DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Nelson At The Charles River

Q: Hi Nelson! Cute Smart car. Why did you buy it?

A: I live in a city where parking is a big deal. Before this car, I had a Jeep Wrangler. It was way bigger. It was very difficult for me to find parking, so I thought, this car is going to be something that would be very efficient on gas mileage and fit in small spaces.

Q: What do you mostly use your car for?

A: I use the car to enjoy my free time. I love to go to the Cape and kite surf, or drive to the mountains and snowboard. Every time I fill it up with my gear, I question whether I should have gotten something bigger. It is a little bit uncomfortable because my car is packed. At the same time, I know it's safe, easy to park, and cheap to drive.

Q: What do you mean cheap?

A: It was cheaper on insurance because of its size. It was considered safer than the wrangler. It also has better gas mileage. Where the Jeep Wrangler gave me 16 mile per gallon in the city, the Smart car gives me 36 miles per gallon in the city, and up to 42 on the highway.

Q: So how do you fit everything in the Smart car that you used to fit in the Wrangler?

A: You put the passenger seat down and put long stuff along the right side. Everything fits in.

Q: What if you're with someone else?

A: Sometimes I go to the mountain with my best friend to go snowboarding. It's a challenge, but we put the two snowboards across the two of us, and a big bag with the boots and winter gear in the back.

Q: So what is the biggest thing you ever fit in that little car?

A: A 157 inch snowboard. My friend's board is 157 inches. He sat squished in the corner for 45 minutes until we got to the mountain. He could not even move his arm. I should use a 157 inch board, but I bought a 152 inch just to fit in the car.

Q: Has anyone ever commented on your car?

A: I think the best comment came from a cop telling me that my car was cute! One day I was coming back from snowboarding with a friend. We had just got out off the mountain. I see flashing lights, so I pull over, and roll down the window. The cop just extends his arms out to his sides and said, "Oh my god, I've never stopped one of these. How cute!" Then he just told me that they would be watching the area, and to please be careful, and have a good day. Then he let me go!

Q: Do you have any tricks to driving in Boston?

A: I'm from Argentina where driving is like breathing. It is very simple. I just try to go as fast as possible in-between the cars. I don't worry too much about others. You can't be worrying about something you don't have control over. You just observe the other drivers and try to get away from others as soon as possible.