DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Andrew On Boathouse Row

Q: Where and how did you get your car?

A: I got my car brand new from Thomas Chevrolet of West Chester.

Q: How would you describe your purchasing experience?

A: It was a pretty good experience. The dealership was willing to bend over backwards for me in order to give me what I wanted and sell me a car.

Q: Where do you live?

A: I live in West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19380.

Q: How old are you?

A: I'm 27.

Q: What's your car's main use? 

A: I use my car for everything. I probably spend about 20 hours a week in it.

Q: Are you just using your car for weekend trips? 

A: Not normally, but if I am taking a weekend trip, it's probably to D.C. However, in any given weekend I could be driving further out in Chester County to Eagle or up the turnpike to Doylestown.

Q: What's your commute to work like?

A: Work is a short three-mile drive, but I also drive 20 miles for school at St. Joseph's University.

Q: What's the best or worst part about your commutes?

A: My favorite part of the commute into the city is the scenic route I take to get to Haverford. The worst parts of my commute, aside from the distance, are all the potholes.

Q: What's your favorite day trip from home like?

A: My favorite would probably be driving to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. If you drive down Yellow Spring Road, you get to go through a covered bridge right into the park. Beyond that, the roads in the park are quite majestic. It's a very peaceful place to be. It's filled with our country's heritage.

Q: Do you have any rules in your car?

A: There's absolutely no smoking in my car because it smells! I enforce seatbelts because it's safe and lastly, clean up after yourself because I'm not your maid.

Q: What do you listen to in your car?

A: I mostly listen to music in my car and spend the vast majority of my time driving, pumping up the volume, rocking out, and jamming like there's no tomorrow. A couple of people have even complimented me from their cars. Generally I get gestures of people being amused.

Q: What's your car's theme song?

A: If I had to choose a theme song for my car, it would probably be "The Bare Necessities" from the Jungle Book.

Q: If your car had a human emotion, what would it be and why?

A: It would probably be paranoid. Generally, it's a laid back ride, but it's always ready to drop a gear and get the job done, whether that be passing someone or dodging deer. Besides, have you seen some of the other drivers out there?

Q: How did you get your car? Was it a gift or a hand-me-down?

A: My car was a combined effort between me and my parents. Simply put, I was told if I went back to college, they'd help me with payments. It was a pretty good incentive.

Q: What do you think your next car will realistically be?

A: It depends. I expect to get another car in about three years. I'm either going to get a red Camaro with black leather, moon roof, and manual transmission, or I'll shop around and get an automatic four-door sedan.

Q: What's your absolute dream car?

A: My dream car is a muscle car. I'd settle for a Mustang, but I love GM. I think they've reinvented the Camaro beautifully.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about your car?

A: It's a manual transmission coupe with manual locks, manual windows, and it didn't come with floor mats. The only "bell" I got with the car was the awesome stereo that came standard. The dealer sold the car at invoice. Also, my car gets better mileage than a Prius. That makes me smile.