DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Cheree At John Williams Park
"Toyota got over the issues and it's a good car."
- The Ride
- The Driver: Cheree
- Car in Question: Grey 2010 Toyota Highlander
- Spotted at: John Williams Park, Hollywood, FL 33024
- Odometer: Less than 20,000
THE DEFENSE
Q: Hi Cheree! What can you tell us about your ride?
A: I was leasing a car. I needed a new car. I wanted to buy a car. I needed a car with a third row. There aren't that many cars out on the market with a third row. I wanted an SUV. I bought the Toyota. Toyota was known for being durable, reliable and high quality for a good price car. Then in January or so there was a big recall with the Toyotas. This was my second biggest purchase of my life and it was recalled. My first big purchase was my house. And then the housing market came down.
Q: Have you had any problems with your car?
A: I have had a good experience with my car. I haven't had any problems. It rides well and I'm happy with my choice now. Toyota got over the issues and it's a good car. I bought it at a dealership near my house. I live in Hollywood and there's a dealership about two miles away.
Q: How was your car buying experience?
A: I got one of the first 2010 Toyota Highlanders out. My lease expired. I needed a new car. They found the one I was looking for. I needed a third row and wanted it in the color gray, so I found just what I needed.
Q: Do you ever go on road trips in your Toyota? What is the farthest you've ever driven?
A: The farthest I drove was to Orlando to go to Disney World with my two children. One was five months old when we went, so he slept for the duration of the trip. With my three-year-old, we talked, listened to music and read some books. We don't have any DVD players in the car, so we did it the old-fashioned way.
Q: What is your car's primary use?
A: I usually drive my oldest to school, run errands and take him to his different after school programs. I also pick up for car pool.
Q: So with that third seat, you must cart around a lot of people? What is the most you've fit? Does this make you a soccer mom?
A: Eight. That's all I have room for. We filled up the car. I guess, by the definition, although my son takes karate and does gymnastics.
Photos and interview by Aimee Heller
View previous Defend Your Ride features as well as other great stories for people who love cars at CBSMiami.com/Autos.
