DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Amanda At The Cliff House
"It's the little car that could."
- The Ride
- The Driver: Amanda
- Car in Question: 2004 Toyota Matrix
- Spotted at: The Cliff House, 1090 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121
- Odometer: 150,000
- Car's Nickname: Trixie
THE DEFENSE
Q: Welcome to Defend Your Ride San Francisco. You are, and your car looks, awesome! Let's start with you. What can you tell us about yourself?
A: My name is Amanda and I am a licensed street artist. I have jewelry I hand make and take out to the streets. I store my little cart in the back of my car. So I buy all kinds of beads all over the place and sit at home, make a bunch of neat things and then on a sunny day, I come out here and sell it.
Q: Do you live in this neighborhood?
A: I do. I live here in the Sunset about a mile from where I set up my booth. I love it here. I made the move from SoCal to NorCal and it was worth the while.
Q: Excellent. Now what can you tell us about your car?
A: Yes, it's a 2004 Toyota Matrix. It's red and it has a lovely little dent in the front left corner. I started street vending two years ago. It just so happened that this booth, which used to be owned by my friend, comes apart and fits perfectly in the back.
Q: How perfect! So you use your car a lot for business, right?
A: Oh yes, I wouldn't be in business if I didn't have my car.
Q: Is there anything you don't like about your car?
A: As spacious as it is, I wish I had more, so I could chill in it.
Q: What's your ideal car?
A: My fantasy car for this job is a Westfalia Vanagon, so I can get here early, cook and travel around.
Q: Do you have any rules in your car?
A: You have got to wear your seat belt. Passengers must wear seat belts. Other than that, whatever.
Q: Good to know you're concerned about passenger safety. What do you listen to in your car?
A: My latest choice has been Eminem. I also listen to John Butler Trio. I listen to a lot of Jack Johnson, especially if it's been a long day, there's lots of traffic and I need something calm.
Q: Do you have a nickname for your car?
A: I call it Trixie. It's the little car that could. It just so happened to work out perfectly for my occupation as a street vendor. Oh, and I just paid off the loan!
Q: Congratulations!
A: I took out loan when I bought it and I just paid it off two months ago. It's the little car that could. It's gotten me many places!
Photos and interview by Abigail Kira
Are you ready to Defend Your Ride? If so, email localautos@cbs.com with "Defend Your Ride San Francisco" 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 CBSSanFrancisco.com/Autos.
