DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Gwen At Rittenhouse Square

Q: Where and how did you get your car?

A: I bought the Bug in October of 2009. I had never owned a car before and at 24 years old, decided it was about time to do so. Now that I think about it, it was pretty impulsive and I probably could have waited awhile longer. Oh well, I don't regret it!

Q: How would you describe your purchasing experience?

A: I got the car from Paul Clark Volkswagen, south of Boston Massachusetts. I actually went there with the intent of buying a tan, convertible, VW bug, but as I was pulling into the dealership, that car was driving away. Someone had just bought it. I was determined not to leave empty-handed though. The salesmen probably thought they struck gold when I walked in by myself saying I wanted to buy a Beetle and didn't really care what it looked like. I took one test drive and that was that. I'm actually glad I didn't end up with the convertible in the end since the windows in the back are so small.

Q: Where do you live?

A: Graduate Hospital, 19146. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Q: How old are you?

A: Twenty-seven.

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

A: I work in real estate, so I often have to drive all around the city to take photos of new listings. The Bug is pretty awesome at fitting into tiny parking spots.

Q: What's the worst part about driving in the city?

A: The ramp to I-76 from the South Street Bridge gives me serious heart palpitations.

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

A: I've driven to and from Boston a lot since that's where my family is. It's usually about seven or eight hours, but doesn't feel that long. The worst was when I moved back here last summer. That seven-hour drive with all my stuff packed to the ceiling, plus two non-stop screaming cats was insane!

Q: Do you have any rules in your car?

A: You're allowed to do anything you want in my car as long as you don't criticize my driving.

Q: What do you listen to in your car?

A: My car has an auxiliary jack that I plug my iPod into, so I predominantly listen to podcasts. If it's not a podcast, it's a Broadway musical. I have no shame in singing along whatsoever.

Q: How many miles do you think are left in the life of The Bug?

A: I'm not sure how many miles. I think the Bug will last overall. I'm pretty proud of the low mileage I've managed to keep on it [about 35,000 miles] with it being five years old already.

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

A: Honestly, my dream car would be this same exact one when I finally pay it off. I'm really attached to my Bug and the only thing I really care about is not having loan payments anymore.

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

A: I will absolutely never have a car without seat warmers again! The cold weather comes quickly every year and I'm always ready.