DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Stephanie At Penn's Landing

Q: Nice Jeep. Where and how did you get it?

A: I used to own a 2001 white Jeep Wrangler automatic. It was my "Barbie" car. My dad purchased it for me in 2001 when I needed a car to drive to high school. When I went to college, the Wrangler was handed down to my younger sister, and then brother, to drive. I finally got my Wrangler back in college. I kept it on campus during my senior year at Drexel University. I absolutely loved my Wrangler! When I graduated from college, I needed a more "mature/adult" vehicle, so I decided to get a Cherokee. This was the same year, 2006, that the four-door Jeep Wrangler came out. I was so tempted to just get another Wrangler.

Q: Tell me about your experience with upgrading your Jeep.

A: My mom took me to the dealership to trade in my Wrangler for a Cherokee. I ended up signing a three to four year lease. My salesperson looked like Kevin Bacon. I think we got taken advantage of because we ended up trading in my Wrangler in exchange for a $300 per month lease. At least I got a sunroof and leather seats, right? Recently, I decided to purchase my Cherokee, so I own it now!

Q: Where do you live and how old are you?

A: Old City, 19106. Twenty-eight.

Q: What's your car's main use? How much time do you spend in it?

A: I use it for work. I'm a marketing manager for Neuro Drinks, so my SUV is great for events. On average, I spend about one to two hours a day in it.

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

A: My favorite day trip from home is to the New Jersey Shore. I love the one-hour drive from Philly to Ocean City, New Jersey. I find it very relaxing, when I'm not in traffic.

Q: Where's the farthest place you've driven to with this car?

A: I've driven to both Virginia Beach and Boston with this car. I'll never drive to Virgina Beach again. I think I got two speeding tickets during that road trip.

Q: Do you have any rules in your car?

A: No smoking! I'm not a smoker and I hate the smell.

Q: What do you listen to in your car?

A: I listen to all types of music, CDs, and radio. When my boyfriend is in the car, and the Phillies are playing, then I'm forced to listen to the game on some AM channel. I love to rock out to music while I'm driving alone, with the windows down and the sunroof open!

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

A: Probably over 150,000. I haven't had any major problems with it to date. I've been pretty responsible with oil changes.

Q: Finally, what do you think your next car will realistically be?

A: My next ideal car would probably be another SUV. I love Jeeps. I might even get a Wrangler or a Cherokee again. My dream car is a Mercedez-Benz G wagon. One day! It's the sexiest SUV on the streets.