DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Mike At Lake Harriett
"We were drawn to the 'different kind of a car' message."
- The Ride
- The Driver: Mike
- Car in Question: 2007 Silver Saturn Ion
- Location: Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55419
- Odometer: 43,000
- Car's Nickname: Lola
THE DEFENSE:
Q: Saturns are supposed to be smarter cars in a lot of ways. Why did you buy yours?
A: We have a history in our family of Saturns. I like Saturns. When my daughter became gainfully employed, I decided to sell her the car that she'd been using up for the previous year and a half, and buy my own car, so I wouldn't have to share it with my daughter. So I looked for a car that looked very much like the Saturn I used to drive. And found this one.
Q: Why did you pick a Saturn, just because it's a family tradition?
A: We got into Saturns about 15 years ago because we were drawn to the "different kind of a car from a different kind of a car company" message. I really liked the dealership. I liked working with the people at the dealership. I always felt like I was well taken care of and never taken advantage of.
Q: What would say is the most important feature of the car?
A: It's a stick shift. I wanted a stick shift, yes. It's got a five-speed.
Q: What is the farthest you've ever driven in this car?
A: The farthest I've ever taken it is probably Chicago. It did go to Des Moines last year for a wedding, the first week I had it. Yes, Iowa and Illinois.
Q: Do you have any rules about the car? Who can use it?
A: I like to keep it to myself, actually. Every once in a while my daughter will borrow it, if there's something wrong with her car. I'm pretty much the only driver right now.
Q: Do you have a name for your car?
A: I wanted to call it Maaco because of the little thing on the back. But the girl who had it before me—her name was Charity—she named it Lola. So Lola has stuck with the car and so we still call the car Lola.
Q: And if Lola had emotions, what would her predominant human emotion be?
A: Joy.
Q: What brings you to Lake Harriett today?
A: I love the scenery. I live at the other end of the lake from this. I can hear the music wafting into my house periodically. It's a great place to walk around. Just get some exercise and enjoy the scenery. See the wildlife.
Photos and interview by Marla Geary
View previous Defend Your Ride features as well as other great stories for people who love cars at CBSMinnesota.com/Autos.
