Lend an ear to what the car sounds like, in three different ways. First, with the radio off and the windows closed, ask yourself whether you find the noise level high, low, or medium. As a yardstick, use the sound level in the car you currently drive or test drive several models in the same class of cars. I consider the sound level high if I have to play the radio to drown out road or wind noise, and low if my driving companion can hear me whispering. Second, turn on the heater full blast followed by the air conditioner.
Some cars blast so loudly, they're a nuisance.
Also, turn on the radio and judge how it sounds against those in other cars you've driven. Third, ask the salesperson if the radio is standard or optional. Depending on the answer, you may want to upgrade. Once you've finished driving, get in and out of the car a few times to see how easy that is for you. I've found that big sport utilities, like the Ford Expedition, are difficult to get into unless they have running boards below the doors.