My Honda Accord is 10 years old now. Its been a great car, but its time to pass it along to someone else and so I’m in the market for something new.

This is a big decision, especially since we tend to keep cars for a long time. I want something reliable, fun to drive and that gets decent gas mileage. I prefer a 2 door coupe (or hatchback), leather seats and sunroof! And this time around, I think I want a neutral color. My Accord is red, and although I loved it at the time, I’m beginning to think a red car is tacky. Maybe I’m just tired of it.

A friend of mine used to have a white car. She is elegant and sophisticated and for several years I have thought that a white car would be the way to go. I guess I figured a white car would make me more like her. I mentioned a white car to one of my friends and she thought I was crazy. She said a white car shows all the dirt. Another friend suggested gun-metal gray. Now I’m thinking maybe gray would be a good way to go.

My short list of cars (at the moment, anyway) includes a Honda Civic, MiniCooper and Ford Focus Hatchback. I haven’t test driven any of these cars yet, but that will be the next step.

I welcome any suggestions or recommendations. Anyone have any advice for me?