DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Lisa At Logan Circle

Q: How did you get your car?

A: Except for the colors inside and out, this is the exact same year, make, and model as my previous car that was totaled in August of 2010. It was the perfect car for my dog. I really liked it, so I bought another just like it. I'd buy another if something happened to this one.

Q: How would you describe your purchasing experience?

A: I bought Charlie in New Jersey at a KIA dealership. I don't remember the name and it was a kind of bad experience. It wasn't the purchasing experience per se, but the assessment of the tires and wiper blades that my mechanic gave me post-purchase. I know it's shame on me for not getting it evaluated beforehand. I had to replace two tires and the wiper blades immediately after buying it.

Q: What's your car's main use?

A: I don't drive to work now, since I live and work in the city. My car is primarily used on the weekends for trips to the grocery store and adventures with my dogs.

Q: What kind of day trips do you take? What's your favorite?

A: The best day trips were those with my good friends Christine and Ruben to the beach in Brigantine and trips to my boyfriend's parents' house for grilling and drinking in the backyard. Not much beats ribs and beer on a lovely summer evening.

Q: Where's the furthest place you've driven to in this car?

A: This drive down to Nags Head, North Carolina for this summer's vacation was the furthest but soon I'll be driving across the country to the San Francisco area, dogs in tow. That should be an interesting few days. Did I mention that my boyfriend's mom is coming along with me? Ah, the tales I'll have to tell.

Q: If your car had human-like qualities, what would they be?

A: Charlie is sturdy and reliable. He carries my boys, the dogs, comfortably and makes me feel safe. He's good looking and quiet. He is a good car and I appreciate having him.

Q: How many more miles do you think are in the life of your car?

A: I'm hoping to drive him until he goes to the great junkyard in the sky. I'm imagining that won't be before 130,000 miles or so. I just hope that there is another car out there like him when the time comes to say goodbye.

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

A: Given that I have large dogs, I always need an SUV with seats that fold flat. But honestly, I like having an SUV and if I didn't have dogs, I would have still bought this car. If I had a second car, it would be a Lotus Elise. I nearly bought one at the car show last year. I've been drooling over them for years now. But I need a garage again before I get a fancy pants car.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?

A: I can parallel park like nobody's business!