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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Ashley In Edgemont

"I wanted something that could take me far that I would be comfortable in."

The Ride
The Driver: Ashley
Vehicle in Question: 2012 Ford Escape
Spotted at: Edgemont, PA 19028
Odometer: 2,368
Nickname: Escapé (pronounced "es-cop-ae")

THE DEFENSE

Q: Ford Escapes are comfortable and functional. How long have you owned yours? What can you tell us about it?

A: Two and a half months. I shopped around for a while, always knowing I'd probably end up with this car. I bought it on my own, in the car dealership alone, with my hard-earned money. I'd have to give credit to my personal car advisor, my father, for getting me the deal I got. He knows what he's talking about, in most cases.

Q: How would you describe your shopping experience?

A: I waltzed right into John Kennedy Ford on Ridge Pike in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The experience was great, especially when I was welcomed into the Kennedy family. It's always nice when you can actually feel like you have become part of something.

Q: How do you feel about your Ford Escape?

A: I got this SUV for two reasons. One, I prefer to drive. I feel as if driving helps you experience the little things that flying or another form of transportation can't give you. I wanted something that could take me far that I would be comfortable in. Two, I have long legs. These legs just don't fit in any car. So now with this guy, I have a long-distance comfortable ride with all the legroom a girl could want.

Q: What is your car's main use?

A: I make a 10-mile commute every morning and evening in my beaut! Sometimes, I like to travel to cities surrounding this great place, New York, Baltimore, Pittsburgh.

Q: What's your favorite part or worst part of your commute?

A: I have to deal with about three school zones on my way into the office. Slowing down to 15 miles per hour starts to get really old about the third time through. I do get to drive straight through a preserved colonial section of town where all the historical houses and bridges stand tall and beautiful. You win some, you lose some.

Q: What's the farthest place you've driven to with your Ford?

A: The Big Apple, but in the near future I will be headed out to Pittsburgh. Seeing that my car is new, I can only imagine the things I'll do and the people I'll see with it.

Q: Do you have any rules in your car?

A: Do not eat in my car unless I approve. Unapproved foods consist of anything that drips, popcorn, fries--there's always that one that drops in-between the seats that you will never find again--anything that creates an exorbitant amount of crumbs and anything red. So pretty much only water is allowed in an airtight bottle that's guaranteed spill-proof. Oh, and no smoking.

Q: What's the one thing you would change or add to your car?

A: Maybe a backup video and sensor, the back window is so dark at night that it's tough to see what I'm backing up toward.

Q: What do you listen to in your car?

A: I love music and I love to listen so loud that I can feel it in my bones.

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

A: I think my car is bored and angry. I haven't had a chance to go anywhere exciting on a fast road. The only excitement it sees is the ridiculous King of Prussia Mall traffic that turns a 20 minute ride into a 45 minute one.

Q: Finally, what's your absolute dream car?

A: I'm hoping I can splurge in a few years for an Audi or Lexus. Some of their crossover/SUV models are beautiful. I'm curious to see what they'll look like in five years.

Photos and interview by Michaelangelo Ilagan

Are you ready to Defend Your Ride? If so, email localautos@cbs.com with "Defend Your Ride Philly" in the subject line for submission details.

View previous Defend Your Ride features as well as other great stories for people who love cars at Philadelphia.CbsLocal.com/Autos

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