's how the Test Drive Theory goes.

In the beginning, you don't know much about cars. You know what looks hot and not, but you don't yet understand the complexities of its inner workings.

So your first car may be solely based on looks. You pick out a hot car and go right for it. You feel great driving it around, but soon its frequent maintenance thins your wallet and wears you down.

To educate yourself on cars, you may ask your friends for advice or read automobile books, magazines, and websites. This teaches you about engine mechanics as well as the importance of comfortable seats, power windows, power steering, etc. The interior is just as important as the exterior.

Armed with this knowledge and experience, you go out to begin your test drives in earnest.

You select a few cars that you've researched and had your eye on. You take them for a spin to see how they handle, how they feel. You're looking for a car that matches your personality and driving style.

Perhaps you're lucky and fall in love with the first car you test drive. You don't need to try anything else because this one is simply perfect.

Or maybe you need to try a few cars before you're comfortable committing. You need to have a basis of comparison. So you try several classes of cars, or maybe just a few different types within one particular class.

The car you go for can depend on the stage of life at which you are in. While you're young, you may go for a hot sports car. As you get older, you may opt for a dependable sedan. Or maybe you're the kind of person who likes SUVs.

Your test drive could be a vigorous one where you're putting the car through a lot of punishment. Or you may take it onto a highway and see how well it cruises over long distances.

Or maybe you're just interested in how luxurious and comfortable the interior feels, and how many safety features the car has.

Maybe you plan on adding extra options or after-market modifications. Or maybe you're fine with the car the way it is.

Finally, after a number of test drives, you decide on a car. It's a major commitment that can involve a lot of time, resources, and money. But it's well worth it, because the car can make you happy for many years to come.

The analogy here is that test driving is like dating. Purchasing a car is like marriage. And cars are the many opportunities you have out there.

The same conclusion is here as in the Ice Cream Theory: there is no one right car for you. Many different cars may fit your needs in different ways. But as long as you can find a car that you're comfortable with, you'll be happy for a long, long time.

The main difference with the Test Drive Theory is that, well, it's easy to want to switch ice cream flavors, but not so with cars. That, to me, seems a lot closer to how life really is.

. . .

What do you think of the Test Drive Theory?