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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Nikki & Clarice At Schenley Park

"I didn't know what kind of car to buy until this one smiled at me."

The Ride
The Driver: Nikki
Car in Question: 2012 Mazda3
Spotted at: Schenley Park, Overlook Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Odometer: 328

THE DEFENSE

Q: Great car! So new looking. How long have you had it?

A: Only two months. It's brand new. I really needed a new car and didn't know what to buy. But I was at the showroom looking around and this car smiled at me. Well, the grill of the car looked just like a smile to me and it just spoke to me.

Q: What did it say?

A: That I'm happy and fun to drive. I'm a happy go lucky person and I smiled right back at it and said, "I'm buying you."

Q: It sounds like you bonded instantly.

A: We did and we've been best friends ever since.

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

A: The farthest I've driven is to Deep Creek, Maryland. I took my boyfriend and his mother. She's lots of fun and the best way to get to know a man is through his mother.

Q: So you should keep your boyfriend close, but his mother closer? Did she do any mothering on the trip?


A: Yes, she brought groceries. I told her my car had lots of room, so she brought everything. We utilized every bit of space I had.

Q: Did you stay in a cabin? 


A: Yes. It is a beautiful area and is right on a big lake. I even got to steer a pontoon boat and then we went tubing off the back of the boat.

Q: Do you have any special rules about your car? 


A: I like to keep it looking new, so I don't eat or drink in it.

Q: What do you listen to in your car?


A: It came with a Boze sound system that I am really enjoying. I like to listen to blues and jazz like Adele and Joss Stone.

Q: Do you ever sing in your car?

A: At the top of my lungs!

Q: Well, it sounds like you are really enjoying your car. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

A: I was at a wedding and parked in front of the church. When the wedding party came out, they stopped to look at my car and were talking about how much they liked it, even though they were excited about getting married and in a hurry to get to the reception. That made me feel pretty good.

Photos and interview by Sarah Beth Martin

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


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