DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Shawn Off The Beaten Trail
"There is a thing about a Jeep that you don't really understand until you have one."
- The Ride
- The Driver: Shawn
- Car in Question: Red 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
- Spotted at: Off the Beaten Trail near St. Peter, MN 56082
- Odometer: 23,700
THE DEFENSE
Q: Welcome to Defend Your Ride Minnesota! Let's start with the basic. Why did you buy the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon?
A: Had a Jeep quite a few years ago, before me and my wife had kids. Then sold it because we had kids because it wasn't convenient with kids. And I always said, when they come out with a four-door Jeep Wrangler, I'm going to buy one. In 2007 they came out with the four door. I said I'm gonna buy that one.
Q: What's your Jeep's main use? Are you getting out into the wilderness?
A: Not a daily driver car. Mostly for fun. Take it out on nice days. Carpool with other cars, so it sits in the garage quite a bit. Me and my son went up to the Boundary Waters in it. Went on some actual jeep trails with the car. There is a thing about a Jeep that you really don't understand until you have one. Just like the feel and everything about it. The history and the ability to do more recreational things with it.
Q: Is there one thing you could name that you don't like about Jeep?
A: Better gas mileage would be awesome.
Q: Other than your son, do you have frequent passagers to jeep around with?
A: Yes, I sure do. Family and generally when we take it out, usually the family is riding in it. And you can take the top off, but my kids don't like to ride with the top off.
Q: How's the sound system?
A: It has a hard drive in the radio, so you can listen to whatever you want to when you drive.
Q: Do you have any rules in your Jeep?
A: Try not to eat in there. Be careful with drinks and food.
Q: If your Jeep had a personality, what kind of personality would it have?
A: Somebody that would like to try different things. Adventurous would sum it up.
Q: Could you tell us about a favorite memory that you've had in your Jeep?
A: My wife and I were on her boat. Then got in the water. Then she put her phone in the Jeep. Her phone fell in the dashboard. Ended up taking the windshield down! Got her phone. Spent the weekend with the windshield down!
Q: Sounds like a fun hazard! Finally, what's your absolute dream car?
A: This one. Living the dream!
Photos and interview by Kelly Miller
Are you ready to Defend Your Ride? If so, email localautos@cbs.com with "Defend Your Ride Minnesota" 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 CBSMinnesota.com/Autos.
