DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Adam At Pier 40

Q: Great car Adam! Why did you choose the Audi A3?

A: It's the only city car that has all-wheel drive and can carry a lot of stuff. Plus, it's pretty well constructed.

Q: Why were those features important?

A: Living in the city, I wanted something I could easily park on the street. It needed to have all-wheel drive because I go to Tahoe a lot. A hatchback was key for the carrying capacity--hauling dogs around and gear, camping stuff and ski equipment.

Q: So do you park your car on the street?

A: I have to have garage parking because it's impossible to park on the street. I live right by the ballpark.

Q: Do you use your car to commute to work?

A: No, I walk. When I lived in L.A., I drove a Volkswagen Passat, but I got rid of it when I moved to San Francisco.

Q: So how long were you without a car in S.F.?

A: Five years.

Q: Wow, that's a long time. Why'd you finally decide to buy a car?

A: I was using Zipcars a lot and I was tired of making the Tahoe run in those because it adds up really fast. Even with the gas costs that they cover, a long weekend costs a lot of money. I like driving, so having a fast car that handles pretty well is fun!

Q: So what's your favorite thing about your car?

A: This is really nerdy, but the transmission! It changes gears incredibly fast and the technology behind that is pretty remarkable.