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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Ginger At Coloma Community Center

"It's reasonable. It's economical. We save a ton of money on gas."

The Ride
The Driver: Ginger
Car in Question: 2008 Hyundai Elantra
Spotted at: Coloma Community Center, 4623 T Street, Sacramento, CA 95819
Odometer: 20,000

THE DEFENSE

Q: Hi Ginger. What can you tell us about your car?

A: It's a 2008 Hyundai Elantra with 20,000 miles. It only had 10,000 when we bought it in August. My husband commutes to Sonoma State twice a week. That's why we got the car--part of the reason. Besides the van dying, we also wanted a commuter car.

Q: Specifically, why did you choose the Hyundai Elantra?

A: We looked around. We did internet shopping to see mileage. Part of it had to be a price, otherwise we'd have the greenest bio-diesel, solar car possible. We can't afford anything like that. We had to look at decent commuting miles as well as price. The Hyundai kept popping up. They seemed to have a good reputation. We bought this at Carmax in Roseville.

Q: Your last car was a van. How has the transition been going to a small sedan?

A: It was easier than I thought. We put a lot of stuff in the trunk now, so it's not next to our feet, so that's an advantage. I have everything in bags. I just switch out bags depending on what sport we're doing. That makes it a little bit easier. It's a lot faster to clean this car out than the van. I can no longer go with the mom and two kids. We can't all go together.

Q: Do you have any rules in your car when you are riding around with your kids?

A: Seat belts on at all times. If you bring it in, take it out. If mom's talking on the phone, be quiet. I have hands-free capability through the stereo. We usually listen to the kids' music. Every once in a while, I make them listen to my station, a little more '80s music. Usually it gets really quiet when that happens.

Q: What's your favorite feature about this car?

A: I like that I can plug my phone in through the auxiliary and talk through the radio. It is the best thing! I can be completely hands free and drive around. It's just a good little car. It's reasonable. It's economical. We save a ton of money on gas. We just got a rack for the car. We haven't put it on yet. We can put our kayaks and bikes on top. The car is growing with us!

Q: Finally, I have to ask: What's up with the stuffed monkey in the back window?

A: Actually, my son wanted his monkey to ride in the car. I've kept it in the car. It's amazing how many blue Hyundai Elantras are out there. I don't know which one is mine until I see the monkey.

Photos and interview by Kimberly Brenneman

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

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