I have short arms relative to my legs, so I need to at least sit in the car. The seats themselves in all cars will accommodate my preferred driving position (very upright), but, in a lot of cars, the headliner above the driver’s window is uncomfortably close to my head (esp as cars get ever swoopier).
I still personally test drive cars b/c I purchase, and, if I were to end up not liking the car, I’d be kicking myself for not taking the test drive.
But I totally agree w/ you that stuff that may ultimately annoy you about the car is often not detected on a test drive.
Preach. I also wear “european comfort shoes,” and Rockport makes decently stylishish loafers that come in a W.
But, for sneakers, absolutely nothing else but NB, alas…