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DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Brad Visits Lake Tahoe

"My car is down for whatever."

The Ride
The Driver: Brad
Car in Question: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX
Spotted at: The West Shore of Lake Tahoe along Highway 89
Odometer: 8,084
Car's Nickname: Bonanza

THE DEFENSE

Q: First of all, thanks for coming out and taking these pictures in the pouring rain. I know we were hoping for snow.

A: I like the rain. Plus, it got me out of the house for the first time this week.

Q: You live in the Mission, but we're in Tahoe right now, so clearly getting to Tahoe is a priority for your car. What else do you use it for?

A: Not commuting. Mostly just getting out of the city, running errands, getting groceries, things like that.

Q: How do you get to work, if not in your car?

A: When I go into work, I mostly bike. But I work from home most of the time.

Q: Hence being in Tahoe for the week, stuck inside because of the rain.

A: Exactly.

Q: What brought you to San Francisco?

A: The Internets. I was working for LiveJournal seven years ago and they were acquired, which meant I had to move to San Francisco.

Q: What's your favorite day trip from San Francisco?

A: I really like going to Napa because the weather is awesome up there.

Q: Do you have a longer trip you like to take?

A: Driving 80 to Tahoe. Once you get to Auburn, it becomes really fun--especially if the weather is all crazy.

Q: Fun?

A: I guess fun is the wrong word, but it's an adventure.

Q: Why did you decide to get a Subaru Impreza WRX?

A: I was leasing a 2008 BMW 335 and when the lease was up, I had certain criteria for my next car: manual transmission, AWD, and it had to be fun to drive. Plus, I wanted to spend less money.

Q: Why a manual transmission?

A: It's not like I'm sitting in traffic all day. When I'm driving, I want it to be fun. It kind of gives you something to do while you're driving.

Q: Do you have any rules in your car?

A: No.

Q: So I can get in your car and smoke a cigarette and spill cookie crumbs everywhere?

A: I might ask you to roll the window down or clean up, but sure. One of the things I really like about this car is that it's rugged. I can throw dirty boots and snowboards in there and I just don't care. Previous cars, I'd be like "Oh, it's a nice new car," and I'd care about stuff like that, but not with this one.

Q: Well, for the record, I don't smoke, so I would never do that. I do love cookies though. But your car sounds very laid back. If it had an emotion, what would it be?

A: It would be down for whatever, positive and happy.

Q: What's your dream car?

A: I kind of like the Audi A3s, but I was unable to get one of those with Quattro and manual transmission, so that's what I'd get. That'd be cool.

Q: Seems like you're pretty happy with this car. What do you love about it?

A: I love that it's really fun to drive. When you're on curvy roads, especially hilly, bumpy, curvy roads, it handles really well. I love that it has a hatchback and I can just throw my scuba and Tahoe gear in there.

Q: And if it had a theme song?

A: Bonanza.

Photos and interview by Daisy Barringer

Are you ready to Defend Your Ride? If so, email localautos@cbs.com with "Defend Your Ride SF" 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

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