DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Aerial At Le Bouchon

Q: How did you acquire this vehicle?

A: I live on the South Side of Chicago, but I go to high school on the Southwest side. For the past three years, my parents would drop me off at or near school in the morning and I would catch a ride home with friends after school. Since my friends who took me home graduated last year, I was going to have to find another way home. My parents felt it was time for me to get a car, so I wouldn't have to worry about catching a ride with someone. This summer we went to a couple of public auctions in Matteson and Harvey. We didn't really feel comfortable with buying a car we couldn't test drive or check, so we decided to go to this used car dealership by my school. We looked at a couple of different vehicles and finally decided on this one.

Q: Lucky you! What attracted you to a Toyota?

A: My parents felt that it was better for me to have an SUV because they believe that they are safer than cars. To be honest though, I wasn't really concerned about getting into accidents. I just liked the fact it had plenty of room, which is great because I hate being cramped up. I also like the fact that I have ample trunk space. I guess I just like space. I also liked the forest green color.

Q: How much time do you spend in your car a week?

A: I spend about six hours a week in my car. Right now my parents really only let me drive to and from school. Since this is my last year of school, they want me to finish strong.

Q: What is your favorite part of your commute?

A: Normally, I leave my house at 7 a.m. and arrive at school anywhere between 7:20 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. However, it's just dependent upon traffic. A lot of times traffic is OK, but some mornings it can get kinda of thick. Now coming home can take longer because I generally leave school right during the beginning of rush hour traffic. So recently I've been taking the streets.

Q: What type of music do you listen to in your car?

A: I generally listen to a lot of R&B and rap like Lil Wayne, Drake, Mindless Behavior, Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka, and Rick Ross. I love music so I listen to it all the time in my car.

Q: Do you sing along or dance while listening to music?

A: I definitely do. I sing very loud and crazy. I dance also. How can you not? My parents and other family members get on me though for listening to my music so loud. They tell me that if my music is too loud, I can't hear what's going in my immediate surroundings. They also get mad if I'm dancing around because sometimes I take my hand off the wheel, but I still sneak and do it anyway.

Q: How many cars are in your household?

A: Two. Right now my parents share a car. They have 2007 Volvo and then there's my car. I like the fact that we have two cars now instead of one because having three people share one car was tough.

Q: How long do you plan to keep this car?

A: As long as I can. But since it's a 2002 and already has a lot of miles on it, I'm not sure how long I will be able to keep it. I at least want to finish school and get a job before I try to purchase another one. So far I haven't had any issues with the car. I've had it for a year!

Q: Do you have a nickname for your car?

A: I call it Tony. Don't ask why. I just do. One day my friend told me I should name my car. I thought it was a silly idea, but she insisted that I do it. I call it Tony because it looks like a Tony to me.

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

A: I would love to have a Monte Carlo. I just love the fact that they are roomy, but sporty at the same time. I would want mine to be yellow with black racing strips.