[conwelpic]

chitti1 - congratulations on your purchase, that was quite a early trade with only 36,000 miles on it. That is a lot to absorbe at one go, but I'll give you my opinion to:

Exterior:

splash guards - standard on all Canadian models but they could do with being a bit larger
Looks - I like it overall, but more interested in function than this. About the only vehicle that I've owned that got me really excited on looks was a 1972 Citroen GS
side chrome bars - I agree would make more sense at the middle, just decoration doesn't serve any purpose. You can get a rubber strip on the Carens in the UK, but none seems to be available on this side of the pond. They should use something like on the Rio
front grille - never give it much thought, seems okay to me

Interior:

interior controls - agree with you
seats - did find a stain on the side bolster on mine that's still there, but have not attempted to remove it yet
cruise control - like these steering wheel controls very much, has side stalks on my other vehicle. Also appreciate it lights up on the dash telling you whats happening
ac/heater fan - my other vehicle shut off when you put it to full left as it was a slide control, but have no problem with this set up and those controls work so smooth
rear wipers - intermittent would be nice, but so far I haven't had to leave them on constantly
front wipers - don't find it a problem that they are not speed sensitive, the intermittent works great. An Accord and Outlander are a lot more expensive than the Rondo.
Gear shifter position - excellent location, also like the offset gate positions for the different selections (wasn't sure at first as my other vehicle was straight forward and back), but now I really appreciate this feature. Also the manual shifter is fantastic and a bonus in bad winter conditions.
View - like the large windows and the terrific visibility and don't find the rear corner blind spot has been the problem I thought it might have been. Hate those slots they call windows that a lot of cars have particular vehicles from Chrysler.
seating - very good, have to play around with the seat height and back rake, but found a good position, also the height in relation to getting out of it - you are not lifting your self up (my other vehicle seems like I'm sitting on the floor compared to this one). Great vehicle particular for people with various problems who have trouble getting into lower vehicles and can't climb into the higher SUV's. It's more like getting in and out of chair.
interior lights - too good overhead lights, but they removed the side luggage light in the 2008 models for some dumb reason and major source of irritation with me.
ash tray light - no ash tray at the front of the 2008 models, but still one at the back of the console for the rear passengers. I don't smoke but handy for coins.
parking brake - it is unusual but works fine (my last vehicle was a foot operating brake). I took your note and tested mine and it holds the vehicle in drive. By using a foot brake instead of a hand brake, it gives you more room in the centre console area.
Stereo - excellent, very easy to use controls, large buttons and simple to figure out without having to use to manual much (the mp3 player I bought for my previous vehicle was way to complex and you had to read the manual to do the most simple thing). The AUX jack has been added into the lower console for 2008 models but would like to see a USB input like they put in their Spectra and Rio models which are lower priced vehicles. Good sound through the six speakers in my model.

Engine and transmission:

2.4L is also smooth and quiet and starts fine (-22C the lowest test so far)
transmission - shifts are smooth (hardle notice it) and as I mentioned the manual shifting is great.
acceleration - fantastic for a four, when it kicks down for passing its very smooth and powerful. Outperforms my previous vehicle that had a 2.8L V6
brakes - very good, sensative in comparison to my previous vehicle.
steering - no problems, like how it handles

Suggested Improvements:

- move the lower chrome side guards
- bring back the cargo area side light
- bring back the glove box light
- intermittent wipers for the rear
- rear glass hatch would be nice (liked that feature on the Matrix)
- improve fuel economy by offering a diesel (so far my MPG has ranged from 26 - 34 to the imperial gallon) - always want improve fuel economy no matter what vehicle we drive
- offer sunroof on lower models
- trip computer should be standard
- rear bumper guard should be standard (have it installed on my vehicle)
- offer the options that are available in other parts of the world for the Carens

Problems:

- one heated rear window strand did not work, now repaired. Dealer has been excellent so far. (just turned 3500 km)

absolutely no problem with my vehicle pulling to the right. Can let go of the steering wheel at 80kmph and tracks straight (within reason)

this is like writing a novel (had to do it in shifts), but now you've had my two cents worth.